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Recently there has been both good and bad news for people concerned about compulsive gambling. Experts warn that with the start of Internet gambling later this month, New Jersey may see a big increase in the number of problem gamblers. But the legislation that legalized online gambling is also providing resources to help people who have a gambling problem.
One positive development is that the American Psychiatric Association's new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies compulsive gambling as an addiction for the first time. Previously, compulsive gambling had been listed as a personality disorder. The change means that more treatment opportunities will be available for gambling addicts, and those therapies are more likely to be covered by health insurance. Compulsive gambling groups also say the designation should help remove some of the stigma attached to the problem and encourage people to seek help.
New Jersey has an estimated 350,000 problem gamblers. That number is expected to increase when Internet gaming allows people to place bets on casino-type games from the privacy of their laptop or smartphone. While Internet gaming is new in the United States, it has been available in Europe for years. In the first six years of Internet gambling in England, the government Gambling Commission says, the number of hardcore gambling addicts doubled.
Young people are thought to be especially susceptible, since they are computer savvy, and online poker and blackjack games are already popular among high school and college students.
To try to combat this, New Jersey's Internet gaming regulations include safeguards intended to prevent minors from gambling. Gamblers will also be able to voluntarily limit the amount of money they can wager and the time they can spend on gambling websites. And the self-exclusion list of gamblers banned from playing at existing casinos will automatically be extended to casino websites.
The most welcome development is that funds for efforts to fight compulsive gambling will increase substantially. In recent years, New Jersey has fallen behind other states in this area. While California spends $8.7 million a year on problem gambling and tiny Delaware spends $1 million, New Jersey's Council on Compulsive Gambling operates on about $860,000 a year.
But now each Atlantic City casino that offers Internet gambling will be required to pay a $250,000 annual fee to fund the council. So far, 10 casinos have announced plans to offer online gambling, which will add $2.5 million to prevention, education and treatment efforts.
That money should help to make sure that the benefits of online gambling for the regional and state economy don't come at the price of ruined lives.
Compulsive gambling / Help available - pressofAtlanticCity-com: Editorials
One positive development is that the American Psychiatric Association's new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies compulsive gambling as an addiction for the first time. Previously, compulsive gambling had been listed as a personality disorder. The change means that more treatment opportunities will be available for gambling addicts, and those therapies are more likely to be covered by health insurance. Compulsive gambling groups also say the designation should help remove some of the stigma attached to the problem and encourage people to seek help.
New Jersey has an estimated 350,000 problem gamblers. That number is expected to increase when Internet gaming allows people to place bets on casino-type games from the privacy of their laptop or smartphone. While Internet gaming is new in the United States, it has been available in Europe for years. In the first six years of Internet gambling in England, the government Gambling Commission says, the number of hardcore gambling addicts doubled.
Young people are thought to be especially susceptible, since they are computer savvy, and online poker and blackjack games are already popular among high school and college students.
To try to combat this, New Jersey's Internet gaming regulations include safeguards intended to prevent minors from gambling. Gamblers will also be able to voluntarily limit the amount of money they can wager and the time they can spend on gambling websites. And the self-exclusion list of gamblers banned from playing at existing casinos will automatically be extended to casino websites.
The most welcome development is that funds for efforts to fight compulsive gambling will increase substantially. In recent years, New Jersey has fallen behind other states in this area. While California spends $8.7 million a year on problem gambling and tiny Delaware spends $1 million, New Jersey's Council on Compulsive Gambling operates on about $860,000 a year.
But now each Atlantic City casino that offers Internet gambling will be required to pay a $250,000 annual fee to fund the council. So far, 10 casinos have announced plans to offer online gambling, which will add $2.5 million to prevention, education and treatment efforts.
That money should help to make sure that the benefits of online gambling for the regional and state economy don't come at the price of ruined lives.
Compulsive gambling / Help available - pressofAtlanticCity-com: Editorials
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It shouldn’t surprise anyone that there is another internet game that has something to do with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. This time its FairProof-com a provably fair Bitcoin gambling platform which is donating 10% of all profits to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). Besides the generous donation of profits to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, FairProof is provably fair, has a low 1.9% house fee, is fully anonymous and features instant deposits and withdrawals.
There are many dreaming of making millions with the Bitcoin and its trending to new highs. The Bitcoin reached almost $400.00 US recently, something no one thought possible a few months ago. Creating an intuitive gaming experience for Bitcoin users has been the priority for the FairProof developers.
Players simply choose the range where they think the winning number will fall from 0 to 99. If a player wins they get the profit credited in Bitcoin to their account, the amount is specified under the input field before users start a game. A slider at the bottom of the screen can be moved left and right to review a user’s previous bets, the bets of all the other players, and review account balance history.
If you hit the bull's eye you win and lose the bet if you miss it.
The fair-play lottery is related to each drawing which is associated with encrypted data which you can use to find out whether this or that figure was really chosen before you made your bet.
The site also utilizes the most advanced provably fair technology to be found in the online Bitcoin gambling arena. The Sha256 algorithm which is integral to Bitcoin itself is used. The server seed hash and client seed are publicly visible on the The simplest provably fair bitcoin lottery website. Furthermore, players can generate, use, and check the fairness of new client seeds as often as they want. There is a test available on the site worth checking into if you play with Bitcoins.
Online Gambling With The Bitcoin Lottery
There are many dreaming of making millions with the Bitcoin and its trending to new highs. The Bitcoin reached almost $400.00 US recently, something no one thought possible a few months ago. Creating an intuitive gaming experience for Bitcoin users has been the priority for the FairProof developers.
Players simply choose the range where they think the winning number will fall from 0 to 99. If a player wins they get the profit credited in Bitcoin to their account, the amount is specified under the input field before users start a game. A slider at the bottom of the screen can be moved left and right to review a user’s previous bets, the bets of all the other players, and review account balance history.
If you hit the bull's eye you win and lose the bet if you miss it.
The fair-play lottery is related to each drawing which is associated with encrypted data which you can use to find out whether this or that figure was really chosen before you made your bet.
The site also utilizes the most advanced provably fair technology to be found in the online Bitcoin gambling arena. The Sha256 algorithm which is integral to Bitcoin itself is used. The server seed hash and client seed are publicly visible on the The simplest provably fair bitcoin lottery website. Furthermore, players can generate, use, and check the fairness of new client seeds as often as they want. There is a test available on the site worth checking into if you play with Bitcoins.
Online Gambling With The Bitcoin Lottery
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Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who met Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro at an event here, said it was a joy and honour to spend time with the Hollywood star.
Bachchan, 71, was one of the speakers at the ongoing THiNK fest here. De Niro attended Bachchan's session and later both acting legends met up.
"A relaxed Robert De Niro of so many distinguished films and characters that he played in his illustrious career, and still continues to do so, simple and down to earth, accommodating and friendly... A joy and honor to meet him and spend some time with him privately...," Bachchan posted on his blog.
De Niro's session is slated to take place tomorrow, the last day of the three-day event.
Bachchan also mixed up with other celebrity speakers like Farhan Akhtar, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Shekhar Kapur.
"There are many from the fraternity that attend too and it is then that we spend time later in happy banter with local dear friends to laugh to discuss, to sing and listen to sonorous thoughts in poetry and verse of both languages...," Bachchan added.
Bachchan, 71, was one of the speakers at the ongoing THiNK fest here. De Niro attended Bachchan's session and later both acting legends met up.
"A relaxed Robert De Niro of so many distinguished films and characters that he played in his illustrious career, and still continues to do so, simple and down to earth, accommodating and friendly... A joy and honor to meet him and spend some time with him privately...," Bachchan posted on his blog.
De Niro's session is slated to take place tomorrow, the last day of the three-day event.
Bachchan also mixed up with other celebrity speakers like Farhan Akhtar, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Shekhar Kapur.
"There are many from the fraternity that attend too and it is then that we spend time later in happy banter with local dear friends to laugh to discuss, to sing and listen to sonorous thoughts in poetry and verse of both languages...," Bachchan added.
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2006/12/07
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Never miss the opportunity on your mobile
ixgames offers you a seamless, secure and easy to navigate betting experience. Mobile revenue currently makes up 15 per cent of the total gambling industry, but is expected to increase to 17 per cent within a few years – a huge 19 per cent growth rate for the entire mobile gambling industry.
