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Putting a 24-hour casino in every home comes with great responsibility. Ensuring a safe, responsible gambling experience should be of paramount importance.
Online gambling companies talk incessantly about revenue, but it is everyone’s responsibility – from regulatory bodies to operators, from governments to the citizens themselves – to require that all proper consumer protections and safeguards are in place before online gambling can go live. It is imperative that all stakeholders in online gambling be well versed, not just in its benefits, but its pitfalls as well.
Perhaps one of the most dramatic illustrations of what happens when a gaming company puts revenue before responsibility is the case of Terrance Watanabe who is reported to have lost most of his personal fortune recklessly gambling in Las Vegas.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal published Dec. 5, 2009, “During a year-long gambling binge at the Caesars Palace and Rio casinos in 2007, Terrance Watanabe managed to lose nearly $127 million. The run is believed to be one of the biggest losing streaks by an individual in Las Vegas history.”
While Steve Wynn is reported to have barred Watanabe from his casino for compulsive gambling, Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. welcomed him and derived 5.6% of its Las Vegas gambling revenue from him that year.
This case showed such an egregious lack of sound business judgment on the part of Harrah’s, now Caesars Entertainment, that the company was fined $225,000 by New Jersey regulators in March of this year. Gary Thompson, director of Corporate Communications for Caesars Entertainment said, “Because of the confidential settlement agreement we reached with Watanabe, neither he nor we can make any official comment.” However, he points out that Caesars hired an outside agency to investigate the situation and made procedural changes deemed necessary to prevent recurrences.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has taken a more proactive approach to responsible gaming and has expressed great concern over the potential spread of excessive gambling in his state. When he conditionally vetoed that state’s online gambling bill in February of this year, one of his main recommendations was to increase funding of compulsive gambling programs.
In a statement released with his veto, Gov. Christie said his recommendations are intended to continue “the tradition in New Jersey of a fine, careful, and well-regulated implementation of gaming.” The operative word here is “careful.” In the rush to reap the financial windfall online gambling companies promise oftentimes, the need for consumer safeguards is overlooked.
Gov. Christie signed the bill into law once the Legislature agreed to his changes.
It is the duty of all jurisdictions considering introducing gambling to its citizens, whether in brick-and-mortar or online casinos, to take such a thoughtful, measured approach to the issue. Doing any less could have devastating effects.
As Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), states, “We are concerned that as jurisdictions race to legalize Internet gambling, often in an attempt to boost their gaming tax revenues, they are neglecting serious problem gambling concerns.
“Without comprehensive responsible gaming policies, the massive expansion of Internet and social gaming may exacerbate gambling addiction. Our IRG (Internet Responsible Gaming) standards incorporate best practices from around the world, and we strongly urge they be incorporated into online gaming legislation and regulation.”
There is no question problem gambling destroys lives. Organizations such as NCPG propose a comprehensive public health strategy is the most ethical and cost-effective response to the gambling addiction issues raised by Internet gambling. The universal adoption of responsible gaming standards by operators and regulators alike, in tangent with well-informed consumers, is an important aspect of this approach. Legislation and regulation of online gambling must keep up with the rapid pace of technology.
While I was marketing director for The Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles, I produced many successful events that created enormous revenue for the casino. The morning after one such event I drove into the parking lot of the casino and noticed an elderly woman crying into her hands.
This image has haunted me to this day. I thought to myself, “Did I do this to her?” This is the question all the stakeholders in online gambling should ask themselves. Let’s not forget there is a human face in front of that computer screen.
Legalizing online gambling pros and cons :: GamingToday-com
Online gambling companies talk incessantly about revenue, but it is everyone’s responsibility – from regulatory bodies to operators, from governments to the citizens themselves – to require that all proper consumer protections and safeguards are in place before online gambling can go live. It is imperative that all stakeholders in online gambling be well versed, not just in its benefits, but its pitfalls as well.
Perhaps one of the most dramatic illustrations of what happens when a gaming company puts revenue before responsibility is the case of Terrance Watanabe who is reported to have lost most of his personal fortune recklessly gambling in Las Vegas.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal published Dec. 5, 2009, “During a year-long gambling binge at the Caesars Palace and Rio casinos in 2007, Terrance Watanabe managed to lose nearly $127 million. The run is believed to be one of the biggest losing streaks by an individual in Las Vegas history.”
While Steve Wynn is reported to have barred Watanabe from his casino for compulsive gambling, Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. welcomed him and derived 5.6% of its Las Vegas gambling revenue from him that year.
This case showed such an egregious lack of sound business judgment on the part of Harrah’s, now Caesars Entertainment, that the company was fined $225,000 by New Jersey regulators in March of this year. Gary Thompson, director of Corporate Communications for Caesars Entertainment said, “Because of the confidential settlement agreement we reached with Watanabe, neither he nor we can make any official comment.” However, he points out that Caesars hired an outside agency to investigate the situation and made procedural changes deemed necessary to prevent recurrences.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has taken a more proactive approach to responsible gaming and has expressed great concern over the potential spread of excessive gambling in his state. When he conditionally vetoed that state’s online gambling bill in February of this year, one of his main recommendations was to increase funding of compulsive gambling programs.
In a statement released with his veto, Gov. Christie said his recommendations are intended to continue “the tradition in New Jersey of a fine, careful, and well-regulated implementation of gaming.” The operative word here is “careful.” In the rush to reap the financial windfall online gambling companies promise oftentimes, the need for consumer safeguards is overlooked.
Gov. Christie signed the bill into law once the Legislature agreed to his changes.
It is the duty of all jurisdictions considering introducing gambling to its citizens, whether in brick-and-mortar or online casinos, to take such a thoughtful, measured approach to the issue. Doing any less could have devastating effects.
As Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), states, “We are concerned that as jurisdictions race to legalize Internet gambling, often in an attempt to boost their gaming tax revenues, they are neglecting serious problem gambling concerns.
“Without comprehensive responsible gaming policies, the massive expansion of Internet and social gaming may exacerbate gambling addiction. Our IRG (Internet Responsible Gaming) standards incorporate best practices from around the world, and we strongly urge they be incorporated into online gaming legislation and regulation.”
There is no question problem gambling destroys lives. Organizations such as NCPG propose a comprehensive public health strategy is the most ethical and cost-effective response to the gambling addiction issues raised by Internet gambling. The universal adoption of responsible gaming standards by operators and regulators alike, in tangent with well-informed consumers, is an important aspect of this approach. Legislation and regulation of online gambling must keep up with the rapid pace of technology.
While I was marketing director for The Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles, I produced many successful events that created enormous revenue for the casino. The morning after one such event I drove into the parking lot of the casino and noticed an elderly woman crying into her hands.
This image has haunted me to this day. I thought to myself, “Did I do this to her?” This is the question all the stakeholders in online gambling should ask themselves. Let’s not forget there is a human face in front of that computer screen.
Legalizing online gambling pros and cons :: GamingToday-com
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The former Prime Minister was famously played by Meryl Streep who won an Oscar for her performance in The Iron Lady.
In a statement, Streep called her "a figure of awe for her personal strength and grit".
Artist Richard Stone, who painted her on several occasions, said: "Her kindness is my abiding memory of her."
Here are a selection of reactions.
Margaret Thatcher was a pioneer, willingly or unwillingly, for the role of women in politics.
It is hard to imagine a part of our current history that has not been affected by measures she put forward in the UK at the end of the 20th Century. Her hard-nosed fiscal measures took a toll on the poor, and her hands-off approach to financial regulation led to great wealth for others. There is an argument that her steadfast, almost emotional loyalty to the pound sterling has helped the UK weather the storms of European monetary uncertainty.
But to me she was a figure of awe for her personal strength and grit. To have come up, legitimately, through the ranks of the British political system, class bound and gender phobic as it was, in the time that she did and the way that she did, was a formidable achievement.
To have won it, not because she inherited position as the daughter of a great man, or the widow of an important man, but by dint of her own striving.
To have withstood the special hatred and ridicule, unprecedented in my opinion, levelled in our time at a public figure who was not a mass murderer; and to have managed to keep her convictions attached to fervent ideals and ideas - wrongheaded or misguided as we might see them now - without corruption, I see that as evidence of some kind of greatness, worthy for the argument of history to settle.
