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Champions of the online gambling cause are few with Bwin, one side of the big online gambling operator Bwin.party putting its legal team to the task on several occasions recently.
Bwin has lost its legal bid in Argentina where the firm challenged the government’s laws on its monopoly regarding the selling of online gaming services in the South American country. Recently the Federal Court of Argentina ruled that it would uphold the constitutionality of federal regulations recognizing the Loteria Nacional as the sole administrator and operator of sports betting products by all available commercial channels. Bwin Argentina holds an online betting license issued in 2007 by the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos in the northeast Argentine province of Misiones.
Bwin Argentina decided to advertise its products in the national media which prompted legal action by the Loteria Nacional. A Buenos Aires court ordered Bwin Argentina to block access to residents in the federal capital back in 2008. Meanwhile another sports book, Victor Chandler closed its Argentine-facing operation in February 2010 over issues arising from advertizing and restrictions. Bwin chose to stay the course by appealing the court ruling and ignoring the court order they continued to offer services to residents of Buenos Aires.
Read More: Online Betting Firm Bwin Argentina's Legal Challenge Rejected
Bwin has lost its legal bid in Argentina where the firm challenged the government’s laws on its monopoly regarding the selling of online gaming services in the South American country. Recently the Federal Court of Argentina ruled that it would uphold the constitutionality of federal regulations recognizing the Loteria Nacional as the sole administrator and operator of sports betting products by all available commercial channels. Bwin Argentina holds an online betting license issued in 2007 by the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos in the northeast Argentine province of Misiones.
Bwin Argentina decided to advertise its products in the national media which prompted legal action by the Loteria Nacional. A Buenos Aires court ordered Bwin Argentina to block access to residents in the federal capital back in 2008. Meanwhile another sports book, Victor Chandler closed its Argentine-facing operation in February 2010 over issues arising from advertizing and restrictions. Bwin chose to stay the course by appealing the court ruling and ignoring the court order they continued to offer services to residents of Buenos Aires.
Read More: Online Betting Firm Bwin Argentina's Legal Challenge Rejected
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“A fool and his money are soon parted,” so the saying goes. And ever since the advent of online gambling, fools have never been so quickly parted from both their hard-earned cash – and their personal information.
That, at least, is the claim of Simon Davies, the founder of Privacy International. In 2010, Davies conducted an experiment with a number of online gambling operators to find out how they dealt with the information they collect.
This includes not just the data they gather as customers gamble away their money, but also the sensitive identification documents they typically demand before opening an account. “It is routine for sites to demand passport and credit card scans, driver’s licences, utility bills and other personal documents,” wrote Davies in a report.
Did they, Davies wanted to know, comply with the UK Data Protection Act and keep the information only for as long as necessary?
No, was the blunt answer. “All the available evidence indicates that this information is stored permanently,” says Davies.
When sites were pushed by Davies to close his account and delete all his data, most refused, with many citing anti-money laundering laws as justification for keeping his personal data indefinitely.
In the case of 32Red, it even offered him free chips first before turning down his request on anti-money laundering grounds.
Read more: Analysis: Online gamblers risk losing their identity - 20 Aug 2012 - Computing Analysis
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That, at least, is the claim of Simon Davies, the founder of Privacy International. In 2010, Davies conducted an experiment with a number of online gambling operators to find out how they dealt with the information they collect.
This includes not just the data they gather as customers gamble away their money, but also the sensitive identification documents they typically demand before opening an account. “It is routine for sites to demand passport and credit card scans, driver’s licences, utility bills and other personal documents,” wrote Davies in a report.
Did they, Davies wanted to know, comply with the UK Data Protection Act and keep the information only for as long as necessary?
No, was the blunt answer. “All the available evidence indicates that this information is stored permanently,” says Davies.
When sites were pushed by Davies to close his account and delete all his data, most refused, with many citing anti-money laundering laws as justification for keeping his personal data indefinitely.
In the case of 32Red, it even offered him free chips first before turning down his request on anti-money laundering grounds.
Read more: Analysis: Online gamblers risk losing their identity - 20 Aug 2012 - Computing Analysis
Computing - Insight for IT leaders Claim your free subscription today.
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Isle of Man e-gaming was the lead sponsor in the Gaming, Racing and Wagering Australia 2012 conference which starts today at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth Hotel.
Over 120 delegates attended the start of the three-day programme of seminars, which overlaps today and tomorrow, with the three-day Australasian Gaming Expo at the nearby Sydney Exhibition Centre.
IoM e-gaming’s Ray Davies and a team from the island were on hand to hear the opening of the first day’s events at the conference which reviewed the current state of the Australian gambling market, especially the reform measures currently so much in the public eye.
They heard delegates report that the current reforms did not take enough cognisance of the advent of global online gambling.
The Australian authorities were currently keen to curb the growth of gambling in casinos, clubs and pubs without due recognition of internet gambling’s impact. One delegate reported that current figures suggested global internet gambling was enjoying revenues of US$30bn, of which Australia was responsible for $1bn and that there are now over 1,000 websites.
Ross Ferrar, CEO of the Australian Gaming Technologies Association, commented: “All of that $1bn is leaving Australia, which cannot be good and now that we have Facebook and other social media becoming involved the potential is infinitely higher.”
