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In April, a small circle of top Zynga executives and early investors scored a $500 million-plus payday via a choreographed private share sale.
That deal was well-timed. Since then, the online gaming company’s stock has shed almost half of its value as investors questioned Zynga’s long-term prospects and Facebook Inc’s sputtering IPO sapped confidence in the consumer Internet.
The share sale may have helped nudge Zynga’s stock price into a steady decline that has stoked discontent at the company, which, like much of Silicon Valley, relies on generous stock awards to attract talent.
Read More: mybroadband-co-za/news/business/51679-zynga-employee-morale-down-shares-tumble-html
That deal was well-timed. Since then, the online gaming company’s stock has shed almost half of its value as investors questioned Zynga’s long-term prospects and Facebook Inc’s sputtering IPO sapped confidence in the consumer Internet.
The share sale may have helped nudge Zynga’s stock price into a steady decline that has stoked discontent at the company, which, like much of Silicon Valley, relies on generous stock awards to attract talent.
Read More: mybroadband-co-za/news/business/51679-zynga-employee-morale-down-shares-tumble-html
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2006/12/07
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Online gambling news coming from Spain and Italy starts with Spain confirming that online gambling licenses were issued and released on the 1st of June. There is only one problem, as there is a delay in the launching of the gambling websites that has the .es domain name. This delay in the websites going live is mutually agreed on by all involved parties, the authorities and the online gambling operators. The operations at the online gambling websites having the .es suffix is planned to go live on the 5th of June. This delay between the licensing and the launching of the website and the starting of the gambling operations has been requested by the gambling operators themselves.
Read More: Online Gambling News Out of Spain and Italy : ADI News
Read More: Online Gambling News Out of Spain and Italy : ADI News
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Several states have recently made moves to make sports betting legal within their states. The most notable effort is New Jersey’s, which is on a collision course with the U.S. Supreme Court over the constitutionality of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which makes traditional sports betting (e.g., single-game spread bets) illegal outside of Nevada.
PASPA is a silly law that stands in conflict with nearly every other gambling law in the United States in that the legality of different forms of gambling has always been decided by the states.
But PASPA isn't the only ridiculous gambling law out there. There are plenty of others – enough, in fact, to make a top-10 list.
10. Deputizing Oklahoma railroad employees
It is illegal to run a Three-Card Monte scheme in Oklahoma under state code 21-954, and that's good policy. But the law immediately following it, 21-955, is a head scratcher. It says railroad conductors and brakemen are required to arrest people breaking the Three-Card Monte law, and to "call upon all bystanders or others for assistance, when the same may be necessary, to enable them to make such arrest, and when the offense is committed on any railroad car, coach or train."
9. Kentucky sore loser clause
There are several states that allow losing players to sue winners to recover their losses. Kentucky's law in particular seems to be the most ridiculous. If you lose $5 or more to someone that you gamble with and you pay, you can sue them in the next five years and recover the losses. Even more ridiculous, however, is that if the loser doesn't sue in six months, anyone else can file suit against the winner and can recover three times the amount of the original wager.
8. No betting on elections in South Carolina
Every election year, online sportsbooks put odds on each race. And if you have strong feelings about your favorite candidate, and a friend has strong feelings about another candidate, what's to keep you from putting a friendly wager on the line? Well, in South Carolina, there's Section 16-19-90 of the state code, which forbids betting on elections and mandates a fine of up to $500 and jail time of up to a month for making such wagers.
7. Public gaming law in Bexley, Ohio
It's no surprise that a town where it was reportedly once illegal to have or operate a slot machine in an outhouse makes our list, but it's not because of the now-defunct outhouse law (there's no word on whether it's legal to use them in a bathroom with full plumbing today). Instead, Bexley makes the list because of a ridiculous "public gaming" law that makes it illegal to play any game of chance in a "hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation." The way I read this section, you couldn't bet a friend $10 (let alone a beer) on a football game while watching it at a sports bar. It seems like a bit of an overreach to me.
6. Iowa's $50 limit
Kudos to Iowa for carving out "games between individuals" in section 99B.12 of its law on gambling. It allows people to bet against each other on sports, hold poker home games, and make other wagers against each other. However, in sub-section g, the law says these games are allowed only when "no participant wins or loses more than a total of fifty dollars … during any period of twenty-four consecutive hours." So if you organize a $20 poker tournament with 10 people, the top prize you are legally allowed to award is $70?
5. No deducting losses from state taxes
One of the most important parts of the federal tax code when it comes to gambling is the ability to deduct losing sessions from winning sessions to have an accurate account of your overall winnings for the year. If you win a $10,000 prize in a $100 poker tournament, but entered 49 other $100 events and didn't cash in any of them, your winnings would be $5,000 ($10,000 minus the $5,000 in entry fees). Most states allow you to do this as well, but some only count winnings and don't allow the amateur gamblers to deduct losing sessions. This inflates your tax liability and is not a true account of your winnings throughout the year. Indeed, you could be a loser on the year yet still owe a large tax liability on your "winnings."
According to Brad Polizzano (aka @taxdood), states that do not allow amateur gamblers to deduct losses include: Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio (until 2013), West Virginia and Wisconsin.
4. Do a math problem to win a sweepstakes
In Canada, if you win a sweepstakes, you might find that you are required to do a simple math problem in order to claim your prize. According to Wired, "Canadian anti-gambling law makes it illegal to sell chances to win a prize, so promoters always offer a free method of entering each contest, and task every winner with a skill-testing question. By doing the latter, they argue, the game is no longer one merely of chance but a contest requiring some skill."
If you can get around a gambling law by having a winner show they have mastered 2nd-grade math, then you have a ridiculous law.
3. Washington State Internet gambling law
In 2006, Washington State became the first to make Internet gamblers potential felons. From state code RCW 9.6.240: "Whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, the internet, a telecommunications transmission system, or similar means, or knowingly installs or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of gambling information shall be guilty of a class C felony."