To have given women and girls around the world reason to supplant fantasies of being princesses with a different dream: the real-life option of leading their nation; this was groundbreaking and admirable.
I was honoured to try to imagine her late life journey after power; but I have only a glancing understanding of what her many struggles were, and how she managed to sail through to the other side. I wish to convey my respectful condolences to her family and many friends. Speaking to the BBC last year, Nallon said: "I used to do a question and answer with the audience - I had no act, I just dressed as Thatcher and went out to take questions. So, the difficulty, once I'd got the voice, was to know everything about her.
If I went on Mastermind, [she] would be my specialist subject.
I think with Thatcher, you either loved her or hated her. She was either a figure of fun or an iconic hero but the truth is always more complicated. Looking back now, perhaps her legacy is Tony Blair rather than David Cameron. The fact that nobody dismantled politically what she achieved. I painted Lady Thatcher six times. Her kindness is my abiding memory of her, and her thoughtfulness. She was lovely and she was also the perfect sitter, that's what comes out. Sittings were at her home, at her office in the House of Lords and in my studio.
Here is what I wrote:
"I do hope that the light in here is alright for you," inquired Lady Thatcher, extending a hand to greet me. She listened attentively while I explained how I hoped the sittings would progress. It was clear she wanted to give of her best and be a good sitter. With some minor adjustments to the room, a comfortable chair was positioned to allow the light to fall gently across her face. Coffee was summoned and the first of many enjoyable sittings began.
For me it was the beginning of a new adventure. Margaret Thatcher had been such an influential Prime Minster, much revered by my family and an inspiration to many of my generation. Her reputation was well-known, as was her appearance from countless photographs and caricatures. I started work on the portrait a few days after meeting her for the first time.
Not just wanting to record a superficial likeness, I needed to capture something of the strength and determination that a nation has always attributed to her. The trademark blue suit, the ubiquitous handbag not far from her side and the perfect coiffure succinctly enshrined the public perception of the country's first lady prime minister. .
With a ramrod-straight back and hands neatly clasped in her lap, we gradually broke into conversation. There was talk of the Brighton Bombing, the Falklands War, her friendship with Ronald Reagan and most surprisingly, traditional home cooking.
Memories of the Falklands took an emotional turn with a catch in her voice recalling the lists of casualties which brought the reality of the conflict fought far away back home. Recollections of the SAS invasion strategy were graphically illustrated over the tea table with the cups and saucers, sugar bowl, milk jug and teapot used as landmarks to describe the scene. At times the conversation was vigorous with robust opinions expressed, giving me moments to see the fire still behind the eyes. Although each sitting would be an hour and a half in length, time would fly as I flung paint on the canvas. Often oblivious to an agitated secretary wanting to draw things to a close, our time together would regularly over-run. On many occasions when I was tired from the intense concentration, I would be invited to stay on for a drink to relax and continue our conversation.
After time, there emerged a softer, more tender aspect to the Iron Lady. She would ask questions and listen carefully to my considered responses. It was at moments such as these, that I was able to see a more sensitive side that I felt was necessary to allude to in the portrait. There emerged a different woman with a kindness, a good humour and indeed a gentleness that was not revealed in the painting. Although the picture was practically finished, I was about ready to start all over again, as I now felt I knew her as she really was.
Whilst I had invited Lady Thatcher to view the w
In a statement, Streep called her "a figure of awe for her personal strength and grit".
Artist Richard Stone, who painted her on several occasions, said: "Her kindness is my abiding memory of her."
Here are a selection of reactions.
Margaret Thatcher was a pioneer, willingly or unwillingly, for the role of women in politics.
It is hard to imagine a part of our current history that has not been affected by measures she put forward in the UK at the end of the 20th Century. Her hard-nosed fiscal measures took a toll on the poor, and her hands-off approach to financial regulation led to great wealth for others. There is an argument that her steadfast, almost emotional loyalty to the pound sterling has helped the UK weather the storms of European monetary uncertainty.
But to me she was a figure of awe for her personal strength and grit. To have come up, legitimately, through the ranks of the British political system, class bound and gender phobic as it was, in the time that she did and the way that she did, was a formidable achievement.
To have won it, not because she inherited position as the daughter of a great man, or the widow of an important man, but by dint of her own striving.
To have withstood the special hatred and ridicule, unprecedented in my opinion, levelled in our time at a public figure who was not a mass murderer; and to have managed to keep her convictions attached to fervent ideals and ideas - wrongheaded or misguided as we might see them now - without corruption, I see that as evidence of some kind of greatness, worthy for the argument of history to settle.
To have given women and girls around the world reason to supplant fantasies of being princesses with a different dream: the real-life option of leading their nation; this was groundbreaking and admirable.
I was honoured to try to imagine her late life journey after power; but I have only a glancing understanding of what her many struggles were, and how she managed to sail through to the other side. I wish to convey my respectful condolences to her family and many friends. Speaking to the BBC last year, Nallon said: "I used to do a question and answer with the audience - I had no act, I just dressed as Thatcher and went out to take questions. So, the difficulty, once I'd got the voice, was to know everything about her.
If I went on Mastermind, [she] would be my specialist subject.
I think with Thatcher, you either loved her or hated her. She was either a figure of fun or an iconic hero but the truth is always more complicated. Looking back now, perhaps her legacy is Tony Blair rather than David Cameron. The fact that nobody dismantled politically what she achieved. I painted Lady Thatcher six times. Her kindness is my abiding memory of her, and her thoughtfulness. She was lovely and she was also the perfect sitter, that's what comes out. Sittings were at her home, at her office in the House of Lords and in my studio.
Here is what I wrote:
"I do hope that the light in here is alright for you," inquired Lady Thatcher, extending a hand to greet me. She listened attentively while I explained how I hoped the sittings would progress. It was clear she wanted to give of her best and be a good sitter. With some minor adjustments to the room, a comfortable chair was positioned to allow the light to fall gently across her face. Coffee was summoned and the first of many enjoyable sittings began.
For me it was the beginning of a new adventure. Margaret Thatcher had been such an influential Prime Minster, much revered by my family and an inspiration to many of my generation. Her reputation was well-known, as was her appearance from countless photographs and caricatures. I started work on the portrait a few days after meeting her for the first time.
Not just wanting to record a superficial likeness, I needed to capture something of the strength and determination that a nation has always attributed to her. The trademark blue suit, the ubiquitous handbag not far from her side and the perfect coiffure succinctly enshrined the public perception of the country's first lady prime minister. .
With a ramrod-straight back and hands neatly clasped in her lap, we gradually broke into conversation. There was talk of the Brighton Bombing, the Falklands War, her friendship with Ronald Reagan and most surprisingly, traditional home cooking.
Memories of the Falklands took an emotional turn with a catch in her voice recalling the lists of casualties which brought the reality of the conflict fought far away back home. Recollections of the SAS invasion strategy were graphically illustrated over the tea table with the cups and saucers, sugar bowl, milk jug and teapot used as landmarks to describe the scene. At times the conversation was vigorous with robust opinions expressed, giving me moments to see the fire still behind the eyes. Although each sitting would be an hour and a half in length, time would fly as I flung paint on the canvas. Often oblivious to an agitated secretary wanting to draw things to a close, our time together would regularly over-run. On many occasions when I was tired from the intense concentration, I would be invited to stay on for a drink to relax and continue our conversation.
After time, there emerged a softer, more tender aspect to the Iron Lady. She would ask questions and listen carefully to my considered responses. It was at moments such as these, that I was able to see a more sensitive side that I felt was necessary to allude to in the portrait. There emerged a different woman with a kindness, a good humour and indeed a gentleness that was not revealed in the painting. Although the picture was practically finished, I was about ready to start all over again, as I now felt I knew her as she really was.
Whilst I had invited Lady Thatcher to view the w
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2006/12/07
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David_1 wrote:
Very interesting........
Affiliates will will always be a need.
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2006/12/11
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Students and young people are increasingly at risk of harm from online gambling due to widespread access to internet-equipped devices, a seminar was told yesterday.
Speakers at the forum urged parents to pay more attention to their children's internet habits to protect them from the dangers of gambling.
The seminar was organised by the Sodsri-Saridwongsa Foundation's Social Campaign and Public Policy Project to help combat gambling.
The foundation said school holidays were particularly high-risk times because students have more free time and are likely to spend longer hours in front of a computer.