Welcome to Casinos Featuring Mobile Version
WELCOME TO IXGAMES
ixgames offers you a seamless, secure and easy to navigate betting experience. Mobile revenue currently makes up 15 per cent of the total gambling industry, but is expected to increase to 17 per cent within a few years – a huge 19 per cent growth rate for the entire mobile gambling industry.
Welcome to Casinos Featuring Mobile Version
WELCOME TO IXGAMES
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The state of New Jersey granted its first online gambling licenses to several big international gaming companies on Friday, dramatically speeding their re-entry to the lucrative U.S. market.
New Jersey joins Nevada and Delaware in permitting online poker and it is more populous than those states. New Jersey also will allow its residents to play electronic versions of other casino games.
Bills to legalize online gambling are pending in California, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and more states are likely to follow, eventually letting residents of those states gamble against people in other regulated states.
New Jersey's action also is a landmark for the issue of suitability, in which regulators weigh the conduct of the online gaming companies before allowing them into an industry with historic corruption.
State gaming authorities gave "transactional waivers," which do not preclude additional regulatory scrutiny, to companies including the parent of PartyPoker, which dominated online cash card games in the United States for years.
PartyPoker pulled out of the U.S. market in 2006, when Congress strengthened federal gambling. It later paid $105 million in a non-prosection agreement with the U.S. Justice Department and admitted violating wire fraud and other statutes before the 2006 law took effect.
Other recipients of waivers on Friday were 888 Holdings , and the online affiliate of Las Vegas' Caesars' Entertainment Corp.
Two controversial PartyPoker co-founders are divesting their stakes in order to get their company back into the United States.
New Jersey did not approve PokerStars, a company that kept going in the United States after Congress' 2006 law on internet gambling.
PokerStars spokesman Eric Hollreiser said the company's New Jersey application "remains under review" and that "we remain committed to working with them to complete the process." Both PokerStars and PartyPoker's parent, Bwin.party Digital Entertainment, had focused their licensing efforts on New Jersey.
"We're excited to see the launch of internet gaming in New Jersey," said American Gaming Association Chief Executive Geoff Freeman. "New Jersey will send a strong message to all states."
Even with online casinos outlawed, Americans contribute an estimated $3 billion to a roughly $33 billion world market, Freeman said.
Combined with recent actions in other states, the New Jersey decision suggests it could be hard for PokerStars to reach the American market.
Last year, the Isle-of-Man-based company forfeited $731 million to settle U.S. government fraud claims and acquire rival Full Tilt poker, which shut down after a similar lawsuit. U.S. authorities also filed criminal charges against the founders of both companies.
Even PartyPoker's re-entry was more difficult than many in the industry had expected. Parent Bwin.party pulled out of many of what it called "gray markets" with uncertain laws and jettisoned several PartyPoker executives, filling its top ranks from the other side of a merger with Bwin.
The most dramatic concession was the agreement by PartyPoker co-founders Ruth Parasol and Russ DeLeon to divest their shares, which combined for 14.3 percent of Bwin.party. As reported last week, they will put their stakes into funds that will sell off the stock to others during the next three years.
Even as the two co-founders leave the stage, they will benefit from any share-price gains from the U.S. return.
Parasol, an American and former phone-sex and Web-porn investor, became a billionaire when Bwin.party predecessor PartyGaming sold stock to the public in London. Advisers said she left her home country long ago to avoid U.S. legal scrutiny.
Bwin.party said it would launch poker and casino games under the land-based casino license of its partner in New Jersey, Borgata Casino, owned by Boyd Gaming Corp's and MGM Resorts, using both Borgata's and its own brands, including Play Online Poker at partypoker in 3 Steps | $50 Welcome Bonus!, beginning Nov. 26.
PokerStars could still be approved but it is very unlikely without at least the same sort of divestiture that Bwin.party agreed to, according to a consultant who spoke on condition he not be named because he works with New Jersey applicants.
"PokerStars will not simply coast into the New Jersey internet gambling market," the consultant said.
He said PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg, who remains a criminal defendant in a U.S. case, would have to divest, and even then the role of his son, the current chief executive, could be a factor.
CEO Mark Scheinberg personally forfeited $50 million to end a Justice Department inquiry in June, although he did not admit wrongdoing.
Online gaming groups licensed in New Jersey, speeding US re-entry | SciTech | GMA News Online
New Jersey joins Nevada and Delaware in permitting online poker and it is more populous than those states. New Jersey also will allow its residents to play electronic versions of other casino games.
Bills to legalize online gambling are pending in California, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and more states are likely to follow, eventually letting residents of those states gamble against people in other regulated states.
New Jersey's action also is a landmark for the issue of suitability, in which regulators weigh the conduct of the online gaming companies before allowing them into an industry with historic corruption.
State gaming authorities gave "transactional waivers," which do not preclude additional regulatory scrutiny, to companies including the parent of PartyPoker, which dominated online cash card games in the United States for years.
PartyPoker pulled out of the U.S. market in 2006, when Congress strengthened federal gambling. It later paid $105 million in a non-prosection agreement with the U.S. Justice Department and admitted violating wire fraud and other statutes before the 2006 law took effect.
Other recipients of waivers on Friday were 888 Holdings , and the online affiliate of Las Vegas' Caesars' Entertainment Corp.
Two controversial PartyPoker co-founders are divesting their stakes in order to get their company back into the United States.
New Jersey did not approve PokerStars, a company that kept going in the United States after Congress' 2006 law on internet gambling.
PokerStars spokesman Eric Hollreiser said the company's New Jersey application "remains under review" and that "we remain committed to working with them to complete the process." Both PokerStars and PartyPoker's parent, Bwin.party Digital Entertainment, had focused their licensing efforts on New Jersey.
"We're excited to see the launch of internet gaming in New Jersey," said American Gaming Association Chief Executive Geoff Freeman. "New Jersey will send a strong message to all states."
Even with online casinos outlawed, Americans contribute an estimated $3 billion to a roughly $33 billion world market, Freeman said.
Combined with recent actions in other states, the New Jersey decision suggests it could be hard for PokerStars to reach the American market.
Last year, the Isle-of-Man-based company forfeited $731 million to settle U.S. government fraud claims and acquire rival Full Tilt poker, which shut down after a similar lawsuit. U.S. authorities also filed criminal charges against the founders of both companies.
Even PartyPoker's re-entry was more difficult than many in the industry had expected. Parent Bwin.party pulled out of many of what it called "gray markets" with uncertain laws and jettisoned several PartyPoker executives, filling its top ranks from the other side of a merger with Bwin.
The most dramatic concession was the agreement by PartyPoker co-founders Ruth Parasol and Russ DeLeon to divest their shares, which combined for 14.3 percent of Bwin.party. As reported last week, they will put their stakes into funds that will sell off the stock to others during the next three years.
Even as the two co-founders leave the stage, they will benefit from any share-price gains from the U.S. return.
Parasol, an American and former phone-sex and Web-porn investor, became a billionaire when Bwin.party predecessor PartyGaming sold stock to the public in London. Advisers said she left her home country long ago to avoid U.S. legal scrutiny.
Bwin.party said it would launch poker and casino games under the land-based casino license of its partner in New Jersey, Borgata Casino, owned by Boyd Gaming Corp's and MGM Resorts, using both Borgata's and its own brands, including Play Online Poker at partypoker in 3 Steps | $50 Welcome Bonus!, beginning Nov. 26.
PokerStars could still be approved but it is very unlikely without at least the same sort of divestiture that Bwin.party agreed to, according to a consultant who spoke on condition he not be named because he works with New Jersey applicants.
"PokerStars will not simply coast into the New Jersey internet gambling market," the consultant said.
He said PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg, who remains a criminal defendant in a U.S. case, would have to divest, and even then the role of his son, the current chief executive, could be a factor.
CEO Mark Scheinberg personally forfeited $50 million to end a Justice Department inquiry in June, although he did not admit wrongdoing.
Online gaming groups licensed in New Jersey, speeding US re-entry | SciTech | GMA News Online
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Pop star Justin Bieber has been hit with a new allegation after a sex worker claimed to have spent a night with him and that she earned $500.
Last week, the 19-year-old was spotted leaving a brothel in Brazil, and now the sex worker from Le Palace nightclub in Panama claims that she shared a night of passion with the teen singer, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
"It was delicious. It was super delicious, because not every day do you get to be with someone famous, especially someone like him. He's a love of a man!" the woman told critica.com.