The conference was also to discuss other key issues such as responsible gambling and Australia’s gambling research agenda, the upcoming review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001; gaming’s role in Australian tourism, the emergence of integrated resorts and casinos, understanding Asian player preference and other issues on regulation, and new technology.
IoM sponsors Aussie conference | News | i-Gaming | InterGame
Over 120 delegates attended the start of the three-day programme of seminars, which overlaps today and tomorrow, with the three-day Australasian Gaming Expo at the nearby Sydney Exhibition Centre.
IoM e-gaming’s Ray Davies and a team from the island were on hand to hear the opening of the first day’s events at the conference which reviewed the current state of the Australian gambling market, especially the reform measures currently so much in the public eye.
They heard delegates report that the current reforms did not take enough cognisance of the advent of global online gambling.
The Australian authorities were currently keen to curb the growth of gambling in casinos, clubs and pubs without due recognition of internet gambling’s impact. One delegate reported that current figures suggested global internet gambling was enjoying revenues of US$30bn, of which Australia was responsible for $1bn and that there are now over 1,000 websites.
Ross Ferrar, CEO of the Australian Gaming Technologies Association, commented: “All of that $1bn is leaving Australia, which cannot be good and now that we have Facebook and other social media becoming involved the potential is infinitely higher.”
The conference was also to discuss other key issues such as responsible gambling and Australia’s gambling research agenda, the upcoming review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001; gaming’s role in Australian tourism, the emergence of integrated resorts and casinos, understanding Asian player preference and other issues on regulation, and new technology.
IoM sponsors Aussie conference | News | i-Gaming | InterGame
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2006/12/07
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NBC has made it official: Michael J. Fox is coming back to series TV more than a decade after he left to concentrate on fighting Parkinson's disease.
His new comedy series, based loosely on his personal life, has a 22-episode commitment from NBC and is set to premiere in fall 2013, the network announced Monday.
The single-camera comedy, thus far untitled, will feature Fox as a husband and father of three from New York City who is dealing with family, career and challenges that include Parkinson's, the network said. No further casting was announced.
The executive producers and co-creators are Will Gluck ("Easy A," "Friends with Benefits") and Sam Laybourne ("Cougar Town," "Arrested Development"), with Gluck producing through his Sony Television-based Olive Bridge Entertainment. He also will direct the pilot.
Read More: NBC: Michael J. Fox will return to series TV | Entertainment | The Seattle Times
His new comedy series, based loosely on his personal life, has a 22-episode commitment from NBC and is set to premiere in fall 2013, the network announced Monday.
The single-camera comedy, thus far untitled, will feature Fox as a husband and father of three from New York City who is dealing with family, career and challenges that include Parkinson's, the network said. No further casting was announced.
The executive producers and co-creators are Will Gluck ("Easy A," "Friends with Benefits") and Sam Laybourne ("Cougar Town," "Arrested Development"), with Gluck producing through his Sony Television-based Olive Bridge Entertainment. He also will direct the pilot.
Read More: NBC: Michael J. Fox will return to series TV | Entertainment | The Seattle Times
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The owners of the 3D Business Center will not be allowed to operate sweepstakes gaming machines while awaiting trial in their case challenging the new law that bans such games in New Hampshire.
Rockingham Superior Court Judge Larry Smukler last week denied a preliminary injunction filed by Scott and Cindy Loring, owners of 3D Business Center, which has locations in Portsmouth and Seabrook.
Smukler ruled the Lorings failed to show "a substantial likelihood of success" on their claims that sweepstakes gaming is protected under the First Amendment and Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
The court agreed with lawyers from the state attorney general's office, who argued the new law is a regulation of conduct and not a regulation of expressive activity.
The Lorings filed the lawsuit last month against the attorney general after Gov. John Lynch signed House Bill 1260 into law.
While slot machines are illegal in New Hampshire, the sweepstakes machines were legal before the new law took effect June 18.
Attorney Patrick Fleming, representing 3D Business Center, argued during a July 12 hearing that sweepstakes gaming is nothing more than a promotion for the Lorings' business, which offers Internet, photocopying, faxing and phone card services.
Fleming argued in court that it's not gambling because customers do not have to make a purchase to play the games, the outcomes of which are predetermined.
Customers are allowed to play 100 games for free, but if they want to play more, they must purchase one of the center's products, such as a phone card. Even if customers lose in the sweepstakes game, Fleming said, they still walk away with the phone cards.
Read More: Local sweepstakes gaming business takes hit in court | SeacoastOnline-com
Rockingham Superior Court Judge Larry Smukler last week denied a preliminary injunction filed by Scott and Cindy Loring, owners of 3D Business Center, which has locations in Portsmouth and Seabrook.
Smukler ruled the Lorings failed to show "a substantial likelihood of success" on their claims that sweepstakes gaming is protected under the First Amendment and Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
The court agreed with lawyers from the state attorney general's office, who argued the new law is a regulation of conduct and not a regulation of expressive activity.
The Lorings filed the lawsuit last month against the attorney general after Gov. John Lynch signed House Bill 1260 into law.
While slot machines are illegal in New Hampshire, the sweepstakes machines were legal before the new law took effect June 18.