It has been six years since this law has passed, and not one Internet gambler has been charged with a crime under this law. Yet thousands of Washington residents continue to make bets on the Internet. Now that's a ridiculous law.
2. PASPA
As mentioned in the introduction to this story, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act may well be ruled unconstitutional in the not
PASPA is a silly law that stands in conflict with nearly every other gambling law in the United States in that the legality of different forms of gambling has always been decided by the states.
But PASPA isn't the only ridiculous gambling law out there. There are plenty of others – enough, in fact, to make a top-10 list.
10. Deputizing Oklahoma railroad employees
It is illegal to run a Three-Card Monte scheme in Oklahoma under state code 21-954, and that's good policy. But the law immediately following it, 21-955, is a head scratcher. It says railroad conductors and brakemen are required to arrest people breaking the Three-Card Monte law, and to "call upon all bystanders or others for assistance, when the same may be necessary, to enable them to make such arrest, and when the offense is committed on any railroad car, coach or train."
9. Kentucky sore loser clause
There are several states that allow losing players to sue winners to recover their losses. Kentucky's law in particular seems to be the most ridiculous. If you lose $5 or more to someone that you gamble with and you pay, you can sue them in the next five years and recover the losses. Even more ridiculous, however, is that if the loser doesn't sue in six months, anyone else can file suit against the winner and can recover three times the amount of the original wager.
8. No betting on elections in South Carolina
Every election year, online sportsbooks put odds on each race. And if you have strong feelings about your favorite candidate, and a friend has strong feelings about another candidate, what's to keep you from putting a friendly wager on the line? Well, in South Carolina, there's Section 16-19-90 of the state code, which forbids betting on elections and mandates a fine of up to $500 and jail time of up to a month for making such wagers.
7. Public gaming law in Bexley, Ohio
It's no surprise that a town where it was reportedly once illegal to have or operate a slot machine in an outhouse makes our list, but it's not because of the now-defunct outhouse law (there's no word on whether it's legal to use them in a bathroom with full plumbing today). Instead, Bexley makes the list because of a ridiculous "public gaming" law that makes it illegal to play any game of chance in a "hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation." The way I read this section, you couldn't bet a friend $10 (let alone a beer) on a football game while watching it at a sports bar. It seems like a bit of an overreach to me.
6. Iowa's $50 limit
Kudos to Iowa for carving out "games between individuals" in section 99B.12 of its law on gambling. It allows people to bet against each other on sports, hold poker home games, and make other wagers against each other. However, in sub-section g, the law says these games are allowed only when "no participant wins or loses more than a total of fifty dollars … during any period of twenty-four consecutive hours." So if you organize a $20 poker tournament with 10 people, the top prize you are legally allowed to award is $70?
5. No deducting losses from state taxes
One of the most important parts of the federal tax code when it comes to gambling is the ability to deduct losing sessions from winning sessions to have an accurate account of your overall winnings for the year. If you win a $10,000 prize in a $100 poker tournament, but entered 49 other $100 events and didn't cash in any of them, your winnings would be $5,000 ($10,000 minus the $5,000 in entry fees). Most states allow you to do this as well, but some only count winnings and don't allow the amateur gamblers to deduct losing sessions. This inflates your tax liability and is not a true account of your winnings throughout the year. Indeed, you could be a loser on the year yet still owe a large tax liability on your "winnings."
According to Brad Polizzano (aka @taxdood), states that do not allow amateur gamblers to deduct losses include: Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio (until 2013), West Virginia and Wisconsin.
4. Do a math problem to win a sweepstakes
In Canada, if you win a sweepstakes, you might find that you are required to do a simple math problem in order to claim your prize. According to Wired, "Canadian anti-gambling law makes it illegal to sell chances to win a prize, so promoters always offer a free method of entering each contest, and task every winner with a skill-testing question. By doing the latter, they argue, the game is no longer one merely of chance but a contest requiring some skill."
If you can get around a gambling law by having a winner show they have mastered 2nd-grade math, then you have a ridiculous law.
3. Washington State Internet gambling law
In 2006, Washington State became the first to make Internet gamblers potential felons. From state code RCW 9.6.240: "Whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, the internet, a telecommunications transmission system, or similar means, or knowingly installs or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of gambling information shall be guilty of a class C felony."
It has been six years since this law has passed, and not one Internet gambler has been charged with a crime under this law. Yet thousands of Washington residents continue to make bets on the Internet. Now that's a ridiculous law.
2. PASPA
As mentioned in the introduction to this story, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act may well be ruled unconstitutional in the not
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2006/12/07
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For Sportingbet, the grant of the licence negates part of the injunction, which was imposed on the group’s Spanish business on March 27 and thus allows it to commence trading when this regulated market opens.
Obtaining the Spanish online gaming licence marks the latest step in Sportingbet’s stated strategy of increasing the proportion of its gaming revenue from regulated markets.
Having been awarded one of the first online gaming licences in Spain, DIGIDIS is expected to launch its gaming range - including poker, roulette, blackjack, bingo and other casino games - online in the course of June.
Commenting on the announcement of the licence awarded, which is for the provision of casino, poker, bingo and sport, 888 CEO Brian Mattingley said: “Spain is an important market for 888, accounting for five per cent of our revenue in 2011. We believe that the future of the online gaming industry is in regulated, legitimate and safe online gaming environments and we believe we have the right offering to gain significant market share.”
Obtaining the Spanish online gaming licence marks the latest step in Sportingbet’s stated strategy of increasing the proportion of its gaming revenue from regulated markets.
Having been awarded one of the first online gaming licences in Spain, DIGIDIS is expected to launch its gaming range - including poker, roulette, blackjack, bingo and other casino games - online in the course of June.