Siriporn Yodkamolsart, a researcher with the Centre for Gambling Studies, said the increasing availability of modern technologies has made online gambling services more accessible to students and children.
Anyone with a smartphone can easily visit gambling sites.
Many countries permit online gambling without enforcing measures to prevent children from gaining access to the sites, Ms Siriporn said.
In Thailand, online gambling services are run by joint ventures with foreign partners.
Some gamblers also act as agents and receive free site credit in exchange for attracting new players, Ms Siriporn said.
Gambling sites are also using various tactics to create an exciting environment for gamblers, increasing the risk of addiction, she said.
Most online gamblers are men, though researchers say increasing numbers of women are also visiting the sites. Students account for the majority of online gamblers, followed by entrepreneurs running small- and medium-sized business.
Several government officials were also found to have gambled online, she said.
Online gamblers can place bets on anything from sporting results, beauty pageant contest results, election outcomes, or play more conventional casino-style games, Ms Siriporn said.
There are tens of thousands of gambling sites available online, with poker being the most popular game, she said.
Srida Tantha-athipanich, director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand, said online gambling sites are easy to visit. They also provide tips on gambling and telephone numbers to contact for additional information.
Meanwhile, more than 100 members of the Thai Society Protection Network gathered yesterday at Government House demanding a plan to amend the law governing the Government Lottery Office (GLO) be reviewed.
They said the amendment would give the GLO more power to offer a variety of gambling products which would turn the nation into "a gambling society".
Tech boom lures students into online gambling sites | Bangkok Post: news
Speakers at the forum urged parents to pay more attention to their children's internet habits to protect them from the dangers of gambling.
The seminar was organised by the Sodsri-Saridwongsa Foundation's Social Campaign and Public Policy Project to help combat gambling.
The foundation said school holidays were particularly high-risk times because students have more free time and are likely to spend longer hours in front of a computer.
Siriporn Yodkamolsart, a researcher with the Centre for Gambling Studies, said the increasing availability of modern technologies has made online gambling services more accessible to students and children.
Anyone with a smartphone can easily visit gambling sites.
Many countries permit online gambling without enforcing measures to prevent children from gaining access to the sites, Ms Siriporn said.
In Thailand, online gambling services are run by joint ventures with foreign partners.
Some gamblers also act as agents and receive free site credit in exchange for attracting new players, Ms Siriporn said.
Gambling sites are also using various tactics to create an exciting environment for gamblers, increasing the risk of addiction, she said.
Most online gamblers are men, though researchers say increasing numbers of women are also visiting the sites. Students account for the majority of online gamblers, followed by entrepreneurs running small- and medium-sized business.
Several government officials were also found to have gambled online, she said.
Online gamblers can place bets on anything from sporting results, beauty pageant contest results, election outcomes, or play more conventional casino-style games, Ms Siriporn said.
There are tens of thousands of gambling sites available online, with poker being the most popular game, she said.
Srida Tantha-athipanich, director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand, said online gambling sites are easy to visit. They also provide tips on gambling and telephone numbers to contact for additional information.
Meanwhile, more than 100 members of the Thai Society Protection Network gathered yesterday at Government House demanding a plan to amend the law governing the Government Lottery Office (GLO) be reviewed.
They said the amendment would give the GLO more power to offer a variety of gambling products which would turn the nation into "a gambling society".
Tech boom lures students into online gambling sites | Bangkok Post: news
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2006/12/07
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29893
Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a law on Wednesday aimed at closing hundreds of storefront online gambling operations known as "Internet cafes" across the state.
The online poker and slots operations were at the center of a three-year federal investigation that culminated last month with 57 arrests on money-laundering and racketeering charges.
The investigation prompted the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll over her public relations company's work for a non-profit organization, Allied Veterans of the World.
Allied was accused of reaping about $300 million in revenue from gambling centers operating under the guise of Internet cafes, and sharing only about 2 percent of it with veterans.
Carroll was questioned by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement but not charged in the case.
The new statute allows games of skill, not chance, and limits prizes to 75 cents per win, but supporters of the "adult arcade" businesses, popular with retirees in many towns, have said the law wipes out about 14,000 jobs at some 1,000 businesses.
"I think the House and Senate did the right thing to crack down on illegal gaming, especially in light of the Allied Veterans multi-state conspiracy," the governor told reporters.
Legislators raced the new online gambling bill through after the arrests and Carroll's resignation. One House member and four senators, all from populous southeast Florida where the adult arcades are popular, voted against it.
The Internet cafes operated under an ambiguity in Florida law allowing companies to offer sweepstakes as a promotion for selling another product, such as phone cards and Internet time that can be used as patrons see fit.
There is no longer a federal prohibition against all Internet gambling.
The U.S. Justice Department in 2011 cleared the way for U.S. states to legalize Internet poker and certain other online betting after previously holding that all online gambling was illegal under a 1961 telecommunications law.
The department concluded that the law had been aimed at halting wire communications for sports gambling, notably off-track betting on horse races.
Florida governor signs law to close storefront gambling
The online poker and slots operations were at the center of a three-year federal investigation that culminated last month with 57 arrests on money-laundering and racketeering charges.
The investigation prompted the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll over her public relations company's work for a non-profit organization, Allied Veterans of the World.
Allied was accused of reaping about $300 million in revenue from gambling centers operating under the guise of Internet cafes, and sharing only about 2 percent of it with veterans.
Carroll was questioned by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement but not charged in the case.
The new statute allows games of skill, not chance, and limits prizes to 75 cents per win, but supporters of the "adult arcade" businesses, popular with retirees in many towns, have said the law wipes out about 14,000 jobs at some 1,000 businesses.
"I think the House and Senate did the right thing to crack down on illegal gaming, especially in light of the Allied Veterans multi-state conspiracy," the governor told reporters.
Legislators raced the new online gambling bill through after the arrests and Carroll's resignation. One House member and four senators, all from populous southeast Florida where the adult arcades are popular, voted against it.
The Internet cafes operated under an ambiguity in Florida law allowing companies to offer sweepstakes as a promotion for selling another product, such as phone cards and Internet time that can be used as patrons see fit.
There is no longer a federal prohibition against all Internet gambling.
The U.S. Justice Department in 2011 cleared the way for U.S. states to legalize Internet poker and certain other online betting after previously holding that all online gambling was illegal under a 1961 telecommunications law.
The department concluded that the law had been aimed at halting wire communications for sports gambling, notably off-track betting on horse races.
Florida governor signs law to close storefront gambling
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2006/12/07
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29893
A respected publication Tech Crunch recently reported that bwin.party Digital Entertainment has separated the payment platform Kalixa from its holdings giving the wing operational independence.
Kamran Hedjri, Kalixa’s chief commercial officer, said the company had gained experience and association business while engaged with the online gambling industry and parent firm bwin.party Digital Entertainment. Kalixa processed Euro 2.7 billion in transactions for some 300 merchants; its pre-paid credit cards, backed by Mastercard, were in use by over 150,000 Europeans last year.
Hedjri stated that Bwin.party has spent as much as 100 million euro developing Kalixa’s technology so far. This move will be good for both the payment processor and the online gambling operator. The need to expand its customer base in other sectors to compete on a global scale with firms such as Google and Pay Pal. The company has been doing well for the past twelve years and has announced it will be launching new mobile and online wallet products. The international e-commerce market passed sales of $1 trillion for the first time in 2012, and is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2013. Tech Crunch reported, CEO of Kalixa, Ed Chandler said, “Most merchants and consumers don’t know that up to ten different companies are involved in making or accepting a single payment, with each one taking a cut and expecting a return. This is adding unnecessary cost, complexity and risk to merchant and consumer payments. Chandler continued, “In times of austerity, businesses with shrinking margins and consumers with lighter wallets simply cannot go on paying over the odds.
Kalixa is here to disrupt this scenario. We intend to trim the ‘fat’ by removing the excess links in the value chain to make payments simple and secure.” Kamran Hedjri, added to the published report, “Being connected to a regulated, online gambling company helped us develop a lot of benefits and particular skills in areas like fraud management. Now we show those in other sectors like travel how best to approach this.”