Attorney Patrick Fleming, representing 3D Business Center, argued during a July 12 hearing that sweepstakes gaming is nothing more than a promotion for the Lorings' business, which offers Internet, photocopying, faxing and phone card services.
Fleming argued in court that it's not gambling because customers do not have to make a purchase to play the games, the outcomes of which are predetermined.
Customers are allowed to play 100 games for free, but if they want to play more, they must purchase one of the center's products, such as a phone card. Even if customers lose in the sweepstakes game, Fleming said, they still walk away with the phone cards.
Read More: Local sweepstakes gaming business takes hit in court | SeacoastOnline-com
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2006/12/07
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Hosting the Academy Awards can give you a special standing in the entertainment community. It kept Billy Crystal relevant for years when he wasn’t doing much outside of the Oscars (mostly thanks to his memorable monologues). Crystal returned to host the show in 2012 after two straight years of dual hosts (Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin in 2010, James Franco and Anne Hathaway in 2011), and he is in the running to host the show for a ninth time.
Join Bovada Sportsbook right now and bet Entertainment Props!
But the show has lacked a bit of oomph and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Academy splurged for someone to spice things up. That failed miserably with the Franco-Hathaway duo but Crystal was just too vanilla last year.
Bovada odds makers think vanilla might be en vogue, though, as Crystal is at 5/1 to host the Oscars, which ties him with Neil Patrick Harris. The latter has hosted the Tony Awards on three occasions, along with the Primetime Emmys in 2009. Harris is an accomplished stage actor and he could add something to the musical portions of the show.
The favorites right now are Jimmy Kimmel at 2/1 and Jerry Seinfeld at 3/1. Kimmel has the inside position because of his late-night show on ABC, which is the network that will air the Oscars as well. Reportedly, ABC didn’t want Jimmy Fallon to host because of his show on NBC, which competes directly with Kimmel.
Kimmel will host the Primetime Emmys this year and has hosted the ESPY’s (ESPN’s awards show) in the past. Meanwhile, Seinfeld doesn’t really need an introduction. He hasn’t hosted an awards show before but surely he could handle the Oscars.
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Ricky Gervais at 5/1 and Eddie Murphy at 10/1 round out the top contenders, but Gervais has hosted the Golden Globes for the last three years and his style of roasting celebrities may be too much for the Academy. Meanwhile, Murphy was supposed to host the show last year but dropped out when Brett Ratner, who was supposed to produce the show and had directed Murphy in Tower Heist, was canned for making derisive remarks. Murphy likely won’t be an option for a few years at the Academy Awards.
Who will host the 2013 Academy Awards?
Jimmy Kimmel 2/1
Jerry Seinfeld 3/1
Ricky Gervais 4/1
Billy Crystal 5/1
Neil Patrick Harris 5/1
Eddie Murphy 10/1
Join Bovada Sportsbook right now and bet Entertainment Props!
But the show has lacked a bit of oomph and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Academy splurged for someone to spice things up. That failed miserably with the Franco-Hathaway duo but Crystal was just too vanilla last year.
Bovada odds makers think vanilla might be en vogue, though, as Crystal is at 5/1 to host the Oscars, which ties him with Neil Patrick Harris. The latter has hosted the Tony Awards on three occasions, along with the Primetime Emmys in 2009. Harris is an accomplished stage actor and he could add something to the musical portions of the show.
The favorites right now are Jimmy Kimmel at 2/1 and Jerry Seinfeld at 3/1. Kimmel has the inside position because of his late-night show on ABC, which is the network that will air the Oscars as well. Reportedly, ABC didn’t want Jimmy Fallon to host because of his show on NBC, which competes directly with Kimmel.
Kimmel will host the Primetime Emmys this year and has hosted the ESPY’s (ESPN’s awards show) in the past. Meanwhile, Seinfeld doesn’t really need an introduction. He hasn’t hosted an awards show before but surely he could handle the Oscars.
Join Bovada Sportsbook right now and bet Entertainment Props!
Ricky Gervais at 5/1 and Eddie Murphy at 10/1 round out the top contenders, but Gervais has hosted the Golden Globes for the last three years and his style of roasting celebrities may be too much for the Academy. Meanwhile, Murphy was supposed to host the show last year but dropped out when Brett Ratner, who was supposed to produce the show and had directed Murphy in Tower Heist, was canned for making derisive remarks. Murphy likely won’t be an option for a few years at the Academy Awards.
Who will host the 2013 Academy Awards?
Jimmy Kimmel 2/1
Jerry Seinfeld 3/1
Ricky Gervais 4/1
Billy Crystal 5/1
Neil Patrick Harris 5/1
Eddie Murphy 10/1
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2006/12/07
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According to site figures from the past year, the study looked at three of their most popular casino games - baccarat, blackjack and roulette - to show how the genders prefer to play.
The report shows that men far exceed women in terms of player numbers. But whilst some 82% of the site's regular users are men, it's the ladies who are clocking up the most time playing at 9 hours on average per month as opposed to 6.5 hours for men.
At the same time, women are more conservative about how much money they bet. On average, a single deposit by a female player totals £67, while for men it's a more careless £94. As a result, the average amount lost by girls each month is nearly a third less than their male counterparts - £221.66 versus £309.12.