Commenting on the announcement of the licence awarded, which is for the provision of casino, poker, bingo and sport, 888 CEO Brian Mattingley said: “Spain is an important market for 888, accounting for five per cent of our revenue in 2011. We believe that the future of the online gaming industry is in regulated, legitimate and safe online gaming environments and we believe we have the right offering to gain significant market share.”
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2006/12/07
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PETALING JAYA – (By JOSEPH KAOS Jr and AUSTIN CAMOENS) : Euro 2012 kicks off in Poland and Ukraine on Friday, but punters in Malaysia and in much of the rest of the world have begun betting on the tournament a month ago – when the English Premier League season ended.
While many “warmed up” by placing bets on the friendlies that preceded the tournament, some were already wagering on who will meet who in the final, the winner and by how many goals.
Many punters are placing bets with the same local bookies who offered them odds on the EPL games. Others go online.
International online sites have already begun raking in bets for the friendlies as well as the World Cup 2014 qualifying matches for the South American zone.
A 26-year-old self-confessed gambling addict said: “I always gamble during the World Cup or the Euro championship.”
“This time around, I started early and placed my bet on the England-Belgium friendly match last weekend via an online betting site,” said the man who requested anonymity.
A former bookie said betting would intensify when more popular teams like Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and England advance.
The police are already on alert, keeping an eye on the betting syndicates.
Bukit Aman anti-vice, gambling and secret societies division head Senior Asst Comm Datuk Jalil Hassan said police launched Ops Soga on May 31 to monitor the syndicates.
“We are also keeping a close watch on those previously arrested for taking illegal bets,” he said.
Read More: football-thestar-com-my/2012/06/05/game-on-for-punters-2/
While many “warmed up” by placing bets on the friendlies that preceded the tournament, some were already wagering on who will meet who in the final, the winner and by how many goals.
Many punters are placing bets with the same local bookies who offered them odds on the EPL games. Others go online.
International online sites have already begun raking in bets for the friendlies as well as the World Cup 2014 qualifying matches for the South American zone.
A 26-year-old self-confessed gambling addict said: “I always gamble during the World Cup or the Euro championship.”
“This time around, I started early and placed my bet on the England-Belgium friendly match last weekend via an online betting site,” said the man who requested anonymity.
A former bookie said betting would intensify when more popular teams like Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and England advance.
The police are already on alert, keeping an eye on the betting syndicates.
Bukit Aman anti-vice, gambling and secret societies division head Senior Asst Comm Datuk Jalil Hassan said police launched Ops Soga on May 31 to monitor the syndicates.
“We are also keeping a close watch on those previously arrested for taking illegal bets,” he said.
Read More: football-thestar-com-my/2012/06/05/game-on-for-punters-2/
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2006/12/07
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29893
A man was shot dead while a gaming assistant was wounded in an alleged robbery try on an online casino in Pasig City before dawn Friday.
The suspect, who was not immediately identified, entered the online casino along Meralco Avenue and drew out a cal-.38 revolver, radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported Friday.
He declared a holdup and fired his gun, hitting and wounding gaming assistant Jamina Yunon, 21. Yunon was taken to a nearby hospital.
But when the suspected robber tried to fire at a security guard initially identified as Freddie Umipig, his handgun misfired.
Umipig drew out his service pistol, fired at the suspect and hit him in the right part of the chest, killing him.
Investigators are still trying to identify the slain suspect, after failing to find any identification on him. –KG, GMA News
The suspect, who was not immediately identified, entered the online casino along Meralco Avenue and drew out a cal-.38 revolver, radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported Friday.
He declared a holdup and fired his gun, hitting and wounding gaming assistant Jamina Yunon, 21. Yunon was taken to a nearby hospital.
But when the suspected robber tried to fire at a security guard initially identified as Freddie Umipig, his handgun misfired.
Umipig drew out his service pistol, fired at the suspect and hit him in the right part of the chest, killing him.
Investigators are still trying to identify the slain suspect, after failing to find any identification on him. –KG, GMA News
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LAS VEGAS — A 20-year-old cellist from Rhode Island won the Miss USA crown and will represent the United States in this year's Miss Universe pageant after voicing support for transgender beauty queens.
Olivia Culpo topped a field of 51 contestants on Sunday to take the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. She strutted across the stage in a lilac bikini and a fuchsia evening gown adorned with a sparkly belt.
In the dreaded interview round, Culpo was faced with the most difficult question of the night: "Would you feel it would be fair that a transgender woman wins the Miss USA title over a natural-born woman?" Culpo never stumbled as she embraced the Miss Universe Organization's recent decision to admit transgender contestants. The question came from a pageant follower on Twitter, a first for the competition.
"I do think that that would be fair, but I can understand that people would be a little apprehensive to take that road because there is a tradition of natural-born women, but today where there are so many surgeries and so many people out there who have a need to change for a happier life, I do accept that because I believe it's a free country," Culpo said.
Culpo said after the pageant that she wasn't put off by the question when she heard it.
"This is a free country and to each their own," she said.
Culpo said she was short and chubby as a girl, but blossomed after a growth spurt. She spent her summers at band camp after learning to play the cello in second grade. Her parents are also musicians, and her love for music saw her perform at Symphony Hall in Boston and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Culpo is a 2010 graduate of St. Mary Academy Bay View, an all-girls Catholic school in Riverside, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She is a sophomore at Boston University and said she comes from a big, Italian family. On her Twitter account, she describes herself as a nerd and model.
"I was just so surprised, so shocked, so honored to be there," she said of her win.
Rounding out the top five contestants were first runner-up Nana Meriwether of Maryland, second runner-up Audrey Bolte of Ohio, third runner-up Jade Kelsall of Nevada and fourth runner-up Jasmyn Wilkins of Georgia. As Meriwether and Culpo held hands waiting for the winner to be announced, Culpo bit her lip and cringed with anticipation.