The mystery woman said that Baby hitmaker and his entourage picked out 10 sex workers to take back to his hotel, and she earned $500 for spending a night with him.
"We left the hotel around 5 a.m. He gave me $500 because I was the one that got with him. He gave all of us concert tickets," she added.
Bieber's team has denied these claims and insisted the woman was one of 50 people the singer invited to a property he was renting for an after-party.
Last week, the 19-year-old was spotted leaving a brothel in Brazil, and now the sex worker from Le Palace nightclub in Panama claims that she shared a night of passion with the teen singer, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
"It was delicious. It was super delicious, because not every day do you get to be with someone famous, especially someone like him. He's a love of a man!" the woman told critica.com.
The mystery woman said that Baby hitmaker and his entourage picked out 10 sex workers to take back to his hotel, and she earned $500 for spending a night with him.
"We left the hotel around 5 a.m. He gave me $500 because I was the one that got with him. He gave all of us concert tickets," she added.
Bieber's team has denied these claims and insisted the woman was one of 50 people the singer invited to a property he was renting for an after-party.
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New Jersey is extending its self-exclusion list to allow people to ban themselves from online betting.
The action comes with Internet gambling set to begin in just over two weeks, and some advocates worry about a spike in compulsive gambling.
New Jersey, like many other states, allows people who feel they have a gambling problem to place their names on a list of those who are not allowed to enter any of Atlantic City's 12 casinos. The state Gaming Enforcement Division is automatically extending the list to cover Internet gambling, as well. People already on the exclusion list for casinos do not have to do anything to be included in the online self-exclusion list.
But people can also sign up for an online-only ban.
"Expanding the division's self-exclusion program to include Internet gaming and making the application process available to the public prior to Internet gaming's go-live date of November 26, 2013, represents a commitment I made following the signing of the Internet gaming bill," said David Rebuck, the gaming enforcement division's director. "The division is committed to promoting responsible gaming not only in Atlantic City's casinos, but also on the Internet."
People can ban themselves for one-year or five-year terms. During that time, they are not permitted to enter casinos, or, in the case of online betting, engage in Internet gambling. If they sneak into a casino and win, their winnings are subject to forfeiture.
People can sign up in person at various offices located across the state, including the division's offices in Atlantic City or Trenton, and the offices of the New Jersey Racing Commission in Trenton, East Rutherford, Oceanport and Freehold. They can also sign up online.
Arnie Wexler, former head of New Jersey's Council on Compulsive Gambling, is among those concerned about a potential spike in problems gamblers once it becomes easier to access using the Internet instead of requiring a trip to Atlantic City.
"Compulsive gambling is an impulsive addiction, and the addicted gambler can't resist the urge to gamble and chase losses or wins," he said.
Donald Weinbaum, the council's current executive director, said the extension of the self-exclusion list to Internet gambling is necessary to help those with gambling problems.
"For persons experiencing problems as a result of their gambling, self-exclusion can be a very useful tool," he said.
NJ extends gambling self-exclusion list to online betting | 6abc-com
The action comes with Internet gambling set to begin in just over two weeks, and some advocates worry about a spike in compulsive gambling.
New Jersey, like many other states, allows people who feel they have a gambling problem to place their names on a list of those who are not allowed to enter any of Atlantic City's 12 casinos. The state Gaming Enforcement Division is automatically extending the list to cover Internet gambling, as well. People already on the exclusion list for casinos do not have to do anything to be included in the online self-exclusion list.
But people can also sign up for an online-only ban.
"Expanding the division's self-exclusion program to include Internet gaming and making the application process available to the public prior to Internet gaming's go-live date of November 26, 2013, represents a commitment I made following the signing of the Internet gaming bill," said David Rebuck, the gaming enforcement division's director. "The division is committed to promoting responsible gaming not only in Atlantic City's casinos, but also on the Internet."
People can ban themselves for one-year or five-year terms. During that time, they are not permitted to enter casinos, or, in the case of online betting, engage in Internet gambling. If they sneak into a casino and win, their winnings are subject to forfeiture.
People can sign up in person at various offices located across the state, including the division's offices in Atlantic City or Trenton, and the offices of the New Jersey Racing Commission in Trenton, East Rutherford, Oceanport and Freehold. They can also sign up online.
Arnie Wexler, former head of New Jersey's Council on Compulsive Gambling, is among those concerned about a potential spike in problems gamblers once it becomes easier to access using the Internet instead of requiring a trip to Atlantic City.
"Compulsive gambling is an impulsive addiction, and the addicted gambler can't resist the urge to gamble and chase losses or wins," he said.
Donald Weinbaum, the council's current executive director, said the extension of the self-exclusion list to Internet gambling is necessary to help those with gambling problems.
"For persons experiencing problems as a result of their gambling, self-exclusion can be a very useful tool," he said.
NJ extends gambling self-exclusion list to online betting | 6abc-com
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Its official Delaware has launched its legal online gambling offering becoming the second state besides Nevada to do so. Online poker for real money as well as casino games such as slot machines, roulette and blackjack are on the internet in Delaware. The soft beta launch on October 31st has proven the system is working well so no a full complement of games for real money is available to those punters located in the small state of Delaware.
Delaware’s three casinos, Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway are the host locations of the internet gambling games. 888 which is licensed and regulated by the Government of Gibraltar, is providing the required software for Delaware’s offering while, Scientific Games is taking care of other administrative solutions such as player verification. For the time being Delaware online poker offering includes no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha ring games, with stakes as high as $2-$4 with some sit-and-goes, maxing out at $100.
Because Delaware has such a small population it has been suggested that the State should form compacts with other low volume jurisdictions such as Nevada with the idea that New Jersey may also be included in the compact.
Speaking to Card Player, Delaware’s Lottery Director Vernon Kirk commented on the possibility of a merger of the jurisdictions, “We have had conversations with both states, and it’s a little bit too early in the process to project how that is going to work out,” Kirk continued to explain, “My guess is that, certainly with Nevada, they are definitely anxious to compact with us, and us to them likewise. Once we get up and running we will be pursuing that more aggressively. Right now we are just concentrating on getting our site up. But that will be one of the very first steps we take after launch.”
Delaware Online Gambling Up and Running
Delaware’s three casinos, Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway are the host locations of the internet gambling games. 888 which is licensed and regulated by the Government of Gibraltar, is providing the required software for Delaware’s offering while, Scientific Games is taking care of other administrative solutions such as player verification. For the time being Delaware online poker offering includes no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha ring games, with stakes as high as $2-$4 with some sit-and-goes, maxing out at $100.
Because Delaware has such a small population it has been suggested that the State should form compacts with other low volume jurisdictions such as Nevada with the idea that New Jersey may also be included in the compact.
Speaking to Card Player, Delaware’s Lottery Director Vernon Kirk commented on the possibility of a merger of the jurisdictions, “We have had conversations with both states, and it’s a little bit too early in the process to project how that is going to work out,” Kirk continued to explain, “My guess is that, certainly with Nevada, they are definitely anxious to compact with us, and us to them likewise. Once we get up and running we will be pursuing that more aggressively. Right now we are just concentrating on getting our site up. But that will be one of the very first steps we take after launch.”
Delaware Online Gambling Up and Running
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International Game Technology is a Nevada USA based company specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, sales and distribution of gaming machines and network system products internationally, as well as online and mobile gaming solutions for regulated markets. In jurisdictions other than the USA the company has been involved in online gaming since 2005. IGT has interactive offices in San Francisco, London, Manchester, Tallinn and Stockholm.
Recently IGT, posted a 9% growth in revenue for the 2013 fiscal year, as their very popular social and mobile casinos gained significant traction in popularity. The company’s social gaming revenue was up by an outstanding 151%, climbing to $219 million, almost a tenth of the gambling firm’s total revenue.
In 2005, IGT purchased the UK focused online gaming suppler Wagerworks for $90 million. Wagerworks supplies casino and slot games to various in online gaming sites, including Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair. The company provides over 100 real money wagering options for customers in regulated jurisdictions.
IGT Interactive’s mobile portfolio includes mobile slot, table, lottery and SMS games, mobile marketing, and platform products across all major mobile technologies including Apple and Android.
Social casinos are not as profitable as the traditional online gambling entities but IGT is banking the volume will help make the idea work.