The age stats reveal more about LiveRoulette.co.uk's demographic than any 'battle of the sexes'. The average age of women players is 29, while the average age of the men is 33 - indicative of the site's exciting, youth-oriented direction. According to a spokesperson, 'our regular players are old enough to have a bit of money in their back pocket. They're mostly young professionals - male and female - with a couple of hundred quid to spend in a casino each month'.
One of the more revealing sets of data is the types of game played by each gender. There's not much in it for both blackjack and baccarat, but roulette appears to be preferred by women:
Game Men Women Roulette 49% 62% Blackjack 33% 27% Baccarat 18% 11%
Read more here: LONDON, August 22, 2012: Women Spend Longer Gambling but Lose Less Than Men, Report LiveRoulette.co.uk | PRNewswire | Rock Hill Herald Online
The report shows that men far exceed women in terms of player numbers. But whilst some 82% of the site's regular users are men, it's the ladies who are clocking up the most time playing at 9 hours on average per month as opposed to 6.5 hours for men.
At the same time, women are more conservative about how much money they bet. On average, a single deposit by a female player totals £67, while for men it's a more careless £94. As a result, the average amount lost by girls each month is nearly a third less than their male counterparts - £221.66 versus £309.12.
The age stats reveal more about LiveRoulette.co.uk's demographic than any 'battle of the sexes'. The average age of women players is 29, while the average age of the men is 33 - indicative of the site's exciting, youth-oriented direction. According to a spokesperson, 'our regular players are old enough to have a bit of money in their back pocket. They're mostly young professionals - male and female - with a couple of hundred quid to spend in a casino each month'.
One of the more revealing sets of data is the types of game played by each gender. There's not much in it for both blackjack and baccarat, but roulette appears to be preferred by women:
Game Men Women Roulette 49% 62% Blackjack 33% 27% Baccarat 18% 11%
Read more here: LONDON, August 22, 2012: Women Spend Longer Gambling but Lose Less Than Men, Report LiveRoulette.co.uk | PRNewswire | Rock Hill Herald Online
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It seems that more and more casual games companies are turning towards online gambling in order to boost revenues. Over the last few weeks there have been announcements from a number of companies about forthcoming gambling products. Big Fish Games, based in Seattle, has announced that it will be offering U.K. based players the chance to make real bets on the new version of Big Fish Casino iPhone app. While players in the U.S. won’t yet be able to enjoy this new feature, American regulators are steadily progressing towards a legal and regulated online gambling system and Big Fish will be poised to take advantage of the market when it opens up.
The London based company Betable has started offering a service which allows casual game developers the chance to make money through legal online gambling. Betable handles the security, transactions, identity verification for a share of the gambling revenues. All game developers have to do is connect their games into the Betable system. This system allows U.S. developers to collect money from legal U.K. based online gambling.
Read More: Could Casual Gambling Replace Casual Gaming? - Online Casino Archives
The London based company Betable has started offering a service which allows casual game developers the chance to make money through legal online gambling. Betable handles the security, transactions, identity verification for a share of the gambling revenues. All game developers have to do is connect their games into the Betable system. This system allows U.S. developers to collect money from legal U.K. based online gambling.
Read More: Could Casual Gambling Replace Casual Gaming? - Online Casino Archives
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Using a pseudonym, a Navy Seal has written about the raid that killed Osama bin Laden last year.
The book "No Easy Day" is an eyewitness account that goes on sale Sept. 11, the publisher, Dutton, announced today. The Seal author will be identified as "Mark Owen" and his identity will be disguised during any TV interviews about the book.
Owen's co-author is journalist Kevin Maurer. According to The New York Times:
The book, “No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden,” which is scheduled to be released on Sept. 11, has been a tightly held secret at the publisher, Penguin. It promises to be one of the biggest books of the year, with the potential to affect the presidential campaign in the final weeks before the election.
The author’s name will be listed as Mark Owen by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin. For security reasons, he used a pseudonym and changed the names of other Seal members.
A former member of Seal Team 6, the author was a team leader in the operation that resulted in the death of Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011. According to a description of the book, provided by a publishing executive, the author gives a “blow-by blow narrative of the assault, beginning with the helicopter crash that could have ended Owen’s life straight through to the radio call confirming Bin Laden’s death,” and is “an essential piece of modern history.”
Another book on the subject is scheduled for publication on Oct. 16. "The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden" is by Mark Bowden ("Black Hawk Down").
Navy Seal, witness to bin Laden's death, has book about raid : Entertainment
The book "No Easy Day" is an eyewitness account that goes on sale Sept. 11, the publisher, Dutton, announced today. The Seal author will be identified as "Mark Owen" and his identity will be disguised during any TV interviews about the book.
Owen's co-author is journalist Kevin Maurer. According to The New York Times:
The book, “No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden,” which is scheduled to be released on Sept. 11, has been a tightly held secret at the publisher, Penguin. It promises to be one of the biggest books of the year, with the potential to affect the presidential campaign in the final weeks before the election.
The author’s name will be listed as Mark Owen by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin. For security reasons, he used a pseudonym and changed the names of other Seal members.