Culpo demonstrated an outgoing personality throughout the competition, blowing a kiss and shimmying across the stage during the opening number. She cited Audrey Hepburn as her source of inspiration, noting her many years of volunteer work. Culpo said she plans to visit Tiffany & Co. in New York during her reign as Miss USA to recreate the opening scene in Hepburn's iconic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
"She was beautiful on the outside but also beautiful on the inside," said Culpo, who sang the chorus of "Funny Face" from her favorite movie of the same name after her win.
Miss Iowa USA Rebecca Hodge was named Miss Congeniality, and Miss Oregon USA Alaina Bergsma was named the most photogenic. They both won $1,000, but didn't make the top 16.
During the interview round, Bolte appeared to stumble as she answered a question about whether women are portrayed positively in films. Bolte said women generally depict strong characters, citing Julia Robert's role as a prostitute in "Pretty Woman."
"She was having a rough time, but, you know, she came out on top," Bolte said.
The pageant at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip had three competitions: swimsuit, evening gowns and interview question. The contestants were whittled to 16 after the show's opening fashion show number. The top 16 were picked by preliminary judges through competitions and interviews during the week before the telecast.
The contestants were later narrowed down to a field of 10 and then five before Culpo was named Miss USA.
Pop band Cobra Starship performed as the beauty queens modeled their string bikinis. Singer Akon danced with the top five during the evening gown competition.
Culpo had one of the more modest dresses of the contest, with many of the beauty queens wearing revealing gowns with bare backs, high slits and sheer fabric. In contrast, Culpo's flowing gown covered her legs and back while revealing some cleavage.
The judge's panel included Chef Cat Cora, TV personality Arsenio Hall, singer Joe Jonas and reality TV star Rob Kardashian. Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic stepped in to host. Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella crowned Culpo her successor at the end of the night.
Culpo will represent the United States at the 61st Miss Universe pageant in December. An American has not been named Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997.
The first-ever transgender contestant to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant made it to the penultimate round before losing her bid to win the title last month. She was initially denied entry to Canada's pageant because she was not born female. Donald Trump, who runs the Miss Universe Organization, subsequently overruled that decision.
Miss Universe publicity director Brenda Mendoza has said transgender competitors are now welcome at all of its pageants around the world.
The competition is not affiliated with the Miss America pageant.
Olivia Culpo topped a field of 51 contestants on Sunday to take the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. She strutted across the stage in a lilac bikini and a fuchsia evening gown adorned with a sparkly belt.
In the dreaded interview round, Culpo was faced with the most difficult question of the night: "Would you feel it would be fair that a transgender woman wins the Miss USA title over a natural-born woman?" Culpo never stumbled as she embraced the Miss Universe Organization's recent decision to admit transgender contestants. The question came from a pageant follower on Twitter, a first for the competition.
"I do think that that would be fair, but I can understand that people would be a little apprehensive to take that road because there is a tradition of natural-born women, but today where there are so many surgeries and so many people out there who have a need to change for a happier life, I do accept that because I believe it's a free country," Culpo said.
Culpo said after the pageant that she wasn't put off by the question when she heard it.
"This is a free country and to each their own," she said.
Culpo said she was short and chubby as a girl, but blossomed after a growth spurt. She spent her summers at band camp after learning to play the cello in second grade. Her parents are also musicians, and her love for music saw her perform at Symphony Hall in Boston and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Culpo is a 2010 graduate of St. Mary Academy Bay View, an all-girls Catholic school in Riverside, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She is a sophomore at Boston University and said she comes from a big, Italian family. On her Twitter account, she describes herself as a nerd and model.
"I was just so surprised, so shocked, so honored to be there," she said of her win.
Rounding out the top five contestants were first runner-up Nana Meriwether of Maryland, second runner-up Audrey Bolte of Ohio, third runner-up Jade Kelsall of Nevada and fourth runner-up Jasmyn Wilkins of Georgia. As Meriwether and Culpo held hands waiting for the winner to be announced, Culpo bit her lip and cringed with anticipation.
Culpo demonstrated an outgoing personality throughout the competition, blowing a kiss and shimmying across the stage during the opening number. She cited Audrey Hepburn as her source of inspiration, noting her many years of volunteer work. Culpo said she plans to visit Tiffany & Co. in New York during her reign as Miss USA to recreate the opening scene in Hepburn's iconic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
"She was beautiful on the outside but also beautiful on the inside," said Culpo, who sang the chorus of "Funny Face" from her favorite movie of the same name after her win.
Miss Iowa USA Rebecca Hodge was named Miss Congeniality, and Miss Oregon USA Alaina Bergsma was named the most photogenic. They both won $1,000, but didn't make the top 16.
During the interview round, Bolte appeared to stumble as she answered a question about whether women are portrayed positively in films. Bolte said women generally depict strong characters, citing Julia Robert's role as a prostitute in "Pretty Woman."
"She was having a rough time, but, you know, she came out on top," Bolte said.
The pageant at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip had three competitions: swimsuit, evening gowns and interview question. The contestants were whittled to 16 after the show's opening fashion show number. The top 16 were picked by preliminary judges through competitions and interviews during the week before the telecast.
The contestants were later narrowed down to a field of 10 and then five before Culpo was named Miss USA.
Pop band Cobra Starship performed as the beauty queens modeled their string bikinis. Singer Akon danced with the top five during the evening gown competition.
Culpo had one of the more modest dresses of the contest, with many of the beauty queens wearing revealing gowns with bare backs, high slits and sheer fabric. In contrast, Culpo's flowing gown covered her legs and back while revealing some cleavage.
The judge's panel included Chef Cat Cora, TV personality Arsenio Hall, singer Joe Jonas and reality TV star Rob Kardashian. Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic stepped in to host. Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella crowned Culpo her successor at the end of the night.