Online Gambling Operator bwin.party Separates Payment Wing
Kamran Hedjri, Kalixa’s chief commercial officer, said the company had gained experience and association business while engaged with the online gambling industry and parent firm bwin.party Digital Entertainment. Kalixa processed Euro 2.7 billion in transactions for some 300 merchants; its pre-paid credit cards, backed by Mastercard, were in use by over 150,000 Europeans last year.
Hedjri stated that Bwin.party has spent as much as 100 million euro developing Kalixa’s technology so far. This move will be good for both the payment processor and the online gambling operator. The need to expand its customer base in other sectors to compete on a global scale with firms such as Google and Pay Pal. The company has been doing well for the past twelve years and has announced it will be launching new mobile and online wallet products. The international e-commerce market passed sales of $1 trillion for the first time in 2012, and is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2013. Tech Crunch reported, CEO of Kalixa, Ed Chandler said, “Most merchants and consumers don’t know that up to ten different companies are involved in making or accepting a single payment, with each one taking a cut and expecting a return. This is adding unnecessary cost, complexity and risk to merchant and consumer payments. Chandler continued, “In times of austerity, businesses with shrinking margins and consumers with lighter wallets simply cannot go on paying over the odds.
Kalixa is here to disrupt this scenario. We intend to trim the ‘fat’ by removing the excess links in the value chain to make payments simple and secure.” Kamran Hedjri, added to the published report, “Being connected to a regulated, online gambling company helped us develop a lot of benefits and particular skills in areas like fraud management. Now we show those in other sectors like travel how best to approach this.”
Online Gambling Operator bwin.party Separates Payment Wing
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2006/12/07
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We have been hearing a lot about the fate of Bitcoins of late and the latest news is it has taken off surpassing unexpected values. Bitcoin, the digital currency that trades outside the control of central banks on the internet reached new heights recently, surpassing the $200 mark. That level comes just five days after Bitcoin approached $150. The US company Mt. Gox the largest exchange service for the currency which as of 2011 was already handling eighty percent of Bitcoin transactions called this rise in value to be “epic” Only two months ago that exchange rates put a single bitcoin's value at around $20. That’s truly more thatn just an epic rise. The last huge rise was when the Greek economy started to falter the bitcoin started to see more interest and now with the Cyprus crisis and the Spanish economic sputter the bitcoin is making major leaps. Fear is generating a need basically that is based on massive withdrawal fees and the loss of billions if the funds are left in bank controlled traditional currencies.
There are detractors to the theory such as Jon Matonis of the Bitcoin Foundation who told Der Spiegel,"Most transactions are still coming from affluent regions, like the United States and Northern Europe," Matonis maintains, "What we are seeing is not a Cyprus bubble."
The $ 240 Bitcoin value is linked in part to the currencies small size giving it a volatility like nothing seen before. When gold prices rocketed from $35 per once to over seven hundred when the banks un-pegged its value there was the same panic and profit being made. Mt.Gox, which says it conducts more than 420,000 bitcoin trades each month and has had to limit the maximum amount of monthly withdrawals to between $50,000 and $500,000, depending on customers' "verified" or "trusted" status. Bitcoins who would have thought that it would be this interesting.
Online Gambling Currency Bitcoin Hits New Heights
There are detractors to the theory such as Jon Matonis of the Bitcoin Foundation who told Der Spiegel,"Most transactions are still coming from affluent regions, like the United States and Northern Europe," Matonis maintains, "What we are seeing is not a Cyprus bubble."
The $ 240 Bitcoin value is linked in part to the currencies small size giving it a volatility like nothing seen before. When gold prices rocketed from $35 per once to over seven hundred when the banks un-pegged its value there was the same panic and profit being made. Mt.Gox, which says it conducts more than 420,000 bitcoin trades each month and has had to limit the maximum amount of monthly withdrawals to between $50,000 and $500,000, depending on customers' "verified" or "trusted" status. Bitcoins who would have thought that it would be this interesting.
Online Gambling Currency Bitcoin Hits New Heights
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2006/12/07
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Thursday confirmed that Beyonce and Jay-Z's controversial trip to Cuba last week was indeed sanctioned.
"It is our understanding that the travelers in question traveled to Cuba pursuant to an educational exchange trip organized by a group authorized by (the Office of Foreign Assets Control) to sponsor and organize programs to promote people-to-people contact in Cuba," Alastair M. Fitzpayne, the Treasury's assistant secretary for legislative affairs, wrote in a letter to Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart.
The letter also notes that "OFAC's regulations and guidelines require that such trips involve a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that result in meaningful interaction between the U.S. travelers and individuals of Cuba." Visitors are allowed to "engage in non-educational activities off-hours." The Florida representatives had contacted the Treasury with concerns about the singers' trip, writing that the U.S. travel restrictions are in place to prevent American tourism dollars being spent to support a "murderous regime."
Americans can travel to Cuba if they first obtain a license for an academic, religious, journalistic or cultural exchange trip, but may not travel there simply for tourism.
The celebrity couple was pictured visiting the island on their fifth wedding anniversary. They toured historic Old Havana and dined at an elegant Havana restaurant, and Jay-Z was photographed smoking one of Cuba's famed cigars. The stars' presence created such a stir that police were called in.
"It is our understanding that the travelers in question traveled to Cuba pursuant to an educational exchange trip organized by a group authorized by (the Office of Foreign Assets Control) to sponsor and organize programs to promote people-to-people contact in Cuba," Alastair M. Fitzpayne, the Treasury's assistant secretary for legislative affairs, wrote in a letter to Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart.
The letter also notes that "OFAC's regulations and guidelines require that such trips involve a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that result in meaningful interaction between the U.S. travelers and individuals of Cuba." Visitors are allowed to "engage in non-educational activities off-hours." The Florida representatives had contacted the Treasury with concerns about the singers' trip, writing that the U.S. travel restrictions are in place to prevent American tourism dollars being spent to support a "murderous regime."
Americans can travel to Cuba if they first obtain a license for an academic, religious, journalistic or cultural exchange trip, but may not travel there simply for tourism.
The celebrity couple was pictured visiting the island on their fifth wedding anniversary. They toured historic Old Havana and dined at an elegant Havana restaurant, and Jay-Z was photographed smoking one of Cuba's famed cigars. The stars' presence created such a stir that police were called in.
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Shares of Boyd Gaming (BYD) are popping this morning, up more than 14% to about $9.40 after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to Overweight and raised its price target to $12 a share.
Morgan Stanley’s thesis is that by 2020 online gambling in the U.S. will be as big as a business as today’s real-world gambling centers of Las Vegas and Atlantic City combined; New Jersey’s approval of online gambling in late February is the first step to the sector really taking off.
The analysts see Boyd as the best play on that trend:
In our base case (now factored into our BYD estimates), we model the legal US online gaming market to be ~$670 million in 2014, increasing to $9.3 billion in 2020 (55% CAGR). Put into context, by 2020, we estimate online gaming in the US to be the same size as the current Las Vegas Strip ($6.2 billion of gaming revenue in 2012) and Atlantic City ($3 billion in 2012) markets. Note the US online gaming market was estimated to be $5.3 billion ($7.5 billion adjusted for inflation) before it was banned in late 2006.
We believe our market estimates are conservative.
Boyd Gaming Jumps 14% After MS Upgrade - Stocks To Watch - Barrons-com
Morgan Stanley’s thesis is that by 2020 online gambling in the U.S. will be as big as a business as today’s real-world gambling centers of Las Vegas and Atlantic City combined; New Jersey’s approval of online gambling in late February is the first step to the sector really taking off.
The analysts see Boyd as the best play on that trend:
In our base case (now factored into our BYD estimates), we model the legal US online gaming market to be ~$670 million in 2014, increasing to $9.3 billion in 2020 (55% CAGR). Put into context, by 2020, we estimate online gaming in the US to be the same size as the current Las Vegas Strip ($6.2 billion of gaming revenue in 2012) and Atlantic City ($3 billion in 2012) markets. Note the US online gaming market was estimated to be $5.3 billion ($7.5 billion adjusted for inflation) before it was banned in late 2006.
We believe our market estimates are conservative.