A former member of Seal Team 6, the author was a team leader in the operation that resulted in the death of Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011. According to a description of the book, provided by a publishing executive, the author gives a “blow-by blow narrative of the assault, beginning with the helicopter crash that could have ended Owen’s life straight through to the radio call confirming Bin Laden’s death,” and is “an essential piece of modern history.”
Another book on the subject is scheduled for publication on Oct. 16. "The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden" is by Mark Bowden ("Black Hawk Down").
Navy Seal, witness to bin Laden's death, has book about raid : Entertainment
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A NUMBER of betting shops forced to close down after a recently passed gambling law have moved to the British Sovereign Base Areas (SBA), police spokesman Andreas Angelides confirmed yesterday.
Asked if police had spotted shops opening in non-government controlled areas since the online gambling law came into force on July 11, he replied that in some cases, it appeared people had moved to SBA-controlled areas to open shops.
“We are waiting to be informed by the bases,” said Angelides, adding: “It is a matter that has to do with the bases.”
The police spokesman said the force was co-operating with the bases to see how the law can be implemented there too.
Angelides made the comments during a press briefing on the latest campaign to ensure implementation of the law banning – among other things – betting shops from offering online betting services.
According to Angelides, police spotted an underage boy betting in a Limassol shop. “Anyone who invites, urges or allows an underage person – under 18 years old – to participate in betting or even enter a licensed shop, is guilty of an offence and in the event of prosecution, it is punishable with up to a year in prison and/or a fine that doesn’t exceed €50,000,” he said.
Since the law came into force, 39 people have been charged – owners, managers and customers – and 58 computer towers confiscated, as well as 32 printers and other electronic devices, along with €10,442 in cash. Two minors were also caught illegally gambling.
A large number of the above items were confiscated during Tuesday night’s campaign, when police, armed with warrants, searched 16 betting shops island-wide.
Angelides warned that campaigns to ensure strict implementation of the law would continue.
Read More: Outlawed online casinos have migrated to British bases - Cyprus Mail
Asked if police had spotted shops opening in non-government controlled areas since the online gambling law came into force on July 11, he replied that in some cases, it appeared people had moved to SBA-controlled areas to open shops.
“We are waiting to be informed by the bases,” said Angelides, adding: “It is a matter that has to do with the bases.”
The police spokesman said the force was co-operating with the bases to see how the law can be implemented there too.
Angelides made the comments during a press briefing on the latest campaign to ensure implementation of the law banning – among other things – betting shops from offering online betting services.
According to Angelides, police spotted an underage boy betting in a Limassol shop. “Anyone who invites, urges or allows an underage person – under 18 years old – to participate in betting or even enter a licensed shop, is guilty of an offence and in the event of prosecution, it is punishable with up to a year in prison and/or a fine that doesn’t exceed €50,000,” he said.
Since the law came into force, 39 people have been charged – owners, managers and customers – and 58 computer towers confiscated, as well as 32 printers and other electronic devices, along with €10,442 in cash. Two minors were also caught illegally gambling.
A large number of the above items were confiscated during Tuesday night’s campaign, when police, armed with warrants, searched 16 betting shops island-wide.
Angelides warned that campaigns to ensure strict implementation of the law would continue.
Read More: Outlawed online casinos have migrated to British bases - Cyprus Mail
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While Hollywood movies grossed just under $26 billion worldwide in 2011, the South American online gambling and betting market by itself generated over $124 billion in revenue that same year.
Global Information Inc, in cooperation with its premium market research publishing partners, is pleased to announce new market research reports exploring the global market for online gaming and gambling, providing valuable data for market participants as well as investors, reporters, analysts, regulators, and legislators.
Global Online Gambling and Betting Report 2012
Online gambling and betting are highly regulated worldwide - these activities are almost entirely banned in the USA and in Latin America, online gambling and betting are only fully legal in Argentina and Chile. In Europe, the situation varies from country to country and in the Asia-Pacific region, online gambling is only legal in the Philippines. The mobile segment accounted for less than one percent of the global market until 2011, but is expected to grow rapidly in the future.
The ban on online gambling websites in most parts of the USA has spurred the use of offshore sites.
Read more here: Despite Bans Around the Globe, Online Gambling and Betting Generated More Money Than Hollywood in 2011 - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee
Global Information Inc, in cooperation with its premium market research publishing partners, is pleased to announce new market research reports exploring the global market for online gaming and gambling, providing valuable data for market participants as well as investors, reporters, analysts, regulators, and legislators.
Global Online Gambling and Betting Report 2012
Online gambling and betting are highly regulated worldwide - these activities are almost entirely banned in the USA and in Latin America, online gambling and betting are only fully legal in Argentina and Chile. In Europe, the situation varies from country to country and in the Asia-Pacific region, online gambling is only legal in the Philippines. The mobile segment accounted for less than one percent of the global market until 2011, but is expected to grow rapidly in the future.
The ban on online gambling websites in most parts of the USA has spurred the use of offshore sites.
Read more here: Despite Bans Around the Globe, Online Gambling and Betting Generated More Money Than Hollywood in 2011 - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee
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What do peeing in your neighbour’s mouth, eating in a burning restaurant and online gambling have in common? They are all things that could get you into legal hot water in the state of Illinois. Online gambling, whilst being legal in most US states, wanders into a grey area in 21 of them. In order to make things a little more black and white, web developers and casino administrators are currently taking the steps necessary to design games and develop apps that use virtual currency. They will also be updating their systems to use real currency subject to changes to certain state laws.