Chief Executive Officer for IGT since 2009 Patti Hart maintains the company strategy is making the grade, “We continue to drive significant revenue and earnings per share growth through the successful execution of our strategy and disciplined approach to capital allocation. Our goal, as always, is to maximize our returns to shareholders through targeted share repurchases, consistent dividends and robust earnings growth.”
IGT also recently announced that its IGT Cloud has gone live across the full Aspers Group estate of four casinos.
IGT's Social Online Gambling Strategy Paying Off
Recently IGT, posted a 9% growth in revenue for the 2013 fiscal year, as their very popular social and mobile casinos gained significant traction in popularity. The company’s social gaming revenue was up by an outstanding 151%, climbing to $219 million, almost a tenth of the gambling firm’s total revenue.
In 2005, IGT purchased the UK focused online gaming suppler Wagerworks for $90 million. Wagerworks supplies casino and slot games to various in online gaming sites, including Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair. The company provides over 100 real money wagering options for customers in regulated jurisdictions.
IGT Interactive’s mobile portfolio includes mobile slot, table, lottery and SMS games, mobile marketing, and platform products across all major mobile technologies including Apple and Android.
Social casinos are not as profitable as the traditional online gambling entities but IGT is banking the volume will help make the idea work.
Chief Executive Officer for IGT since 2009 Patti Hart maintains the company strategy is making the grade, “We continue to drive significant revenue and earnings per share growth through the successful execution of our strategy and disciplined approach to capital allocation. Our goal, as always, is to maximize our returns to shareholders through targeted share repurchases, consistent dividends and robust earnings growth.”
IGT also recently announced that its IGT Cloud has gone live across the full Aspers Group estate of four casinos.
IGT's Social Online Gambling Strategy Paying Off
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2006/12/07
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The original Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 launched before Netflix streaming was even available.
When the service debuted on living room devices in 2008, however, Microsoft's console was one of the first to get the dedicated Netflix app -- available only to Xbox Live Gold members. Sony followed a year later with an all-new Netflix interface -- and the requirement to use a special "streaming disc."
You've come a long way, baby. Today umpteen living room devices stream Netflix and many, many other online video and audio services, and we call 'em apps. As increasingly important contributors to our boob-tube time, apps are often used as points of comparison between devices.
Although at launch they won't be as well-equipped as their predecessors, plenty of apps have been announced for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Below, we compared how they stack up, with the most important apps (note: editorial discretion employed) listed first.
Some very important caveats:
According to Microsoft, all of the Xbox One apps listed here will be available between the console's launch date and spring 2014. It's safe to assume some of them will be available launch day (November 22), but at least one -- HBO Go -- officially won't.
The PS4 apps will all be available at the launch of that console (November 15).
The apps listed here apply only to customers in the US.
Xbox One owners need to also have an Xbox Live Gold subscription (up to $60 per year) to use any of the third-party entertainment apps, like Netflix; a PlayStation Plus subscription is not required to use the PS4's entertainment apps.
Many of the apps require a separate monthly subscription (such as Netflix and Hulu Plus) or a compatible cable/satellite TV subscription (HBO Go, Fox Now, Watch ESPN, and others) to work on either console.
With the exception of the Sony and Xbox services (which will always be restricted to their respective console), any of the "no" responses listed below could change to a "yes" if and when additional content deals are made in the future.
We'll update this story once both consoles launch with additional specifics on app availability.
Read More: Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: Entertainment apps compared | TV and Home Theater - CNET Reviews
When the service debuted on living room devices in 2008, however, Microsoft's console was one of the first to get the dedicated Netflix app -- available only to Xbox Live Gold members. Sony followed a year later with an all-new Netflix interface -- and the requirement to use a special "streaming disc."
You've come a long way, baby. Today umpteen living room devices stream Netflix and many, many other online video and audio services, and we call 'em apps. As increasingly important contributors to our boob-tube time, apps are often used as points of comparison between devices.
Although at launch they won't be as well-equipped as their predecessors, plenty of apps have been announced for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Below, we compared how they stack up, with the most important apps (note: editorial discretion employed) listed first.
Some very important caveats:
According to Microsoft, all of the Xbox One apps listed here will be available between the console's launch date and spring 2014. It's safe to assume some of them will be available launch day (November 22), but at least one -- HBO Go -- officially won't.
The PS4 apps will all be available at the launch of that console (November 15).
The apps listed here apply only to customers in the US.
Xbox One owners need to also have an Xbox Live Gold subscription (up to $60 per year) to use any of the third-party entertainment apps, like Netflix; a PlayStation Plus subscription is not required to use the PS4's entertainment apps.
Many of the apps require a separate monthly subscription (such as Netflix and Hulu Plus) or a compatible cable/satellite TV subscription (HBO Go, Fox Now, Watch ESPN, and others) to work on either console.
With the exception of the Sony and Xbox services (which will always be restricted to their respective console), any of the "no" responses listed below could change to a "yes" if and when additional content deals are made in the future.
We'll update this story once both consoles launch with additional specifics on app availability.
Read More: Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: Entertainment apps compared | TV and Home Theater - CNET Reviews
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2006/12/07
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As New Jersey readies their launch of regulated online poker and casino games, western neighbor Pennsylvania is also moving forward on the issue – albeit at a decidedly slower pace.
Based on reports and conversations with those close to the process, it appears that the draft of a new bill to regulate online gambling is currently circulating in Harrisburg.
And, if early indications are accurate, this bill – on course for a 2014 introduction – has a markedly better chance than previous efforts in the Keystone State.
Details of new PA bill remain in flux
Negotiations surrounding the bill are ongoing. The current plan is for the legislation to originate from the GOP in the Senate.
What we expect at this point is a bill that shares a fair amount of DNA with Rep. Tina Davis’ effort from earlier in the year - an effort that stalled in the face of opposition from a key committee chair.
One key difference: Tax rates will reportedly be set at a fraction of the rates proposed by Davis.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly begins their 2014 session on January 1st.
Handicapping iGaming regulation in Pennsylvania
What sort of chances would a bill to regulate online gambling have given the current political climate in Pennsylvania?
I put that question to John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Player’s Alliance. He saw weight on both sides of the scale, saying that “a Senate-led Republican bill should have significant support in the Senate and with the Administration. The House, and the anti-gaming faction there, will be the challenge to overcome.”
To Pappas’ latter point: Bill Ryan, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Gaming Board, has been publicly pessimistic regarding iGaming’s momentum, telling attendees at the World Regulatory Briefing in October that ”it’s not easy to do something like this in the state of Pennsylvania, [...] I don’t see any real groundswell right now for Internet gaming.
State Rep. Mauree Gingrich recently echoed Ryan’s pessimism, saying iGaming isn’t a priority in Pennsylvania. Gingrich is the chairwoman of the House Committee on Gaming Oversight.
Pappas noted that the new bill will enjoy at least one advantage over Davis’ effort, saying: “Pennsylvania has a Republican controlled legislature and Governor’s office, therefore, Democratic proposals are far less of a priority for lawmakers there. Having a senior Republican, like Tommy Tomlinson, grab the reins on legislation will change the dynamic and give the effort more energy.”
Adelson will impact the process
Vocal iGaming opponent Sheldon Adelson is one of the many stakeholders in the Pennsylvania gambling industry thanks to the Las Vegas Sands’ ownership of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.
Company officials confirmed they were looking into a sale of the Bethlehem property back in January of 2013, but there’s been little talk on the issue since.
Pappas cautioned against underestimating the interest Adelson might have in derailing iGaming legislation in Pennsylvania, but added that “in my interactions with state lawmakers to this point, the Sheldon opposition has not been raised.”
Shadow of NJ looms over any effort
And, of course, there’s the New Jersey factor.
Pennsylvania politicians have been saying for months that they plan to take a wait-and-see approach to online gambling – as in “we’ll wait and see how it goes in New Jersey.”
Specifically, Pennsylvania will be watching to see:
What sort of revenue New Jersey derives from regulated online gambling / poker.
What, if any, political blowback ensues.
What impact regulated online gambling has on NJ’s land based-revenues.
What perceived impact NJ iGaming has on Pennsylvania’s land-based revenues.
With Pennsylvania gambling revenues appearing to have hit a plateau, state officials are likely to be especially sensitive to that last point.