Boyd Gaming Jumps 14% After MS Upgrade - Stocks To Watch - Barrons-com
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Despite New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoing an online gambling bill earlier this year, the governor of Nevada has now signed legislation (Nevada 2013-AB114) that enables and authorises that state to make arrangements and enter into agreements with other states that legalise interstate online poker conducted across those state lines. The US Department of Justice still holds that sports betting is illegal under the Interstate Wire Act of 1961 and there has been no move to repeal or amend the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 or, for example, the corresponding compliance obligations applicable to financial institutions imposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, at the end of 2011, the Department of Justice released a memorandum indicating that it no longer believes that non-sports related online betting and wagering (eg, online poker) is prohibited by the Wire Act, essentially paving the way for states to act in the arena of intra-state online gambling – including sports wagering solely within states.
Technically, the Nevada statute eliminates a provision in the existing law that would require either approval from the Department of Justice or some Federal-enabling legislation. Effectively it allows the Nevada Gaming Commission to adopt regulations that authorise the state (ostensibly through the governor's office) to enter into agreements with other states. Obviously, each other state would require similar enabling legislation and New Jersey is poised to send another bill to its governor's office in the hope that it can craft legislation that Christie is willing to sign.
Nevada has traditionally had a strong regulatory environment and the bill includes the following language expressing the intent and basis for the new legislation. The bill notes that "The state of Nevada leads the nation in gaming regulation and enforcement" and "is uniquely positioned to develop an effective and comprehensive regulatory structure related to interactive gaming".
Nevada authorises interstate online gambling arrangements - International Law Office
Technically, the Nevada statute eliminates a provision in the existing law that would require either approval from the Department of Justice or some Federal-enabling legislation. Effectively it allows the Nevada Gaming Commission to adopt regulations that authorise the state (ostensibly through the governor's office) to enter into agreements with other states. Obviously, each other state would require similar enabling legislation and New Jersey is poised to send another bill to its governor's office in the hope that it can craft legislation that Christie is willing to sign.
Nevada has traditionally had a strong regulatory environment and the bill includes the following language expressing the intent and basis for the new legislation. The bill notes that "The state of Nevada leads the nation in gaming regulation and enforcement" and "is uniquely positioned to develop an effective and comprehensive regulatory structure related to interactive gaming".
Nevada authorises interstate online gambling arrangements - International Law Office
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Can Hollywood handle the truth — about an actress’s age?
A trial now under way in Seattle is seeking to answer that question in the case of a sexy 41-year-old B-movie performer who is suing a popular film Web site for ruining her dreams of stardom by publicizing her true age.
Junie Hoang says she has been struggling for years to make it to the top in Tinseltown, with little luck.
After nearly two decades in the business, her biggest roles were in films such as “Zombie Postwoman in Z: A Zombie Musical.”
Hoang claims that all hope of putting such low-grade fare behind her and joining the A-list ended when the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Web site violated her privacy and posted her real age on its site.
In her $1 million suit — which is being heard this week — Hoang claims discrimination is so bad in Hollywood that hiding one’s age is vital.
“In the entertainment industry, youth is king,” she said in her civil complaint. “If one is perceived to be ‘over-the-hill,’ i.e. approaching 40, it is nearly impossible for an up-and-coming actress . . . to get work.”
Though IMDb has conceded it used Hoang’s subscriber information to discover her real age, it argues that the truth should trump all of Hoang’s claims.
A trial now under way in Seattle is seeking to answer that question in the case of a sexy 41-year-old B-movie performer who is suing a popular film Web site for ruining her dreams of stardom by publicizing her true age.
Junie Hoang says she has been struggling for years to make it to the top in Tinseltown, with little luck.
After nearly two decades in the business, her biggest roles were in films such as “Zombie Postwoman in Z: A Zombie Musical.”
Hoang claims that all hope of putting such low-grade fare behind her and joining the A-list ended when the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Web site violated her privacy and posted her real age on its site.
In her $1 million suit — which is being heard this week — Hoang claims discrimination is so bad in Hollywood that hiding one’s age is vital.
“In the entertainment industry, youth is king,” she said in her civil complaint. “If one is perceived to be ‘over-the-hill,’ i.e. approaching 40, it is nearly impossible for an up-and-coming actress . . . to get work.”
Though IMDb has conceded it used Hoang’s subscriber information to discover her real age, it argues that the truth should trump all of Hoang’s claims.
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Ontarians will soon be able to safely gamble from the comfort of their homes after the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) announced today it had selected a vendor to run it's internet gambling program.
The OLG said the online program would be launched in phases towards the end of this year, with lottery and casino-style games available to legal-aged residents of the province.
"The move into internet gaming is an exciting step in OLG's modernization," said Rod Phillips, president and CEO of OLG.
As part of the Crown corporation's new online offerings, lottery enthusiasts will be able to purchase LOTTO 6/49, LOTTO MAX, and ENCORE tickets through the PlayOLG.ca website.
UK-based Spielo G2 won the bid through a "competitive" procurement process to provide the OLG with the casino games that will include slots, video poker games, and table games.
"Subsequent phases will include bingo, sports wagering, online poker and the introduction of other new products," the OLG said in its release.
Phillips called Spielo G2 an "experience company" that would "help OLG provide an interactive gaming experience that will be a secure option.”
As part of the betting system, players will have the option to take breaks from games, and manage their online play with spending limits.
$375-million to province
Last year, then Ontario finance minister Dwight Duncan announced a massive overhaul to gambling in the province that promised to bring an estimated $1.3 billion in new revenue.
The OLG estimates it's new internet gaming venture would likely contribute $375-million to the province over the first five years.
By comparison, the province estimates Ontarians are currently spending roughly $400-million annually on mostly-offshore websites.
Internet gambling is currently regulated in seven other provinces, including: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Quebec.
Earlier this week Ontario’s auditor general was tasked with probing parts of the OLG’s controversial expansion, including online gaming.
OLG to launch online gambling site by late 2013 - Toronto - CBC News
The OLG said the online program would be launched in phases towards the end of this year, with lottery and casino-style games available to legal-aged residents of the province.
"The move into internet gaming is an exciting step in OLG's modernization," said Rod Phillips, president and CEO of OLG.
As part of the Crown corporation's new online offerings, lottery enthusiasts will be able to purchase LOTTO 6/49, LOTTO MAX, and ENCORE tickets through the PlayOLG.ca website.
UK-based Spielo G2 won the bid through a "competitive" procurement process to provide the OLG with the casino games that will include slots, video poker games, and table games.
"Subsequent phases will include bingo, sports wagering, online poker and the introduction of other new products," the OLG said in its release.
Phillips called Spielo G2 an "experience company" that would "help OLG provide an interactive gaming experience that will be a secure option.”
As part of the betting system, players will have the option to take breaks from games, and manage their online play with spending limits.
$375-million to province
Last year, then Ontario finance minister Dwight Duncan announced a massive overhaul to gambling in the province that promised to bring an estimated $1.3 billion in new revenue.
The OLG estimates it's new internet gaming venture would likely contribute $375-million to the province over the first five years.
By comparison, the province estimates Ontarians are currently spending roughly $400-million annually on mostly-offshore websites.
Internet gambling is currently regulated in seven other provinces, including: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Quebec.
Earlier this week Ontario’s auditor general was tasked with probing parts of the OLG’s controversial expansion, including online gaming.
OLG to launch online gambling site by late 2013 - Toronto - CBC News
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When traders are debating about how to capture profits on a stock they think will continue to move higher, they have several choices. One way is to simply buy the stock — if the stock moves higher, the trader profits. However, traders also can buy call options that can profit if the stock rises, offering limited risk. Buy the January 2015 10 calls and simultaneously sell the May 11 calls for a net debit of $1.80 or better.
The strategy: A diagonal spread involves buying one option and selling another option with a different strike and different expiration month. It is essentially a time spread. The goal in this instance is for the stock to trend slowly up and eventually help pay for the long-term call with the short-term call’s premium received. It is somewhat similar to a covered call, but instead of owning the stock, a long-term call is purchased instead. A perfect-case scenario is for the stock to be slowly moving higher and be trading right at the short call’s strike at expiration. The most that can be lost is what was paid for the spread.
The rationale: Boyd Gaming is one of the biggest casino entertainment companies in the United States. It owns or operates 22 gaming properties in eight states.
BYD shares surged higher on Thursday after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock. MS believes that with New Jersey approving online gambling in February, similar green lights are likely to pop up across the country, and the gaming sector is poised to take off in the next few years — and Boyd stands a good chance of capitalizing the most based on its fundamentals.