Anyone who has played Facebook games such as Sims Social and Farmville knows that they really like to push their own online currencies SimCash and FarmCash on you at every turn. Other games use Facebook credits in their game which you can buy for real world cash or with a prepaid gift card available in high street games shops.
Read More: Tech world gets ready for cash gambling | END OF SHOW
Anyone who has played Facebook games such as Sims Social and Farmville knows that they really like to push their own online currencies SimCash and FarmCash on you at every turn. Other games use Facebook credits in their game which you can buy for real world cash or with a prepaid gift card available in high street games shops.
Read More: Tech world gets ready for cash gambling | END OF SHOW
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Online game developer Zynga Inc. has begun to put money into state and federal lobbying efforts to legalise real money gambling. This news comes as Zynga begins to look into the possibility of creating real-money gambling versions of its games as a way of increasing revenue and raising their stock price. At present the company offers Zynga Poker, but it only allows players to use virtual currency.
Last month Mark Pincus, Zynga’s Chief Executive, said that they expect to their “first real-money gaming products in international markets in the first half of 2013.” At the end of the last quarter, Zynga reported spending $75,000 on lobbying efforts around issues such as internet gambling.
The company has employed Bay Bridge Strategies Inc. as well as Pack, Madigan, Jones & Stewart Inc. to monitor and legislation relating to the regulation and taxation of online gambling in both the House and Senate.
Zynga also hired Platinum Advisors in California to lobby around a bill which would allow licensing for online poker providers at the state level. The bill would allow $30 million licenses for gambling operators, all of which Zynga could partner with to offer online poker within California. The legislation was stalled earlier this year but it could be reprised.
Read More: Zynga Begins to Lobby for Online Gambling - Online Casino Archives
Last month Mark Pincus, Zynga’s Chief Executive, said that they expect to their “first real-money gaming products in international markets in the first half of 2013.” At the end of the last quarter, Zynga reported spending $75,000 on lobbying efforts around issues such as internet gambling.
The company has employed Bay Bridge Strategies Inc. as well as Pack, Madigan, Jones & Stewart Inc. to monitor and legislation relating to the regulation and taxation of online gambling in both the House and Senate.
Zynga also hired Platinum Advisors in California to lobby around a bill which would allow licensing for online poker providers at the state level. The bill would allow $30 million licenses for gambling operators, all of which Zynga could partner with to offer online poker within California. The legislation was stalled earlier this year but it could be reprised.
Read More: Zynga Begins to Lobby for Online Gambling - Online Casino Archives
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MGA Entertainment Inc. withdrew a request for a court order forcing pop star Lady Gaga to approve a line of dolls in her image, saying progress has been made toward settling a dispute with the singer.
MGA sued Stefani Germanotta, whose stage name is Lady Gaga, her management company, Culver City, California-based Atom Factory, and Los Angeles-based Bravado International Group, a merchandising company that works with musicians, in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan last month, seeking more than $10 million in damages.
MGA Entertainment, based in Van Nuys, California, said in the complaint that it agreed to produce dolls in the singer’s image in December 2011 at Bravado’s “request and insistence” and paid the company a $1 million fee in anticipation of shipping the products to retailers this summer in time for the holiday selling season.
MGA had sought a preliminary injunction ordering Bravado, Atom Factory and Lady Gaga to immediately provide final written approval of samples of the dolls, and the two sides were scheduled to argue the matter in court next week,
Read More: MGA Entertainment Withdraws Motion in Lady Gaga Dolls Suit - Bloomberg
MGA sued Stefani Germanotta, whose stage name is Lady Gaga, her management company, Culver City, California-based Atom Factory, and Los Angeles-based Bravado International Group, a merchandising company that works with musicians, in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan last month, seeking more than $10 million in damages.
MGA Entertainment, based in Van Nuys, California, said in the complaint that it agreed to produce dolls in the singer’s image in December 2011 at Bravado’s “request and insistence” and paid the company a $1 million fee in anticipation of shipping the products to retailers this summer in time for the holiday selling season.
MGA had sought a preliminary injunction ordering Bravado, Atom Factory and Lady Gaga to immediately provide final written approval of samples of the dolls, and the two sides were scheduled to argue the matter in court next week,
Read More: MGA Entertainment Withdraws Motion in Lady Gaga Dolls Suit - Bloomberg
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2006/12/07
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Five years ago, the future of legalized online gambling in the Unites States seemed bleak. However, the growing strength and popularity of mobile gaming has shone new light into the picture and there is a definite shift on the horizon according to industry analysts Casino.org.
The powerhouse behind this change seems to be the recent news from Zynga, a leading developer of Facebook games, in which they announced plans to move into real money gaming on mobile and social platforms.
Companies like Zynga have become successful by selling in game bonus features and specialty items that improve game play on social media platforms. And when Zynga announced their intention to move into the gambling world, other mobile gaming companies took notice. Most recently, Big Fish Games, a company based in Seattle, has started to offer real money betting to players in the United Kingdom.