Culpo will represent the United States at the 61st Miss Universe pageant in December. An American has not been named Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997.
The first-ever transgender contestant to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant made it to the penultimate round before losing her bid to win the title last month. She was initially denied entry to Canada's pageant because she was not born female. Donald Trump, who runs the Miss Universe Organization, subsequently overruled that decision.
Miss Universe publicity director Brenda Mendoza has said transgender competitors are now welcome at all of its pageants around the world.
The competition is not affiliated with the Miss America pageant.
Join:
2006/12/07
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One of the major talking points of the upcoming general election in the United States figures to be the unemployment rate and the most recent report is not what President Barack Obama needed to hear right now. But Mitt Romney and the Republican Party are likely (and quietly) jumping for joy as they have already pounced on the report as they are looking for any chance to get a foothold in this race.
Join Bovada Sportsbook right now and bet on politics today.
An 8.2% unemployment rate in a report that came out on Friday set off a number of actions, including a sizeable drop in the stock market. The fact that American employers added the least amount of new faces in a year is another poor sign for the Obama presidency, which means that Romney and the Republicans have something to hang their hat on going into the summer.
Romney wasted no time chiming in on the jobs report, even using the President’s 2012 motto of “Forward” against him, saying that the Obama administration is leading the national backward instead. This is what the Republicans are going to have to do if they want to win the White House back because when it comes to personality, Romney leaves some voters in the cold. Like it or not, many voters (especially the ones that haven’t done a lot of research) will select a candidate based on whether they feel they can connect with the person.
2012 US Presidential Election - Winning Party
Democrats -160
Republicans +130
However, if there is a positive to be taken from this, it is that the drop in the stock market has caused the price of gas to go down in the United States, which is never a bad thing. China and Europe have their own issues in the economic world, so the economy isn’t exactly looking up but a drop in gas prices is a nice silver lining.
Join Bovada Sportsbook right now and bet on politics today.
An 8.2% unemployment rate in a report that came out on Friday set off a number of actions, including a sizeable drop in the stock market. The fact that American employers added the least amount of new faces in a year is another poor sign for the Obama presidency, which means that Romney and the Republicans have something to hang their hat on going into the summer.
Romney wasted no time chiming in on the jobs report, even using the President’s 2012 motto of “Forward” against him, saying that the Obama administration is leading the national backward instead. This is what the Republicans are going to have to do if they want to win the White House back because when it comes to personality, Romney leaves some voters in the cold. Like it or not, many voters (especially the ones that haven’t done a lot of research) will select a candidate based on whether they feel they can connect with the person.
2012 US Presidential Election - Winning Party
Democrats -160
Republicans +130
However, if there is a positive to be taken from this, it is that the drop in the stock market has caused the price of gas to go down in the United States, which is never a bad thing. China and Europe have their own issues in the economic world, so the economy isn’t exactly looking up but a drop in gas prices is a nice silver lining.
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2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Manne wrote:
Several states have recently made moves to make sports betting legal within their states. The most notable effort is New Jersey’s, which is on a collision course with the U.S. Supreme Court over the constitutionality of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which makes traditional sports betting (e.g., single-game spread bets) illegal outside of Nevada.
PASPA is a silly law that stands in conflict with nearly every other gambling law in the United States in that the legality of different forms of gambling has always been decided by the states.
But PASPA isn't the only ridiculous gambling law out there. There are plenty of others – enough, in fact, to make a top-10 list.
10. Deputizing Oklahoma railroad employees
It is illegal to run a Three-Card Monte scheme in Oklahoma under state code 21-954, and that's good policy. But the law immediately following it, 21-955, is a head scratcher. It says railroad conductors and brakemen are required to arrest people breaking the Three-Card Monte law, and to "call upon all bystanders or others for assistance, when the same may be necessary, to enable them to make such arrest, and when the offense is committed on any railroad car, coach or train."
9. Kentucky sore loser clause
There are several states that allow losing players to sue winners to recover their losses. Kentucky's law in particular seems to be the most ridiculous. If you lose $5 or more to someone that you gamble with and you pay, you can sue them in the next five years and recover the losses. Even more ridiculous, however, is that if the loser doesn't sue in six months, anyone else can file suit against the winner and can recover three times the amount of the original wager.
8. No betting on elections in South Carolina
Every election year, online sportsbooks put odds on each race. And if you have strong feelings about your favorite candidate, and a friend has strong feelings about another candidate, what's to keep you from putting a friendly wager on the line? Well, in South Carolina, there's Section 16-19-90 of the state code, which forbids betting on elections and mandates a fine of up to $500 and jail time of up to a month for making such wagers.
7. Public gaming law in Bexley, Ohio
It's no surprise that a town where it was reportedly once illegal to have or operate a slot machine in an outhouse makes our list, but it's not because of the now-defunct outhouse law (there's no word on whether it's legal to use them in a bathroom with full plumbing today). Instead, Bexley makes the list because of a ridiculous "public gaming" law that makes it illegal to play any game of chance in a "hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation." The way I read this section, you couldn't bet a friend $10 (let alone a beer) on a football game while watching it at a sports bar. It seems like a bit of an overreach to me.
6. Iowa's $50 limit
Kudos to Iowa for carving out "games between individuals" in section 99B.12 of its law on gambling. It allows people to bet against each other on sports, hold poker home games, and make other wagers against each other. However, in sub-section g, the law says these games are allowed only when "no participant wins or loses more than a total of fifty dollars … during any period of twenty-four consecutive hours." So if you organize a $20 poker tournament with 10 people, the top prize you are legally allowed to award is $70?