Morgan Stanley has a target price of $12 on Boyd, though that doesn’t mean the stock can’t move higher than that — especially if you look at a 10-year chart.
The problem: How does a trader capture a potential move higher over the long haul with limited risk?
One way is with a diagonal spread. A trader can buy a call option (in this case the 10 strike), which gives the trader the right to buy the stock at a certain price before a certain time with an expiration of over 640 days. This will give the stock a good amount of time to move higher and increase the premium on the call option. To lower the cost of the trade, a trader can sell a call option each month with the same or higher strike (in this case the 11 strike) to offset the long calls cost.
The goal is to have the stock trading right at the short strike at expiration, and the short call would expire worthless. This process can be duplicated if desired each month to continually help decrease the cost and simultaneously increasing the long calls’ intrinsic value. If the stock moves higher, the trader can keep selling a higher-strike call every expiration.
Play the Long-Term Future of Online Gaming | InvestorPlace
The strategy: A diagonal spread involves buying one option and selling another option with a different strike and different expiration month. It is essentially a time spread. The goal in this instance is for the stock to trend slowly up and eventually help pay for the long-term call with the short-term call’s premium received. It is somewhat similar to a covered call, but instead of owning the stock, a long-term call is purchased instead. A perfect-case scenario is for the stock to be slowly moving higher and be trading right at the short call’s strike at expiration. The most that can be lost is what was paid for the spread.
The rationale: Boyd Gaming is one of the biggest casino entertainment companies in the United States. It owns or operates 22 gaming properties in eight states.
BYD shares surged higher on Thursday after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock. MS believes that with New Jersey approving online gambling in February, similar green lights are likely to pop up across the country, and the gaming sector is poised to take off in the next few years — and Boyd stands a good chance of capitalizing the most based on its fundamentals.
Morgan Stanley has a target price of $12 on Boyd, though that doesn’t mean the stock can’t move higher than that — especially if you look at a 10-year chart.
The problem: How does a trader capture a potential move higher over the long haul with limited risk?
One way is with a diagonal spread. A trader can buy a call option (in this case the 10 strike), which gives the trader the right to buy the stock at a certain price before a certain time with an expiration of over 640 days. This will give the stock a good amount of time to move higher and increase the premium on the call option. To lower the cost of the trade, a trader can sell a call option each month with the same or higher strike (in this case the 11 strike) to offset the long calls cost.
The goal is to have the stock trading right at the short strike at expiration, and the short call would expire worthless. This process can be duplicated if desired each month to continually help decrease the cost and simultaneously increasing the long calls’ intrinsic value. If the stock moves higher, the trader can keep selling a higher-strike call every expiration.
Play the Long-Term Future of Online Gaming | InvestorPlace
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Online gambling in the state of Nevada is soon to be a reality as players are now encouraged to register for Caesar Interactive Entertainment’s beta version. Caesar, the popular gaming and casino provider is planning to be the first to cash in on new online gaming legislation.
The company obtained an interactive gaming license from the state recently and is planning to collaborate with worldwide partners in order to make its operations successful in the coming months of the “online gambling gold rush”.
The software supporting Caesar’s gaming project will be provided by 888 Holdings as Nevada officials granted a license to the European company last month. In order to get the best out of the World Series of Poker branded offering, Caesar will work with Californian marketing giant Zambezi.
Nevada was the first state to review online gambling restrictions following Black Friday.
Initially, online gambling was expected to be up and running by the end of 2012 but delays were necessary due to software testing. In order to achieve a healthy player pool interstate partnerships were finally allowed by Nevada state authorities in early 2013.
Online Gambling in Nevada to Soon Become Reality - Online Casino Archives
The company obtained an interactive gaming license from the state recently and is planning to collaborate with worldwide partners in order to make its operations successful in the coming months of the “online gambling gold rush”.
The software supporting Caesar’s gaming project will be provided by 888 Holdings as Nevada officials granted a license to the European company last month. In order to get the best out of the World Series of Poker branded offering, Caesar will work with Californian marketing giant Zambezi.
Nevada was the first state to review online gambling restrictions following Black Friday.
Initially, online gambling was expected to be up and running by the end of 2012 but delays were necessary due to software testing. In order to achieve a healthy player pool interstate partnerships were finally allowed by Nevada state authorities in early 2013.
Online Gambling in Nevada to Soon Become Reality - Online Casino Archives
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Jonathan Winters, who earned laughs playing everyone from an alien baby to a crotchety grandma, and who inspired numerous comedians in the field of improvisational comedy, has died of natural causes at age 87.
Winters' agent told NBC News that the actor died Thursday night at his home in Montecito, Calif., while surrounded by family and friends.
Winters was born in Dayton, Ohio, on Nov. 11, 1925. His career kicked off when his wife, Eileen, encouraged him to enter a talent contest, which he won. That performance led to a DJ job at WING-AM in Dayton in 1946, and he eventually moved to New York and became a performer at Manhattan's Blue Angel nightclub.
Winters became known for his numerous classic comedy characters and routines, including sharp-tongued Maude Frickert, whom the comic said he based on a large, humorous but bedridden relative. “I decided, having seen a lot of older people, that many of them even today are shelved,” Winters told the Archive of American Television. “I decided to get a hip old lady.” Johnny Carson was inspired by Frickert to create his own version, Aunt Blabby, who appeared frequently on Carson's "Tonight Show." His other popular recurring characters included countryish Elwood P. Suggins, wealthy B.B. Bindlestiff, football coach Piggy Bladder and Princess Leilani-nani, the world's oldest hula dancer. Winters' improvisational comedy inspired a generation of funny men and women. In a classic 1964 clip from "The Jack Paar Program," host Paar hands Winters a stick and the comic launches into four minutes of off-the-cuff prop humor, switching from an all-American fisherman to an Austrian violinist to a Spanish bullfighter. Winters worked as an actor in more than 73 movies and television shows, and currently has two projects in post-production: the voice of Papa Smurf in "The Smurfs 2," due to be released in July, and a character named Dayton in "Big Finish," which is scheduled for late next year. His many movies included "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming." One of his most popular roles was that of Mearth, Mork (Robin Williams) and Mindy's (Pam Dawber) child, who was hatched -- as a fully grown adult -- from an egg Mork laid. The character was introduced during the show's fourth and final season in the hopes of improving the sci-fi comedy's ratings. Winters had previously made a guest appearance on the show in season three as Mindy's uncle Dave.
Winters won an Emmy in 1991 for his work as the goofy father of Randy Quaid on the short-lived sitcom "Davis Rules." He also won two Grammys and the second-ever Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Winters also voiced multiple commercials. Among his most popular ads were the ones he did for Hefty garbage bags, in which he played a garbageman dressed to the nines in a spiffy white suit.
Winters' agent told NBC News that the actor died Thursday night at his home in Montecito, Calif., while surrounded by family and friends.
Winters was born in Dayton, Ohio, on Nov. 11, 1925. His career kicked off when his wife, Eileen, encouraged him to enter a talent contest, which he won. That performance led to a DJ job at WING-AM in Dayton in 1946, and he eventually moved to New York and became a performer at Manhattan's Blue Angel nightclub.
Winters became known for his numerous classic comedy characters and routines, including sharp-tongued Maude Frickert, whom the comic said he based on a large, humorous but bedridden relative. “I decided, having seen a lot of older people, that many of them even today are shelved,” Winters told the Archive of American Television. “I decided to get a hip old lady.” Johnny Carson was inspired by Frickert to create his own version, Aunt Blabby, who appeared frequently on Carson's "Tonight Show." His other popular recurring characters included countryish Elwood P. Suggins, wealthy B.B. Bindlestiff, football coach Piggy Bladder and Princess Leilani-nani, the world's oldest hula dancer. Winters' improvisational comedy inspired a generation of funny men and women. In a classic 1964 clip from "The Jack Paar Program," host Paar hands Winters a stick and the comic launches into four minutes of off-the-cuff prop humor, switching from an all-American fisherman to an Austrian violinist to a Spanish bullfighter. Winters worked as an actor in more than 73 movies and television shows, and currently has two projects in post-production: the voice of Papa Smurf in "The Smurfs 2," due to be released in July, and a character named Dayton in "Big Finish," which is scheduled for late next year. His many movies included "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming." One of his most popular roles was that of Mearth, Mork (Robin Williams) and Mindy's (Pam Dawber) child, who was hatched -- as a fully grown adult -- from an egg Mork laid. The character was introduced during the show's fourth and final season in the hopes of improving the sci-fi comedy's ratings. Winters had previously made a guest appearance on the show in season three as Mindy's uncle Dave.