Zynga and Big Fish Games are spearheading this new approach to online gambling, and some US state governments are beginning to shift towards more lenient online gambling laws. Those in support of the legalization cite the incredible financial gain to be made from the taxation of online gambling.
Read More: Mobile Gaming Companies Setting Trend for Future of Online Gambling - BroadcastNewsroom
The powerhouse behind this change seems to be the recent news from Zynga, a leading developer of Facebook games, in which they announced plans to move into real money gaming on mobile and social platforms.
Companies like Zynga have become successful by selling in game bonus features and specialty items that improve game play on social media platforms. And when Zynga announced their intention to move into the gambling world, other mobile gaming companies took notice. Most recently, Big Fish Games, a company based in Seattle, has started to offer real money betting to players in the United Kingdom.
Zynga and Big Fish Games are spearheading this new approach to online gambling, and some US state governments are beginning to shift towards more lenient online gambling laws. Those in support of the legalization cite the incredible financial gain to be made from the taxation of online gambling.
Read More: Mobile Gaming Companies Setting Trend for Future of Online Gambling - BroadcastNewsroom
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2006/12/07
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MATTHEW McAnuff, up-and-coming artiste and son of veteran singer Winston McAnuff, is dead.
The artiste's brother Rashaun 'Kush' McANuff of the Uprising Band confirmed his death.
According to Kush, 25 year-old McAnuff was killed in Paradise, St James, on Wednesday about 6:00 am.
A police report said he had another man had a dispute. The dispute reportedly turned physical, and the man was injured. Residents then allegedly attacked McAnuff and chopped him several times.
The police were summoned and both men were taken to hospital where McAnuff was pronounced dead and the other man admitted.
"From what I understand, it was about four or five of them who accused him of being a cop and started chopping him. He ran and collapsed near the house he rented," said Kush. "By the time he was discovered, he had already bled to death."
He said his family is taking Matthew's death really hard.
"Right now my father is a mess. It has really hit him big time," he said, adding that Matthew's mother, who resides in the United States, has been hospitalised since hearing of the tragedy.
Matthew McAnuff was on his way to making it in roots-reggae circles. His Earl 'Chinna' Smith-produced song, Be Careful, has been doing the rounds on the French charts.
The singer was also enjoying popularity on the European circuit. He recently recorded another single If You Want War.
Read more: Matthew McAnuff is dead - Entertainment - JamaicaObserver-com
The artiste's brother Rashaun 'Kush' McANuff of the Uprising Band confirmed his death.
According to Kush, 25 year-old McAnuff was killed in Paradise, St James, on Wednesday about 6:00 am.
A police report said he had another man had a dispute. The dispute reportedly turned physical, and the man was injured. Residents then allegedly attacked McAnuff and chopped him several times.
The police were summoned and both men were taken to hospital where McAnuff was pronounced dead and the other man admitted.
"From what I understand, it was about four or five of them who accused him of being a cop and started chopping him. He ran and collapsed near the house he rented," said Kush. "By the time he was discovered, he had already bled to death."
He said his family is taking Matthew's death really hard.
"Right now my father is a mess. It has really hit him big time," he said, adding that Matthew's mother, who resides in the United States, has been hospitalised since hearing of the tragedy.
Matthew McAnuff was on his way to making it in roots-reggae circles. His Earl 'Chinna' Smith-produced song, Be Careful, has been doing the rounds on the French charts.
The singer was also enjoying popularity on the European circuit. He recently recorded another single If You Want War.
Read more: Matthew McAnuff is dead - Entertainment - JamaicaObserver-com
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2006/12/07
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For isolated islanders in Bermuda, the internet is our window to the world. Upset that comfort level with interruptions in internet service, and you will incur the wrath of the individually confined along with serious businesses.
The internet amazes us. It delights us with its breathtaking scope. It communicates and fosters relationships. It draws us in to shop, spend and spend invisibly private — often, though the visions of the product are often better than the actual item.
It manages our time and our money. It provides every one of us (well those of us that are computer literate with access to the internet) with the ability to raise our persona from anonymous invisibility to globally viral, sometimes through deliberate planned exposure, and unpredictably through totally inadvertent, innocent fun such as the wedding procession dance on YouTube.
It is compellingly addictive. The growth of online gambling according to Pokersites, “is globally estimated at USD 30 billion in 2011, generated from more than 1,000 websites. Informative chart comparing online gambling business growth from 2010 to 2011 in the UK and the US: The Internet is our window to the world...of scams | Bermuda Martha Myron
The internet amazes us. It delights us with its breathtaking scope. It communicates and fosters relationships. It draws us in to shop, spend and spend invisibly private — often, though the visions of the product are often better than the actual item.
It manages our time and our money. It provides every one of us (well those of us that are computer literate with access to the internet) with the ability to raise our persona from anonymous invisibility to globally viral, sometimes through deliberate planned exposure, and unpredictably through totally inadvertent, innocent fun such as the wedding procession dance on YouTube.
It is compellingly addictive. The growth of online gambling according to Pokersites, “is globally estimated at USD 30 billion in 2011, generated from more than 1,000 websites. Informative chart comparing online gambling business growth from 2010 to 2011 in the UK and the US: The Internet is our window to the world...of scams | Bermuda Martha Myron
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When economic times get tough the gambling industry gets going. Evidence that governments around the globe are turning to online gambling as a revenue source to cure the lack of funding for infrastructure and social programs is clear. How quickly political leaders turn with the tide of public opinion and remedy their outlook to reflect the changing times.