5. No deducting losses from state taxes
One of the most important parts of the federal tax code when it comes to gambling is the ability to deduct losing sessions from winning sessions to have an accurate account of your overall winnings for the year. If you win a $10,000 prize in a $100 poker tournament, but entered 49 other $100 events and didn't cash in any of them, your winnings would be $5,000 ($10,000 minus the $5,000 in entry fees). Most states allow you to do this as well, but some only count winnings and don't allow the amateur gamblers to deduct losing sessions. This inflates your tax liability and is not a true account of your winnings throughout the year. Indeed, you could be a loser on the year yet still owe a large tax liability on your "winnings."
According to Brad Polizzano (aka @taxdood), states that do not allow amateur gamblers to deduct losses include: Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio (until 2013), West Virginia and Wisconsin.
4. Do a math problem to win a sweepstakes
In Canada, if you win a sweepstakes, you might find that you are required to do a simple math problem in order to claim your prize. According to Wired, "Canadian anti-gambling law makes it illegal to sell chances to win a prize, so promoters always offer a free method of entering each contest, and task every winner with a skill-testing question. By doing the latter, they argue, the game is no longer one merely of chance but a contest requiring some skill."
If you can get around a gambling law by having a winner show they have mastered 2nd-grade math, then you have a ridiculous law.
3. Washington State Internet gambling law
In 2006, Washington State became the first to make Internet gamblers potential felons. From state code RCW 9.6.240: "Whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, the internet, a telecommunications transmission system, or similar means, or knowingly installs or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of gambling information shall be guilty of a class C felony."
It has been six years since this law has passed, and not one Internet gambler has been charged with a crime under this law. Yet thousands of Washington residents continue to make bets on the Internet. Now that's a ridiculous law.
2. PASPA
As mentioned in the introduction to this story, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act may well be ruled unconstitutional in the not
Good one great effort
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There have been major updates concerning the efforts of the state of Illinois while pursuing a legalized internet gambling market that will be managed by the state itself. These updates come in the form of the revisions that the 3rd third amendment House Bill 4148 has undergone this Friday. These revisions are expected to result in gambling games being run and managed by the affiliates.
Read More: Online Gambling in Illinois : ADI News
Read More: Online Gambling in Illinois : ADI News
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2006/12/07
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We all know that playing poker can make you do crazy things. You might stay up all night grinding away online or you might take a last minute trip to Vegas and blow too much money at the poker tables, but most gamblers know when to stop. However, there are some who take the game to extremes and will do just about anything to make back the money they lost at the tables. Michael Melillo is one such player who took his losses a bit too far.
Melillo had lost about 100,000 while playing poker over the years and he finally snapped. The Palm Beach Gardens man decided that he needed to make sure his losses did not affect his young son so he needed to make money quickly. Melillo partnered with another man, Pavlos ‘Paul’ Kaimacliotis to create a kidnapping plan.
The two men planned on kidnapping a wealthy man and extorting millions from the man’s family. However, the FBI was able to thwart the plan and both Melillo and Kaimacliotis were arrested before they put their plan in action.
Read More: FBI Stops Poker Player?s kidnapping Plot
Melillo had lost about 100,000 while playing poker over the years and he finally snapped. The Palm Beach Gardens man decided that he needed to make sure his losses did not affect his young son so he needed to make money quickly. Melillo partnered with another man, Pavlos ‘Paul’ Kaimacliotis to create a kidnapping plan.
The two men planned on kidnapping a wealthy man and extorting millions from the man’s family. However, the FBI was able to thwart the plan and both Melillo and Kaimacliotis were arrested before they put their plan in action.
Read More: FBI Stops Poker Player?s kidnapping Plot
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2006/12/07
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US CASINO owner Steve Wynn has said that Wynn Macau’s latest casino resort in the former Portuguese enclave would cost $4 billion, as the company bets on continued growth in the world’s largest gambling destination.
In a media briefing at his Macau casino, Mr Wynn (70), chairman and chief executive of Wynn Resorts and Wynn Macau, also expressed confidence that the property would provide a return on investment despite the current economic climate.
“Growth of the market has been so spectacular, the expansion so dramatic, it is unrealistic for it to continue at that rate,” Mr Wynn said yesterday, although he added that the market did not need to keep increasing at such a pace for it to be a good place to do business.
Macau, located on the tip of China’s southern coast, has been a goldmine for casino operators, raking in more than five times the revenue that Las Vegas does as mainland visitors flock to the only Chinese city where they can casino-gamble legally.
Read More: Casino owner bets on gambling in Macau - The Irish Times - Wed, Jun 06, 2012
In a media briefing at his Macau casino, Mr Wynn (70), chairman and chief executive of Wynn Resorts and Wynn Macau, also expressed confidence that the property would provide a return on investment despite the current economic climate.
“Growth of the market has been so spectacular, the expansion so dramatic, it is unrealistic for it to continue at that rate,” Mr Wynn said yesterday, although he added that the market did not need to keep increasing at such a pace for it to be a good place to do business.
Macau, located on the tip of China’s southern coast, has been a goldmine for casino operators, raking in more than five times the revenue that Las Vegas does as mainland visitors flock to the only Chinese city where they can casino-gamble legally.
Read More: Casino owner bets on gambling in Macau - The Irish Times - Wed, Jun 06, 2012
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2006/12/07
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They say that everything is always bigger in the state of Texas and the auditions for America’s Got Talent looked to prove that as this week’s edition of the show headed to Austin. The citizens of the Lone Star State definitely did enough to ensure that they would be remembered throughout this part of the process.
Join Bovada Sportsbook and bet on America’s Got Talent today!
The star of the show may have been a cannonball artist that has been seen throughout the early trailers for America’s Got Talent and by “cannonball artist”, we mean someone that sticks themselves in a cannon and gets shot out…for a living. But judges Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Howard Stern seemed to be enthralled at the stunt, which went cleanly and the artist in question, David Smith Jr., will be on the main show.
America's Got Talent - Who will win?