Pennsylvania Preparing to Follow New Jersey Into Regulated iGaming
Based on reports and conversations with those close to the process, it appears that the draft of a new bill to regulate online gambling is currently circulating in Harrisburg.
And, if early indications are accurate, this bill – on course for a 2014 introduction – has a markedly better chance than previous efforts in the Keystone State.
Details of new PA bill remain in flux
Negotiations surrounding the bill are ongoing. The current plan is for the legislation to originate from the GOP in the Senate.
What we expect at this point is a bill that shares a fair amount of DNA with Rep. Tina Davis’ effort from earlier in the year - an effort that stalled in the face of opposition from a key committee chair.
One key difference: Tax rates will reportedly be set at a fraction of the rates proposed by Davis.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly begins their 2014 session on January 1st.
Handicapping iGaming regulation in Pennsylvania
What sort of chances would a bill to regulate online gambling have given the current political climate in Pennsylvania?
I put that question to John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Player’s Alliance. He saw weight on both sides of the scale, saying that “a Senate-led Republican bill should have significant support in the Senate and with the Administration. The House, and the anti-gaming faction there, will be the challenge to overcome.”
To Pappas’ latter point: Bill Ryan, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Gaming Board, has been publicly pessimistic regarding iGaming’s momentum, telling attendees at the World Regulatory Briefing in October that ”it’s not easy to do something like this in the state of Pennsylvania, [...] I don’t see any real groundswell right now for Internet gaming.
State Rep. Mauree Gingrich recently echoed Ryan’s pessimism, saying iGaming isn’t a priority in Pennsylvania. Gingrich is the chairwoman of the House Committee on Gaming Oversight.
Pappas noted that the new bill will enjoy at least one advantage over Davis’ effort, saying: “Pennsylvania has a Republican controlled legislature and Governor’s office, therefore, Democratic proposals are far less of a priority for lawmakers there. Having a senior Republican, like Tommy Tomlinson, grab the reins on legislation will change the dynamic and give the effort more energy.”
Adelson will impact the process
Vocal iGaming opponent Sheldon Adelson is one of the many stakeholders in the Pennsylvania gambling industry thanks to the Las Vegas Sands’ ownership of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.
Company officials confirmed they were looking into a sale of the Bethlehem property back in January of 2013, but there’s been little talk on the issue since.
Pappas cautioned against underestimating the interest Adelson might have in derailing iGaming legislation in Pennsylvania, but added that “in my interactions with state lawmakers to this point, the Sheldon opposition has not been raised.”
Shadow of NJ looms over any effort
And, of course, there’s the New Jersey factor.
Pennsylvania politicians have been saying for months that they plan to take a wait-and-see approach to online gambling – as in “we’ll wait and see how it goes in New Jersey.”
Specifically, Pennsylvania will be watching to see:
What sort of revenue New Jersey derives from regulated online gambling / poker.
What, if any, political blowback ensues.
What impact regulated online gambling has on NJ’s land based-revenues.
What perceived impact NJ iGaming has on Pennsylvania’s land-based revenues.
With Pennsylvania gambling revenues appearing to have hit a plateau, state officials are likely to be especially sensitive to that last point.
Pennsylvania Preparing to Follow New Jersey Into Regulated iGaming
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2006/12/07
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The recent biggest ever recorded storm has devastated the Philippines and is still headed to other parts of the region where the people are scrambling to find shelter. The mass destruction wrought by super typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda as it is otherwise known as is hard to put in perspective with so much loss the region will be years getting back to some sort of normalness.
Aid from governments and organizations from the around the world are pouring in to the destroyed areas but all of it seems like a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed. In absolute chaos in the storm ravaged areas is difficult to sort out. There have been reports of armed men looting the cities for food and fuel. World leaders are starting to react to the fact that storms of this magnitude are becoming more frequent and that climate change has something to do with it.
Efforts to bring relief to the island nation have been hampered by the destruction of the airports and ports. Tacloban a city of 220,000 residents is the worst hit and has been the scene of the worst pillaging.
The online gambling industry has been issued a challenge from the Calvin Ayre Foundation which it says will match all donations made by the online gambling industry dollar for dollar up to $1,000,000. On top of the matching pledge, Calvin Ayre has personally pledged $200,000 of his own money towards the relief efforts.
Additionally to the matching donations, the Calvin Ayre Foundation is in the process of adopting a village in the damaged area where the group will directly self-administer the assistance to the people in need. It was suggested that the industry gives back something to the generous region and the wonderful people of the nation. The other recommended charities by Calvin Ayre’s Foundation are the Philippine Red Cross and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation.
Online Gambling Industry Issued Haiyan Relief Challenge
Aid from governments and organizations from the around the world are pouring in to the destroyed areas but all of it seems like a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed. In absolute chaos in the storm ravaged areas is difficult to sort out. There have been reports of armed men looting the cities for food and fuel. World leaders are starting to react to the fact that storms of this magnitude are becoming more frequent and that climate change has something to do with it.
Efforts to bring relief to the island nation have been hampered by the destruction of the airports and ports. Tacloban a city of 220,000 residents is the worst hit and has been the scene of the worst pillaging.
The online gambling industry has been issued a challenge from the Calvin Ayre Foundation which it says will match all donations made by the online gambling industry dollar for dollar up to $1,000,000. On top of the matching pledge, Calvin Ayre has personally pledged $200,000 of his own money towards the relief efforts.
Additionally to the matching donations, the Calvin Ayre Foundation is in the process of adopting a village in the damaged area where the group will directly self-administer the assistance to the people in need. It was suggested that the industry gives back something to the generous region and the wonderful people of the nation. The other recommended charities by Calvin Ayre’s Foundation are the Philippine Red Cross and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation.
Online Gambling Industry Issued Haiyan Relief Challenge
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2006/12/07
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Live at 6 is a stage play satire of the New Zealand television news industry that has just opened at Auckland's Aotea Centre.
The ambitious show mixes scripted comedy with improvised video captured and edited during each performance.
Also in entertainment news this week, a new study has found that gun violence in PG-13 rated films has tripled since 1985.
And Sacha Baron Cohen is up to his old tricks, shocking onlookers and TV viewers with an outrageous stunt at the Britannia awards earlier this week.
To discuss these stories, 3 News online entertainment editor Daniel Rutledge joined Firstline this morning.
Read more: This week in entertainment: Live at 6, movie gun violence and Borat - Story - Entertainment - 3 News
The ambitious show mixes scripted comedy with improvised video captured and edited during each performance.
Also in entertainment news this week, a new study has found that gun violence in PG-13 rated films has tripled since 1985.
And Sacha Baron Cohen is up to his old tricks, shocking onlookers and TV viewers with an outrageous stunt at the Britannia awards earlier this week.
To discuss these stories, 3 News online entertainment editor Daniel Rutledge joined Firstline this morning.
Read more: This week in entertainment: Live at 6, movie gun violence and Borat - Story - Entertainment - 3 News
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2006/12/07
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29893
Online gambling company Bwin.party said a block on access to its products in Greece would dent revenue and profit this year.
Bwin said on Wednesday revenue fell 21 percent in its third quarter to 145.7 million euros ($195.8 million), reflecting a strategy of aiming to focus on fewer markets where it hopes to make higher returns.
It said action by the Greek authorities to block Internet access to over 400 gaming sites including its own would have a modest net impact on revenue and EBITDA this year.
"As we expected, our underlying third quarter performance appears to have represented the floor in what has been a transitional year for the group,» said chief executive Norbert Teufelberger.
He added that full-year 2013 cost savings were likely to exceed a target of 70 million euros, helping to offset the impact of the Greek dispute.
The company said it was on track to launch online poker and casino games when New Jersey reopens its markets. That is expected to happen later this month.
ekathimerini-com | Online gambling company hit by Greek dispute as revenue falls
Bwin said on Wednesday revenue fell 21 percent in its third quarter to 145.7 million euros ($195.8 million), reflecting a strategy of aiming to focus on fewer markets where it hopes to make higher returns.
It said action by the Greek authorities to block Internet access to over 400 gaming sites including its own would have a modest net impact on revenue and EBITDA this year.
"As we expected, our underlying third quarter performance appears to have represented the floor in what has been a transitional year for the group,» said chief executive Norbert Teufelberger.
He added that full-year 2013 cost savings were likely to exceed a target of 70 million euros, helping to offset the impact of the Greek dispute.