Winters won an Emmy in 1991 for his work as the goofy father of Randy Quaid on the short-lived sitcom "Davis Rules." He also won two Grammys and the second-ever Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Winters also voiced multiple commercials. Among his most popular ads were the ones he did for Hefty garbage bags, in which he played a garbageman dressed to the nines in a spiffy white suit.
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After a long wait the punters in Ontario Canada are going to get to play online in late 2013. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has finally decided on a vendor to provide the gambling services. Rod Phillips, OLG president and CEO, said in a prepared statement "OLG will offer the only safe, lawful and regulated internet gaming option in Ontario,”
The selection process concluded recently that SPIELO G2 will provide interactive casino games for online play, including slots, video poker games and table games. PlayOLG.ca will also provide gamblers with internet service to purchase available lottery tickets, including LOTTO 6/49, LOTTO MAX and ENCORE. Bingo sports and poker will become available at a later date. Phillips continued to add, "We're pleased to have an experienced company on board to help OLG provide an interactive gaming experience that will be a secure option, regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario."
The five year contract with BOSS MEDIA AB, a SPIELO G2 company includes options to renew. OLG's internet gaming program, provided by SPIELO G2 will give players an account management system that will implement a strong online Responsible Gambling program and offer increased player protection, secure transaction and data security. The obligation to verify age and the tools to manage play while online with time and fund management options will also be available to gamer in Ontario. Other provinces that allow online gambling include British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and others.
The same situation holds true in Ontario where the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation estimates that regulated Internet gaming could increase the net profit to the province by $375 million over its first five years in operation. This is a significant increase in revenues for the corporation that estimates Ontario gamblers spend $400 million already on offshore gambling sites that the government does not gain any tax or profit from. Canada seems to be leaving the regulation of online gambling up to individual provincial governments similar to what is going on south of the border.
Online Gambling Service Provider Selected In Ontario
The selection process concluded recently that SPIELO G2 will provide interactive casino games for online play, including slots, video poker games and table games. PlayOLG.ca will also provide gamblers with internet service to purchase available lottery tickets, including LOTTO 6/49, LOTTO MAX and ENCORE. Bingo sports and poker will become available at a later date. Phillips continued to add, "We're pleased to have an experienced company on board to help OLG provide an interactive gaming experience that will be a secure option, regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario."
The five year contract with BOSS MEDIA AB, a SPIELO G2 company includes options to renew. OLG's internet gaming program, provided by SPIELO G2 will give players an account management system that will implement a strong online Responsible Gambling program and offer increased player protection, secure transaction and data security. The obligation to verify age and the tools to manage play while online with time and fund management options will also be available to gamer in Ontario. Other provinces that allow online gambling include British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and others.
The same situation holds true in Ontario where the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation estimates that regulated Internet gaming could increase the net profit to the province by $375 million over its first five years in operation. This is a significant increase in revenues for the corporation that estimates Ontario gamblers spend $400 million already on offshore gambling sites that the government does not gain any tax or profit from. Canada seems to be leaving the regulation of online gambling up to individual provincial governments similar to what is going on south of the border.
Online Gambling Service Provider Selected In Ontario
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There's no argument that young people are usually the one's most connected when it comes to high-tech entertainment and one local organization is working to ensure that they are not only content consumers on the internet, but also creators of it.
Street-Level Youth Media is a state-of-the art studio, not unlike those that professionals pay big bucks in which to record. But these students get to record and produce tracks, for free.
"They taught me how to arrange music, how to produce music," said Rocio Roman.
While in high school, Roman spent most of her days after school in Street-Level Youth Media programs. She's now a freshman at the Art Institute of Chicago and hoping to turn music production into a career.
"I'm getting my bachelor's degree in audio production," she said. "This is my first year, second quarter and i think i made the right decision."
The studio is just one of the outlets for creative expression.
"Music then teacher: you can go over hear and change the volume for the individual instruments," Roman said.
Middle school students from Lozano Elementary School took a field trip learning to make music using garage band, while other young people are taking a workshop called "framing fashion."
They are essentially creating mini-documentaries expressing their views on teen fashions. Executive director Manwah Lee says the non-profit's goal is to teach youth how to use digital media to communicate their own stories to the world.
"We also want young people to think about all the issues and all the things that are happening in their lives and really create media that that tells people the things that they find important and not just use media as another form of entertainment," Lee said.
Darion Williams helped create a music video through an after school program at Roberto Clemente High School, one of about ten Chicago Public Schools where Street-Level Youth Media runs workshops. He says having free access to a high-tech multi-media center is priceless.
"It's pretty amazing because you don't see this like everywhere so to get the chance to do this, I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said.
Street-Level Youth Media is a holds quarterly showcases so the public and see the students' work.
Street-Level Youth Media is a state-of-the art studio, not unlike those that professionals pay big bucks in which to record. But these students get to record and produce tracks, for free.
"They taught me how to arrange music, how to produce music," said Rocio Roman.
While in high school, Roman spent most of her days after school in Street-Level Youth Media programs. She's now a freshman at the Art Institute of Chicago and hoping to turn music production into a career.
"I'm getting my bachelor's degree in audio production," she said. "This is my first year, second quarter and i think i made the right decision."
The studio is just one of the outlets for creative expression.
"Music then teacher: you can go over hear and change the volume for the individual instruments," Roman said.
Middle school students from Lozano Elementary School took a field trip learning to make music using garage band, while other young people are taking a workshop called "framing fashion."
They are essentially creating mini-documentaries expressing their views on teen fashions. Executive director Manwah Lee says the non-profit's goal is to teach youth how to use digital media to communicate their own stories to the world.
"We also want young people to think about all the issues and all the things that are happening in their lives and really create media that that tells people the things that they find important and not just use media as another form of entertainment," Lee said.
Darion Williams helped create a music video through an after school program at Roberto Clemente High School, one of about ten Chicago Public Schools where Street-Level Youth Media runs workshops. He says having free access to a high-tech multi-media center is priceless.
"It's pretty amazing because you don't see this like everywhere so to get the chance to do this, I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said.
Street-Level Youth Media is a holds quarterly showcases so the public and see the students' work.
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Officials are at work building a system that would allow online betting through the state's casinos, but for nearly a decade it's been legal in New Jersey to log onto a computer or pick up the telephone and place a bet on a horse.
The state's existing "account wagering" system for horse racing offers the ease and convenience that's increasingly in demand among bettors, especially the high rollers coveted by the gambling industry. People who want, say, to place a bet from their living room on a race at The Meadowlands Racetrack or even on next month's Kentucky Derby simply need to set up an account that is drawn upon with each bet and then replenished. Think E-ZPass, but with a chance of a payoff each time you cross the George Washington Bridge. Nearly $100 million was placed by horse racing bettors last year in the state's account wagering system, which allows gamblers to place bets by phone or over the Internet. Here are the annual numbers for "handle," or amount bet, as well as the operating income generated, since the wagering was first offered in 2004:
Year Handle Income
2004 $4.4 million$0.9 million
2005 $45.1 million$2.7 million
2006 $61.0 million$4.2 million
2007 $76.6 million$5.5 million
2008 $89.1 million$5.4 million
2009 $92.5 million$5.9 million
2010 $87.1 million$5.6 million
2011 $88.9 million$5.7 million
2012 $99.2 million$6.2 million
Account wagering has become a significant part of the total horse race betting volume in New Jersey. Here are 2012 figures:
Money bet at state racetracks: $379.8M
Money bet at Off-Track Wagering sites: $152.5M
Account wagering (online and phone): $99.2M
Money bet at Atlantic City casinos on horse races: $63.2M
Total: $694.7M
(Source: New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority)
The system has been a relatively small but growing part of legal gambling in New Jersey. First started as a means of preserving the horse racing industry, it caters to the growing number of bettors who don't want to travel to a racetrack, casino or even an off-track wagering parlor.