Male Solo Act +160
Female Solo Act +160
Group Act +200
There was also a family act involving an uncle balancing his nephew on top of his head and there was also a veteran that had a major stuttering problem but when he opened his mouth to sing, you would never know it. There were pole dancers of all sizes, along with the typical amount of cute kids doing what cute kids do.
Overall, this seemed to be the group that got the judges’ attention the most and if you can say one thing about Texas, it is that they go all out if they’re going to entertain you. These acts stole the show but there were also contortion artists, piano players and painters, and they all seemed to have a story that caught the eye of Stern, Osbourne and Mandel.
If the Austin audition is any indication, the next winner of America’s Got Talent may hail from the Lone Star State.
Join Bovada Sportsbook and bet on America’s Got Talent today!
The star of the show may have been a cannonball artist that has been seen throughout the early trailers for America’s Got Talent and by “cannonball artist”, we mean someone that sticks themselves in a cannon and gets shot out…for a living. But judges Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Howard Stern seemed to be enthralled at the stunt, which went cleanly and the artist in question, David Smith Jr., will be on the main show.
America's Got Talent - Who will win?
Male Solo Act +160
Female Solo Act +160
Group Act +200
There was also a family act involving an uncle balancing his nephew on top of his head and there was also a veteran that had a major stuttering problem but when he opened his mouth to sing, you would never know it. There were pole dancers of all sizes, along with the typical amount of cute kids doing what cute kids do.
Overall, this seemed to be the group that got the judges’ attention the most and if you can say one thing about Texas, it is that they go all out if they’re going to entertain you. These acts stole the show but there were also contortion artists, piano players and painters, and they all seemed to have a story that caught the eye of Stern, Osbourne and Mandel.
If the Austin audition is any indication, the next winner of America’s Got Talent may hail from the Lone Star State.
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2006/12/07
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Casino Games and Online Gambling Guide by ixgames Providing comprehensive information on the best online casino games, covering rules, strategy, playing tips and more, OCNet is a popular hub for both newbies and pro's seeking out reliable and trustworthy online casinos to wager real money with. Whether you're just learning how to navigate the world of internet betting, curious about new online casino games or brushing up on playing strategy, or simply in the market for the latest bonuses and promotions, OCNet is your one-stop destination for learning about online gambling sites and which casinos are safe for gaming on the web.
The casino games menu, blog and online casino reviews section can be found in the navigation menu immediately above. Check out the right-hand navigation menu for reviews of the leading gaming software developers, as well as the OCNet gaming guide, covering everything from the best casino bonuses to real money wagering options for U.S Welcome: Welcome: Welcome:
The casino games menu, blog and online casino reviews section can be found in the navigation menu immediately above. Check out the right-hand navigation menu for reviews of the leading gaming software developers, as well as the OCNet gaming guide, covering everything from the best casino bonuses to real money wagering options for U.S Welcome: Welcome: Welcome:
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2006/12/07
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On June 5, 2012, the licensed online gambling sites in Spain went live under the new regulatory mechanism. Some of the better known operators were PokerStars, 888, Bwin.party, Ongame, Poker770 and Bet365. All launched their .es domain web sites, thereby isolating the Spanish online gambling players from the international .com web sites.
The licenses were issued on June 1 by the Spanish regulatory authority, the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling, and some of the operators had issued press releases confirming the same. PokerStars spokesman Eric Hollreiser had said that they had been granted a license to operate in Spain. He added, "As always, PokerStars is committed to providing players with a superior customer service, software and security. You can rest assured that your funds in this transition are totally safe and available. We will provide more details on the transition next week."
Read More: Online Gambling Goes Live in Spain
The licenses were issued on June 1 by the Spanish regulatory authority, the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling, and some of the operators had issued press releases confirming the same. PokerStars spokesman Eric Hollreiser had said that they had been granted a license to operate in Spain. He added, "As always, PokerStars is committed to providing players with a superior customer service, software and security. You can rest assured that your funds in this transition are totally safe and available. We will provide more details on the transition next week."
Read More: Online Gambling Goes Live in Spain
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2006/12/07
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Steinberg and Wright’s SB 1463 Bill for the state of California was created to establish a framework to authorize intrastate Internet gambling.
The bill would authorize eligible entities to apply to the commission for a 5-year license to operate an intrastate Internet gambling Web site offering the play of authorized gambling games to registered players within California.
The bill however would prohibit the offer or play of any gambling game provided over the Internet that is not authorized by the state pursuant to this bill. The bill would provide that any violation of its provisions is punishable as a misdemeanor. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Read More: Amendments to California's SB 1463 Internet Gambling Bill | Casino Scam Report
The bill would authorize eligible entities to apply to the commission for a 5-year license to operate an intrastate Internet gambling Web site offering the play of authorized gambling games to registered players within California.
The bill however would prohibit the offer or play of any gambling game provided over the Internet that is not authorized by the state pursuant to this bill. The bill would provide that any violation of its provisions is punishable as a misdemeanor. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Read More: Amendments to California's SB 1463 Internet Gambling Bill | Casino Scam Report
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2006/12/07
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When it comes to jobs there aren’t too many as interesting or as challenging as the one the Bodog88 managing director Robert Gustafsson has had for the last seven months or so. After along and intense hunt for a managing director Bodog88 chose Gustafsson to lead the way into the Asian gambling market. This position calls for a special person who understands the differences between the gambling in the European jurisdiction and the players in Asia.
Not only must this executive understand the Asian temperament but also the traditions involved in doing business in that part of the world. Gustafsson was quoted as saying recently, “Doing business in Asia, you have to listen to not only what’s being said but what’s not said.” The upcoming launch of the Bodog Live Dealer Studio will see a new facility coming online that rivals any in the world.