The company said it was on track to launch online poker and casino games when New Jersey reopens its markets. That is expected to happen later this month.
ekathimerini-com | Online gambling company hit by Greek dispute as revenue falls
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2006/12/07
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New Jersey casino regulators will let casinos offer online gambling promotions in which players may have to reach a certain level of play before they can cash out.
The restriction would apply only to situations in which a player accepts a casino's bonus cash promotion; players would be free to cash out their own money at all other times if a promo is not involved.
Such promotions won't be allowed until at least 30 days after Internet gambling begins in New Jersey.
An advisory bulletin issued Wednesday by David Rebuck, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, illustrated one of the many challenges the new form of gambling will bring to the state. The division has had to issue guidelines that apply specifically to online betting operations, including technology and offers that did not exist before.
Rebuck said the state has been approached by several online gambling companies asking about the type of promotions they can legally offer to customers, including promotions that require a customer to reach a certain level of play before cashing out winnings from the account.
For instance, a casino can make an offer in which it requires a customer to deposit $100 in an account, and matches that with $100 of its own. The casino could require the customer to make $1,000 worth of bets before cashing out any winnings.
The casino also can require that a customer's first bets come from his or her $100 deposit before the casino's matching funds are wagered.
Once the specified level of play is reached, all money in the account becomes unrestricted, and the casino cannot place a cap on any winnings by the player. Rebuck said the state would prohibit any promotion in which a casino tried to cap a player's winnings after a certain minimum level of play has been reached.
The player could walk away from a promotional offer partway through, and cash out any of his or her initial deposit that remains in the account.
Rebuck said the terms of such a promotion must be clearly spelled out for the customer before an offer is accepted.
Online betting begins a five-day trial period Nov. 21, with a statewide rollout Nov. 26.
The test will run from 6 p.m. Nov. 21 to 2 a.m. Nov. 23; 8 a.m. to midnight on Nov. 23; and it would be continuously allowed on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25.
Read more at NJ sets rules for online gambling promotions
The restriction would apply only to situations in which a player accepts a casino's bonus cash promotion; players would be free to cash out their own money at all other times if a promo is not involved.
Such promotions won't be allowed until at least 30 days after Internet gambling begins in New Jersey.
An advisory bulletin issued Wednesday by David Rebuck, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, illustrated one of the many challenges the new form of gambling will bring to the state. The division has had to issue guidelines that apply specifically to online betting operations, including technology and offers that did not exist before.
Rebuck said the state has been approached by several online gambling companies asking about the type of promotions they can legally offer to customers, including promotions that require a customer to reach a certain level of play before cashing out winnings from the account.
For instance, a casino can make an offer in which it requires a customer to deposit $100 in an account, and matches that with $100 of its own. The casino could require the customer to make $1,000 worth of bets before cashing out any winnings.
The casino also can require that a customer's first bets come from his or her $100 deposit before the casino's matching funds are wagered.
Once the specified level of play is reached, all money in the account becomes unrestricted, and the casino cannot place a cap on any winnings by the player. Rebuck said the state would prohibit any promotion in which a casino tried to cap a player's winnings after a certain minimum level of play has been reached.
The player could walk away from a promotional offer partway through, and cash out any of his or her initial deposit that remains in the account.
Rebuck said the terms of such a promotion must be clearly spelled out for the customer before an offer is accepted.
Online betting begins a five-day trial period Nov. 21, with a statewide rollout Nov. 26.
The test will run from 6 p.m. Nov. 21 to 2 a.m. Nov. 23; 8 a.m. to midnight on Nov. 23; and it would be continuously allowed on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25.
Read more at NJ sets rules for online gambling promotions
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2006/12/07
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Online gambling depends on the software it uses and many software developers are doing very well with internet betting growing in popularity. Microgaming is the biggest and best known of the software suppliers but then there are many others which make interesting games and platforms.
Playtech is a company that has been around since the late 1990’s and has been a publicly traded entity since 2006 after which the shredding of the online gambling industry in the USA created a downturn for the firm which lost 40 percent of its value in one day. The company has recovered from that fateful day and has bounced back to a respectable level. The company made almost 90 million euro in 2012 and employs 2,600 people as of June 2013 in nine countries and territories. The firm is located and licensed by the Isle of Man and has offices in the United Kingdom, Israel, Bulgaria, Estonia, Ukraine, Philippines, Sweden, and Cyprus.
A recent rumour was circulating and confirmed by an article in the Casino.org’s Online Casino News that Playtech will be withdrawing its services in a few jurisdictions namely the Netherlands and Finland. Originally Canada was also named in the pull out advisory but that has been updated to only include the Netherlands and Finland.
It was also confirmed that the withdrawal is being made by the affiliate program EUROPARTNERS that is represented by a number of brands associated with Playtech. The withdrawal from the Scandinavian market that includes online gambling sites such as Vegas Red, Titan Poker and the Europa Casino will give those punters in Finland and the Netherland less of a choice when it comes time to play.Punter have one month to terminate their accounts.
Canadian gamblers will be unaffected for the time being. Canada’s rules regarding internet gambling are clear. It is illegal for any entity other than the government to offer gambling services but there has been no enforcement of the federal regulations to date.
Online Gambling's Playtech Withdraws From Certain Jurisdictions
Playtech is a company that has been around since the late 1990’s and has been a publicly traded entity since 2006 after which the shredding of the online gambling industry in the USA created a downturn for the firm which lost 40 percent of its value in one day. The company has recovered from that fateful day and has bounced back to a respectable level. The company made almost 90 million euro in 2012 and employs 2,600 people as of June 2013 in nine countries and territories. The firm is located and licensed by the Isle of Man and has offices in the United Kingdom, Israel, Bulgaria, Estonia, Ukraine, Philippines, Sweden, and Cyprus.
A recent rumour was circulating and confirmed by an article in the Casino.org’s Online Casino News that Playtech will be withdrawing its services in a few jurisdictions namely the Netherlands and Finland. Originally Canada was also named in the pull out advisory but that has been updated to only include the Netherlands and Finland.
It was also confirmed that the withdrawal is being made by the affiliate program EUROPARTNERS that is represented by a number of brands associated with Playtech. The withdrawal from the Scandinavian market that includes online gambling sites such as Vegas Red, Titan Poker and the Europa Casino will give those punters in Finland and the Netherland less of a choice when it comes time to play.Punter have one month to terminate their accounts.
Canadian gamblers will be unaffected for the time being. Canada’s rules regarding internet gambling are clear. It is illegal for any entity other than the government to offer gambling services but there has been no enforcement of the federal regulations to date.
Online Gambling's Playtech Withdraws From Certain Jurisdictions
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2006/12/07
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Gambling on the internet takes some time to find out what sites offer the most fun with the least amount of trouble. The choices are amazing and with some luck can be profitable. One form of gambling on the net is the betting exchange model that is gaining in popularity and availability. The platform for exchange betting has been advanced with many new sites offering this type of wagering.
One site that has just launched a new look and a new sports betting exchange platform is Matchbook, which is being billed as the fastest growing betting exchange in the world. According to Wikipedia a betting exchange is an entity which provides trading facilities for retail or bookmaker customers to buy and sell contracts. These contracts are structured as binary options where the payoff is either some fixed amount of money or nothing at all, dependent on the outcome of a future event. Betting exchanges trade heavily on horse racing and sporting events, but also offer markets on elections and other current events.
Matchbook’s re-designed technology includes new functionality and features. Matchbook’s CEO, Mark Brosnan, commented, “The Matchbook product is its liquidity and concentration on our liquidity growth is our main focus. We firmly believe that Matchbook’s low-margin cost structure, with only 1% commission charged, will drive long-term volume to our platform. Our approach at Matchbook has been to grow our product one market/sports segment at a time. When we add a market, we aim to have critical mass as well as the best price and liquidity offering in the industry before we add any further markets. This approach has been extremely successful. We have grown our North American sports offering to what I can say, without question, is the best liquidity and best-priced product offering available. We have grown our pre-game, top tier league liquidity in football, to a point where it is as competitive as Asian bookmakers on its Asian Handicaps and it is quickly becoming the best price/best liquidity match market offering as well.”