Almost $100 million was wagered online and by phone last year, about 15 percent of the total amount bet in the state on horse racing. That amount has increased steadily over the years.
But the system has suffered from a lack of public awareness. According to a poll commissioned in 2010 by a group lobbying for the expansion of online gambling, only 10 percent of New Jerseyans thought it was legal to gamble on horses online, and 35 percent believed it was illegal.
Indeed, many probably first became aware of account wagering in New Jersey this year when news emerged that the state Sports and Exposition Authority had allowed a prominent horseman from Teaneck, Ahmed Zayat, to owe them $286,000 for several months after making a series of large bets on thoroughbred races even though his online account did not have sufficient revenues to cover potential losses. State law prohibits gamblers from wagering more money than is in their account.
The existence of the debt — cited in a lawsuit by Freehold Raceway, a partner in the state's account-wagering system — is apparently the focus of an investigation by the state Racing Commission, according to state officials who confirmed that an investigation was under way but would not discuss anything about it. Sports Authority officials did say that Zayat has repaid the debt.
Users of the system tout its simplicity. State residents 18 years and older can log on to 4njbets-com from a home computer or mobile device. After providing a Social Security number and verification of residency, bettors can get started by placing a minimum of $25 into their account. There is no service fee and bets online can be placed for races at any of 150 tracks around the country.
Former Meadowlands Racetrack announcer and track handicapper Dave Brower told The Record hat he signed up for account wagering "from Day One."
"I've found it tremendously convenient and easy to use, and I think once most people pulled the trigger, they found the same thing," Brower said. "Then what made it more popular was the advent of racing channels such as TVG or HRTV, so that you could sit on your couch and watch the race live or on a slight tape delay."
Brower said that in many of the 20 or so states that offer account wagering, bettors can choose from a variety of systems. But New Jersey residents must use 4njbets-com. TVG, which recently took over day-to-day operation of the system, is offering a $100 bonus for new customers who bet at least $200 in their first 30 days on the site.
Online Betting Already Well-Established in NJ | NBC 10 Philadelphia
The state's existing "account wagering" system for horse racing offers the ease and convenience that's increasingly in demand among bettors, especially the high rollers coveted by the gambling industry. People who want, say, to place a bet from their living room on a race at The Meadowlands Racetrack or even on next month's Kentucky Derby simply need to set up an account that is drawn upon with each bet and then replenished. Think E-ZPass, but with a chance of a payoff each time you cross the George Washington Bridge. Nearly $100 million was placed by horse racing bettors last year in the state's account wagering system, which allows gamblers to place bets by phone or over the Internet. Here are the annual numbers for "handle," or amount bet, as well as the operating income generated, since the wagering was first offered in 2004:
Year Handle Income
2004 $4.4 million$0.9 million
2005 $45.1 million$2.7 million
2006 $61.0 million$4.2 million
2007 $76.6 million$5.5 million
2008 $89.1 million$5.4 million
2009 $92.5 million$5.9 million
2010 $87.1 million$5.6 million
2011 $88.9 million$5.7 million
2012 $99.2 million$6.2 million
Account wagering has become a significant part of the total horse race betting volume in New Jersey. Here are 2012 figures:
Money bet at state racetracks: $379.8M
Money bet at Off-Track Wagering sites: $152.5M
Account wagering (online and phone): $99.2M
Money bet at Atlantic City casinos on horse races: $63.2M
Total: $694.7M
(Source: New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority)
The system has been a relatively small but growing part of legal gambling in New Jersey. First started as a means of preserving the horse racing industry, it caters to the growing number of bettors who don't want to travel to a racetrack, casino or even an off-track wagering parlor.
Almost $100 million was wagered online and by phone last year, about 15 percent of the total amount bet in the state on horse racing. That amount has increased steadily over the years.
But the system has suffered from a lack of public awareness. According to a poll commissioned in 2010 by a group lobbying for the expansion of online gambling, only 10 percent of New Jerseyans thought it was legal to gamble on horses online, and 35 percent believed it was illegal.
Indeed, many probably first became aware of account wagering in New Jersey this year when news emerged that the state Sports and Exposition Authority had allowed a prominent horseman from Teaneck, Ahmed Zayat, to owe them $286,000 for several months after making a series of large bets on thoroughbred races even though his online account did not have sufficient revenues to cover potential losses. State law prohibits gamblers from wagering more money than is in their account.
The existence of the debt — cited in a lawsuit by Freehold Raceway, a partner in the state's account-wagering system — is apparently the focus of an investigation by the state Racing Commission, according to state officials who confirmed that an investigation was under way but would not discuss anything about it. Sports Authority officials did say that Zayat has repaid the debt.
Users of the system tout its simplicity. State residents 18 years and older can log on to 4njbets-com from a home computer or mobile device. After providing a Social Security number and verification of residency, bettors can get started by placing a minimum of $25 into their account. There is no service fee and bets online can be placed for races at any of 150 tracks around the country.
Former Meadowlands Racetrack announcer and track handicapper Dave Brower told The Record hat he signed up for account wagering "from Day One."
"I've found it tremendously convenient and easy to use, and I think once most people pulled the trigger, they found the same thing," Brower said. "Then what made it more popular was the advent of racing channels such as TVG or HRTV, so that you could sit on your couch and watch the race live or on a slight tape delay."
Brower said that in many of the 20 or so states that offer account wagering, bettors can choose from a variety of systems. But New Jersey residents must use 4njbets-com. TVG, which recently took over day-to-day operation of the system, is offering a $100 bonus for new customers who bet at least $200 in their first 30 days on the site.
Online Betting Already Well-Established in NJ | NBC 10 Philadelphia
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2006/12/07
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A Johannesburg man is taking legal action against the National Gambling Board (NG😎 after it withheld money he won through online gambling, the Saturday Star reported. "Any form of unlicensed online gambling in South Africa is prohibited and is a criminal offence," NGB chief executive officer Baby Tyawa said.
He said the board had received a letter of demand from the gambler's lawyers, but that it was unlikely he would get the R40,000 he had won.
The man had won after placing a R20,000 bet on a United Kingdom gambling site.
Tyawa said the money had been put into a trust account.
The account, which is controlled by National Treasury, has around R3.5 million forfeited by other illegal online gamblers, the majority of them underage players.
Tyawa warned that online gamblers could be fined R10,000 or face imprisonment if they are caught.
He said many South Africans were unaware it was illegal.
The NGB was working with all major local banks and the UK Gambling Commission to monitor South Africans who place bets online.
Can't win betting online in SA
He said the board had received a letter of demand from the gambler's lawyers, but that it was unlikely he would get the R40,000 he had won.
The man had won after placing a R20,000 bet on a United Kingdom gambling site.
Tyawa said the money had been put into a trust account.
The account, which is controlled by National Treasury, has around R3.5 million forfeited by other illegal online gamblers, the majority of them underage players.
Tyawa warned that online gamblers could be fined R10,000 or face imprisonment if they are caught.
He said many South Africans were unaware it was illegal.
The NGB was working with all major local banks and the UK Gambling Commission to monitor South Africans who place bets online.
Can't win betting online in SA
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
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Leading the research Susana Jiménez-Murcia, Ph.D., commented, “Older people do not gamble to seek awards or for the challenge of winning or for competitiveness as young people do, but they gamble to modulate negative emotional states,” Jiménez-Murcia, Ph.D., added, “Older patients try to flee from loneliness, dissatisfaction or even physical discomfort.” and “The only personality factor that does not vary with age is self-direction, the ability to take control of our lives, to be persistent with a goal,” This study confirms that self-direction “is low at all stages and that could be one of the keys to the treatment and prevention of the disorder.” It was revealed that young patients are associated with more risk taking gambling behaviour. “Early intervention in these patients allows us to understand the causes of the problem in the early stages and we can give clients tools to control it.”
A clear understanding was determined that the problem for gamblers is temporary as Jiménez-Murcia explains, “We observed that at certain times in life, some social, environmental and personal factors can ease to control this behavior but in other moments it is not so easy, and the psychopathology could be more serious. But the good news is that it is not a chronic disorder for life.” Online gambling is the new venue for punters and the research point out, “We see younger, college-educated and higher socioeconomic level patients.”
Online Gambling Research Indicates Age Has Impact