Built in Manila which is very advanced in it communications technology and technical expertise, under license from the First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corporation this state of art studio will feature high quality video feeds, gorgeous women, very popular games and many specialty side bets with bonuses for the players. Gustafsson has been collecting rare and unique teas to serve his Chinese customers when doing business as well as having his business card translated into Chinese which helps break the ice and promote a better relationship with clients. The Managing Director suggests that gambling is more a part of a social night out in the Asian culture where eating drinking and gambling go hand and hand.
Live dealer offerings are appreciated in Asia as the patron likes the social action that only a live dealer can provide, “We call it Live Dealer 3.0, as we are taking the live dealer concept to the next level,” Gustafsson commented. With the new deal signed recently with the Bodog Poker Network the Asian dream is slowly but surely becoming a reality.
Not only must this executive understand the Asian temperament but also the traditions involved in doing business in that part of the world. Gustafsson was quoted as saying recently, “Doing business in Asia, you have to listen to not only what’s being said but what’s not said.” The upcoming launch of the Bodog Live Dealer Studio will see a new facility coming online that rivals any in the world.
Built in Manila which is very advanced in it communications technology and technical expertise, under license from the First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corporation this state of art studio will feature high quality video feeds, gorgeous women, very popular games and many specialty side bets with bonuses for the players. Gustafsson has been collecting rare and unique teas to serve his Chinese customers when doing business as well as having his business card translated into Chinese which helps break the ice and promote a better relationship with clients. The Managing Director suggests that gambling is more a part of a social night out in the Asian culture where eating drinking and gambling go hand and hand.
Live dealer offerings are appreciated in Asia as the patron likes the social action that only a live dealer can provide, “We call it Live Dealer 3.0, as we are taking the live dealer concept to the next level,” Gustafsson commented. With the new deal signed recently with the Bodog Poker Network the Asian dream is slowly but surely becoming a reality.
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2006/12/07
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The state Gaming Control Board has recommended approval for an Internet license for International Game Technology, which had stressed it is running online gaming already in other regulated countries.
It was the second license in two days approved by the Control Board, and they are the first issued in the United States by a regulation authority. Bally Technologies was cleared for approval on Wednesday.
Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli said both companies must submit their technologies to the state for testing to see if they work. They must, among other things, show that only Nevadans and those 21 years old and older are able to play the Internet games.
Robert Melendres, executive vice president of IGT, said interactive gaming will help Nevada remain in the forefront of the gaming picture.
He said 400 employees will be working on the online technology and business.
Read More: IGT gets initial approval for Internet gaming license - Las Vegas Sun
It was the second license in two days approved by the Control Board, and they are the first issued in the United States by a regulation authority. Bally Technologies was cleared for approval on Wednesday.
Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli said both companies must submit their technologies to the state for testing to see if they work. They must, among other things, show that only Nevadans and those 21 years old and older are able to play the Internet games.
Robert Melendres, executive vice president of IGT, said interactive gaming will help Nevada remain in the forefront of the gaming picture.
He said 400 employees will be working on the online technology and business.
Read More: IGT gets initial approval for Internet gaming license - Las Vegas Sun
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2006/12/07
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Could the internet soon become the largest casino in America?
Could the internet soon become the largest casino in America?
Internet gambling is currently outlawed in every state in the nation but some believe it is the solution to a down economy. By some estimates online gambling could bring in hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars in tax revenue.
But now some groups, including in Georgia, are asking "At what cost to families?".
Family-Centric groups in 13 states including Georgia sent letters to congressional leaders Wednesday. They want to strengthen the law against online gambling.
The "Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act" outlawed internet betting in 2006. But in December the Justice Department ruled that in-state online bets do not violate federal law if they're not betting on sports.
Now there's a rush across the country in cash-strapped states to legalize it.
"It's taking away from families and families should come first. And if they're gambling they won't have the money to buy food, to pay bills or stuff like that. Then they have to end up being on welfare or something like that and it gets further down and further down," said Vicki Fletcher, Valdosta resident.
"I don't see why we shouldn't have the right to gamble if that's what a person chooses to do. I mean it's their money. If a person wants to blow all their money gambling that's up to them. We do live in America, said Mark Henry, Valdosta resident.
If online gambling begins to be legalized it will likely only come on a state-by-state basis.
Officials say 10 states have already expressed interest in legalizing online gambling. On the forefront are New Jersey and Nevada. These of course are states that are known for their lucrative gambling industries already
Could the internet soon become the largest casino in America?
Internet gambling is currently outlawed in every state in the nation but some believe it is the solution to a down economy. By some estimates online gambling could bring in hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars in tax revenue.
But now some groups, including in Georgia, are asking "At what cost to families?".
Family-Centric groups in 13 states including Georgia sent letters to congressional leaders Wednesday. They want to strengthen the law against online gambling.
The "Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act" outlawed internet betting in 2006. But in December the Justice Department ruled that in-state online bets do not violate federal law if they're not betting on sports.
Now there's a rush across the country in cash-strapped states to legalize it.
"It's taking away from families and families should come first. And if they're gambling they won't have the money to buy food, to pay bills or stuff like that. Then they have to end up being on welfare or something like that and it gets further down and further down," said Vicki Fletcher, Valdosta resident.
"I don't see why we shouldn't have the right to gamble if that's what a person chooses to do. I mean it's their money. If a person wants to blow all their money gambling that's up to them. We do live in America, said Mark Henry, Valdosta resident.
If online gambling begins to be legalized it will likely only come on a state-by-state basis.
Officials say 10 states have already expressed interest in legalizing online gambling. On the forefront are New Jersey and Nevada. These of course are states that are known for their lucrative gambling industries already
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2006/12/07
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According to reports at the weekend, Amaya owns 89 per cent of the Dublin-headquartered company, which it launched a bid for last February.
Canadian-based Amaya has extended the final deadline for acceptances to June 25th. The offer is now unconditional, as the purchaser owns more than 75 per cent of the company. The company develops on-line betting software and branded games and hosts casino and poker websites.