Online Gambling Betting Exchange Matchbook Re-designed
One site that has just launched a new look and a new sports betting exchange platform is Matchbook, which is being billed as the fastest growing betting exchange in the world. According to Wikipedia a betting exchange is an entity which provides trading facilities for retail or bookmaker customers to buy and sell contracts. These contracts are structured as binary options where the payoff is either some fixed amount of money or nothing at all, dependent on the outcome of a future event. Betting exchanges trade heavily on horse racing and sporting events, but also offer markets on elections and other current events.
Matchbook’s re-designed technology includes new functionality and features. Matchbook’s CEO, Mark Brosnan, commented, “The Matchbook product is its liquidity and concentration on our liquidity growth is our main focus. We firmly believe that Matchbook’s low-margin cost structure, with only 1% commission charged, will drive long-term volume to our platform. Our approach at Matchbook has been to grow our product one market/sports segment at a time. When we add a market, we aim to have critical mass as well as the best price and liquidity offering in the industry before we add any further markets. This approach has been extremely successful. We have grown our North American sports offering to what I can say, without question, is the best liquidity and best-priced product offering available. We have grown our pre-game, top tier league liquidity in football, to a point where it is as competitive as Asian bookmakers on its Asian Handicaps and it is quickly becoming the best price/best liquidity match market offering as well.”
Online Gambling Betting Exchange Matchbook Re-designed
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Regulated online gambling in the U.S. has, to date, evolved in a highly-fragmented manner, with the three leading states – Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware – each taking a unique path.
But now one group is laying the foundation for a different approach to Internet gambling regulation.
That group is The National Council of Legislators From Gaming States (NCLGS), who recently announced an initiative to develop a unified policy framework for regulating online gambling – a framework that could become a template for states interested in bringing Internet gambling to their populations.
OPR interviewed Florida Representative and NCLGS President Jim Waldman to get more information about his organization’s drive to bring cohesion to online gambling regulation in the United States.
State-driven movement creates need for cooperation
Waldman cited the DoJ’s Wire Act reversal as a tipping point for U.S. online gambling regulation – the point at which states took the lead from the federal government on the issue.
Because of that decision, Waldman argued, “more states are looking into online gambling.” And cooperation between states “is necessary to develop economies of scale, protect consumers, and establish uniform guidelines and procedures, while avoiding unnecessary federal intervention.”
Waldman sees a two-fold role for NCLGS in fostering that cooperation: first, creating some uniform standards to “guide the discussion,” and second, providing a “neutral” forum where state officials can conduct that discussion relatively free of political constraint.
The value of uniformity
Not all states will want to approach online gambling in an identical fashion, and nor should they – each will have unique goals and concerns specific to their particular state.
But that fact does not eliminate the need for uniform standards and guidelines on a variety of issues related to online gambling regulation. Waldman listed “player protection, problem gambling measures, license controls and advertising restrictions” as just a few of the areas where uniformity could yield benefits both for state lawmakers and for consumers.
That sort of uniformity also acts as a bulwark against federal intervention into online gambling, an area where Waldman simply doesn’t see any role for the federal government. “What it really comes down to is that it ought to be state’s rights,” Waldman told me.
And, while Waldman didn’t directly address it, there’s another advantage to the policy framework NCLGS is proposing: it effectively does much of the heavy legislative lifting for lawmakers interested in legalizing online gambling by providing a credible blueprint for a bill.
Development timeline for NCLGS framework
As for the roadmap to this framework, Waldman made it clear that NCLGS had already set the wheels in motion.
“We’re looking at requests for public comment in December,” Waldman revealed. The comment process, he explained, will continue through the NCLGS Winter Meeting in January 2014, culminating in a review and construction of a draft of policy standards later that spring.
That will set the stage for a draft review at the NCLGS Summer Meeting in June 2014, followed by an official release of the framework either at that point or in the subsequent NCLGS Winter Meeting.
Pace of regulation in the status quo
While the flurry of recent developments out of New Jersey can create the sense of substantial momentum for regulated American online gambling, the fact remains that less than 5% of the U.S. population will have access to regulated iGaming even after NJ goes live.
And Waldman doesn’t see the iGaming floodgates opening in the wake of New Jersey’s launch.
“I think what you’ll see is a gradual rollout – but I think you’ll see the states watching very carefully what happens,” said Waldman.
“I don’t expect that you’ll see all of a sudden that every state will do it,” he continued. “Every state legislature is very different, and no one wants to be the one who risks any sort of negative results for their state.”
Waldman offered his home state of Florida as an example of the slow road ahead for regulation, saying that “in spite of the fact that we are looking at [land-based gambling] expansion very seriously, it will be a while before we do something” with online gambling.
What is the NCLGS?
Waldman described the NCLGS as a “non-partisan, educational organization” that doesn’t take a specific position on gambling, but rather sees gambling as an issue that “states are best suited to handle.”
Exclusive Interview: NCLGS President and FL Rep Jim Waldman
But now one group is laying the foundation for a different approach to Internet gambling regulation.
That group is The National Council of Legislators From Gaming States (NCLGS), who recently announced an initiative to develop a unified policy framework for regulating online gambling – a framework that could become a template for states interested in bringing Internet gambling to their populations.
OPR interviewed Florida Representative and NCLGS President Jim Waldman to get more information about his organization’s drive to bring cohesion to online gambling regulation in the United States.
State-driven movement creates need for cooperation
Waldman cited the DoJ’s Wire Act reversal as a tipping point for U.S. online gambling regulation – the point at which states took the lead from the federal government on the issue.
Because of that decision, Waldman argued, “more states are looking into online gambling.” And cooperation between states “is necessary to develop economies of scale, protect consumers, and establish uniform guidelines and procedures, while avoiding unnecessary federal intervention.”
Waldman sees a two-fold role for NCLGS in fostering that cooperation: first, creating some uniform standards to “guide the discussion,” and second, providing a “neutral” forum where state officials can conduct that discussion relatively free of political constraint.
The value of uniformity
Not all states will want to approach online gambling in an identical fashion, and nor should they – each will have unique goals and concerns specific to their particular state.
But that fact does not eliminate the need for uniform standards and guidelines on a variety of issues related to online gambling regulation. Waldman listed “player protection, problem gambling measures, license controls and advertising restrictions” as just a few of the areas where uniformity could yield benefits both for state lawmakers and for consumers.
That sort of uniformity also acts as a bulwark against federal intervention into online gambling, an area where Waldman simply doesn’t see any role for the federal government. “What it really comes down to is that it ought to be state’s rights,” Waldman told me.
And, while Waldman didn’t directly address it, there’s another advantage to the policy framework NCLGS is proposing: it effectively does much of the heavy legislative lifting for lawmakers interested in legalizing online gambling by providing a credible blueprint for a bill.
Development timeline for NCLGS framework
As for the roadmap to this framework, Waldman made it clear that NCLGS had already set the wheels in motion.
“We’re looking at requests for public comment in December,” Waldman revealed. The comment process, he explained, will continue through the NCLGS Winter Meeting in January 2014, culminating in a review and construction of a draft of policy standards later that spring.
That will set the stage for a draft review at the NCLGS Summer Meeting in June 2014, followed by an official release of the framework either at that point or in the subsequent NCLGS Winter Meeting.
Pace of regulation in the status quo
While the flurry of recent developments out of New Jersey can create the sense of substantial momentum for regulated American online gambling, the fact remains that less than 5% of the U.S. population will have access to regulated iGaming even after NJ goes live.
And Waldman doesn’t see the iGaming floodgates opening in the wake of New Jersey’s launch.
“I think what you’ll see is a gradual rollout – but I think you’ll see the states watching very carefully what happens,” said Waldman.
“I don’t expect that you’ll see all of a sudden that every state will do it,” he continued. “Every state legislature is very different, and no one wants to be the one who risks any sort of negative results for their state.”
Waldman offered his home state of Florida as an example of the slow road ahead for regulation, saying that “in spite of the fact that we are looking at [land-based gambling] expansion very seriously, it will be a while before we do something” with online gambling.
What is the NCLGS?
Waldman described the NCLGS as a “non-partisan, educational organization” that doesn’t take a specific position on gambling, but rather sees gambling as an issue that “states are best suited to handle.”
Exclusive Interview: NCLGS President and FL Rep Jim Waldman
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2006/12/07
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Films are often slammed for being a negative influence on children. However, there are exceptions that went on to win the hearts of children, who have now grown up to be celebrities in their own right. To mark Children’s Day, we take them down memory lane, and ask them to share their all-time favourite children’s film that they recommend every kid should see and why. Read on to find out more...