In 2006 the Province of Ontario in Canada said to the public, "I don't see us moving to legalise Internet gaming - that's not an option we're even considering," the then Minister for Government Services Gerry Phillips said, "But I don't underestimate the complexities of this thing down the road." Well here it is down the road six years later and Ontario is proposing the launching of online gambling in 2013. Ontario and Canada are not moving in the direction of regulated and licensed online betting like the British model but seem to be leaning towards the American way and are keeping all the eggs related to internet wagering in their own basket.
The banning of advertizing for internet wagering web sites in by the Ontario government in 2006 seemed to be a mirror reaction to the 2006 banning of offshore online gambling in the USA. In Canada progress has been made in so much as there are a number of provinces who are reaping the rewards of wagering from the online players to the exclusion of every entrepreneur who would jump at the chance to offer online gambling to Canadian’s legally.
Read More: Changing Times Puts Online Gambling Into Play for Ontario
In 2006 the Province of Ontario in Canada said to the public, "I don't see us moving to legalise Internet gaming - that's not an option we're even considering," the then Minister for Government Services Gerry Phillips said, "But I don't underestimate the complexities of this thing down the road." Well here it is down the road six years later and Ontario is proposing the launching of online gambling in 2013. Ontario and Canada are not moving in the direction of regulated and licensed online betting like the British model but seem to be leaning towards the American way and are keeping all the eggs related to internet wagering in their own basket.
The banning of advertizing for internet wagering web sites in by the Ontario government in 2006 seemed to be a mirror reaction to the 2006 banning of offshore online gambling in the USA. In Canada progress has been made in so much as there are a number of provinces who are reaping the rewards of wagering from the online players to the exclusion of every entrepreneur who would jump at the chance to offer online gambling to Canadian’s legally.
Read More: Changing Times Puts Online Gambling Into Play for Ontario
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NIGERIAN actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, has thrown out a challenge to Hollywood filmmakers to visit Africa and discover great stories.
The actress, who is in Jamaica on business as well as to film segments of her television reality series, The Real Omotola, said Hollywood is now restorting to killing children. Her charge comes against the background of the film Hunger Games.
Hunger Games is set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the 12 districts to fight to the death on live television.
"I can't believe someone allowed that to be made. Hollywood needs to find Africa. Yes, they are superior in terms of financing and technology. But for great stories they need to come to us," she said.
Nigerian movies are popular in Jamaica and Omotola (or Omosexy as she is known to fans) has racked up an impressive filmography. She is listed as one of the most successful actresses to come out of Nollywood, the popular name for the Nigerian film industry.
Omotola explained that acting was never on the cards for her early on, as the profession was once frowned on in Nigeria.
In fact, she really wanted to be a singer. But as a 16-year-old model a chance audition turned her on to acting.
Her breakthrough came in 1995 with the film Mortal Inheritance. This would set in motion a steady stream films including Beyonce and Rihanna, Ties that Bind, the Blood Sisters series, Royal Family, Games Women Play and Last Wedding.
While in Jamaica she is set to meet players with the local film community for an exchange of ideas.
Read more: Nollywood actress visits Jamaica - Entertainment - JamaicaObserver-com
The actress, who is in Jamaica on business as well as to film segments of her television reality series, The Real Omotola, said Hollywood is now restorting to killing children. Her charge comes against the background of the film Hunger Games.
Hunger Games is set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the 12 districts to fight to the death on live television.
"I can't believe someone allowed that to be made. Hollywood needs to find Africa. Yes, they are superior in terms of financing and technology. But for great stories they need to come to us," she said.
Nigerian movies are popular in Jamaica and Omotola (or Omosexy as she is known to fans) has racked up an impressive filmography. She is listed as one of the most successful actresses to come out of Nollywood, the popular name for the Nigerian film industry.
Omotola explained that acting was never on the cards for her early on, as the profession was once frowned on in Nigeria.
In fact, she really wanted to be a singer. But as a 16-year-old model a chance audition turned her on to acting.
Her breakthrough came in 1995 with the film Mortal Inheritance. This would set in motion a steady stream films including Beyonce and Rihanna, Ties that Bind, the Blood Sisters series, Royal Family, Games Women Play and Last Wedding.
While in Jamaica she is set to meet players with the local film community for an exchange of ideas.
Read more: Nollywood actress visits Jamaica - Entertainment - JamaicaObserver-com
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2006/12/07
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Obama says Clooney is low-maintenance and doesn't take advantage of their friendship. He says Clooney keeps his distance so that Obama won't be criticized for hanging out with Hollywood celebrities.
First lady Michelle Obama said of Clooney: "He's cute, too."
In May, Clooney held a fundraiser for Obama at his Los Angeles home that raised nearly $15 million. Clooney is scheduled to hold another fundraiser for Obama later this month in Geneva.
Obama tells Entertainment Tonight in an interview airing Monday that he got to know Clooney through his work on Sudan when Obama was in the U.S. Senate.
Read more: Obama dishes on friendship with George Clooney - Connecticut Post