Anita Dongre, fashion designer
The Lion King for sure. It’s animated and about the wild. It has a happy ending. In the film the good reigns supreme and it inclucates that message in children. All children’s movies should have a happy ending.
Priyadarshini Rao, fashion designer
Alice In Wonderland is the first movie that comes to mind. It’s been very creatively put together and has a lot of visual appeal. Also, it toys with imagination and children relate to that. Also, the fact that Alice holds her own despite not being cared for is a great lesson for kids. This is one movie which doesn’t talk down to kids.
Ketan Bhagat, author
Every child should watch two films The Pursuit of Happyness — this is how much every father loves his child — and Ra. One, which shows how little even the king of entertainment knows about what entertains children.
Brinda Miller, artist
Despicable Me 1 and 2 are my favourite films . I love most animated films especially the Disney and Pixar productions — they appeal equally to children as well as to adults. The visuals are fantastic and so is the humour. Also, I have similar characters in my life (the Minions) So can identify with this movie completely.
Lillete Dubey, theatre personality and actress
The Sound of Music — it was my favourite! (In fact can still see it again!) It’s about the strength of goodness, the magical healing power of music, a lesson about following your heart, and the freedom and simple joys of childhood together with great acting, cinematography, music and a lovely story!
Disha Vakani, TV actress
I would advise children to watch Chhota Chetan. It was a very well-made film and all the children had given good performances. Plus, it sent across the message that good always wins over evil and that one should never give up no matter what. There is always a way to find a solution. It also had loads of entertainment. I saw kids really enjoying it in the cinema hall. Get a DVD and watch it.
Raja Sen, film critic
The one Indian children’s film I feel everyone should watch is Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, because of how staggeringly original and inventive it is. In Hindi films my pick would be Vishal Bhardwaj’s The Blue Umbrella.
Gautam Rode, TV actor
I would recommend 3 Idiots as it is entertainment with a positive message. While it can raise laughter with its comic moments, it also sends out messages of creativity, friendship, etc. It’s a film that children can watch again and again and not get bored of it.
Rajeev Masand, movie critic
My favourite children’s film would be E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. It’s a story of a great friendship, and about the purity of a child’s heart. Made more than 30 years ago, it still stands the test of time because not only are the special effects still very good, but the emotions are so honest and real that they remain relevant even all these years later. But most of all, it’s a film that’s so much fun and has such beautiful, impressive images that stay in your mind.
Roopal Tyagi, TV actress
Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke is a must-watch. Every kid should watch it at least once. It’s a fun movie and the plot of the kids reuniting their guardians is so funny considering how naughty they are.
The children were presented in an innocent and hilarious way. It also conveyed the message how important it is to take care of kids and that all they want is love.
Sangeeta Ghosh, TV actress
Two good films come to mind, Chillar Party and Taare Zameen Par. Both the movies connect with kids and send out key messages. Today’s generation is the future of our country and they should be inculcated with these kind of encouraging messages that will help our society.
Asha Negi, TV actress
Taare Zameen Par is a perfect film for children to watch. Not only does it have a brilliant child actor like Darsheel Safary, but the film is really motivational.The songs too had become a hit, so it’s entertainment along with some good morals.
Masaba Gupta, fashion designer
Life Is Beautiful because the film has a lot of scenes which convey a deeper message for kids. Also, it’s set in war times and it shows how parents protect their kids from war. So for today’s kids, it’ll be a great watch.
Nakuul Mehta, TV actor
An Iranian film by Majid Majidi, Children Of Heaven is a simple and beautiful tale about a child’s desire to own a pair of shoes. It is a poignant story that teaches you values like selflessness, kinship and purity of relationships. It gives you an insight into a child’s innocent mind and simple things which really affect them. This will be a perfect gift for every child and also adults on Children’s Day.
Anita Dongre, fashion designer
The Lion King for sure. It’s animated and about the wild. It has a happy ending. In the film the good reigns supreme and it inclucates that message in children. All children’s movies should have a happy ending.
Priyadarshini Rao, fashion designer
Alice In Wonderland is the first movie that comes to mind. It’s been very creatively put together and has a lot of visual appeal. Also, it toys with imagination and children relate to that. Also, the fact that Alice holds her own despite not being cared for is a great lesson for kids. This is one movie which doesn’t talk down to kids.
Ketan Bhagat, author
Every child should watch two films The Pursuit of Happyness — this is how much every father loves his child — and Ra. One, which shows how little even the king of entertainment knows about what entertains children.
Brinda Miller, artist
Despicable Me 1 and 2 are my favourite films . I love most animated films especially the Disney and Pixar productions — they appeal equally to children as well as to adults. The visuals are fantastic and so is the humour. Also, I have similar characters in my life (the Minions) So can identify with this movie completely.
Lillete Dubey, theatre personality and actress
The Sound of Music — it was my favourite! (In fact can still see it again!) It’s about the strength of goodness, the magical healing power of music, a lesson about following your heart, and the freedom and simple joys of childhood together with great acting, cinematography, music and a lovely story!
Disha Vakani, TV actress
I would advise children to watch Chhota Chetan. It was a very well-made film and all the children had given good performances. Plus, it sent across the message that good always wins over evil and that one should never give up no matter what. There is always a way to find a solution. It also had loads of entertainment. I saw kids really enjoying it in the cinema hall. Get a DVD and watch it.
Raja Sen, film critic
The one Indian children’s film I feel everyone should watch is Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, because of how staggeringly original and inventive it is. In Hindi films my pick would be Vishal Bhardwaj’s The Blue Umbrella.
Gautam Rode, TV actor
I would recommend 3 Idiots as it is entertainment with a positive message. While it can raise laughter with its comic moments, it also sends out messages of creativity, friendship, etc. It’s a film that children can watch again and again and not get bored of it.
Rajeev Masand, movie critic
My favourite children’s film would be E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. It’s a story of a great friendship, and about the purity of a child’s heart. Made more than 30 years ago, it still stands the test of time because not only are the special effects still very good, but the emotions are so honest and real that they remain relevant even all these years later. But most of all, it’s a film that’s so much fun and has such beautiful, impressive images that stay in your mind.
Roopal Tyagi, TV actress
Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke is a must-watch. Every kid should watch it at least once. It’s a fun movie and the plot of the kids reuniting their guardians is so funny considering how naughty they are.
The children were presented in an innocent and hilarious way. It also conveyed the message how important it is to take care of kids and that all they want is love.
Sangeeta Ghosh, TV actress
Two good films come to mind, Chillar Party and Taare Zameen Par. Both the movies connect with kids and send out key messages. Today’s generation is the future of our country and they should be inculcated with these kind of encouraging messages that will help our society.
Asha Negi, TV actress
Taare Zameen Par is a perfect film for children to watch. Not only does it have a brilliant child actor like Darsheel Safary, but the film is really motivational.The songs too had become a hit, so it’s entertainment along with some good morals.
Masaba Gupta, fashion designer
Life Is Beautiful because the film has a lot of scenes which convey a deeper message for kids. Also, it’s set in war times and it shows how parents protect their kids from war. So for today’s kids, it’ll be a great watch.
Nakuul Mehta, TV actor
An Iranian film by Majid Majidi, Children Of Heaven is a simple and beautiful tale about a child’s desire to own a pair of shoes. It is a poignant story that teaches you values like selflessness, kinship and purity of relationships. It gives you an insight into a child’s innocent mind and simple things which really affect them. This will be a perfect gift for every child and also adults on Children’s Day.
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2006/12/07
Messages:
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If you think about it, traditional dollars, are just as digital and anonymous as any digital currency. On the anonymous front, if I toss a $10 bill into a Fireman's boot during one of his annual fundraisers while waiting at a traffic light, that's pretty darn anonymous.
When I hand some panhandler a fiver on the street, that's anonymous. A guy rolling up to a crack dealer on the corner and trading a $20 bill for a tiny bag o' crack is anonymous. What more can you ask?
As for digital, most of my payments go directly into my bank account via automated clearing house (ACH) or direct deposit. My wife pays our bills online. I buy apps, music, and Amazon.com goodies online with no apparent money, except digital, exchanging hands. I authorize the payment, they say they get it, I get my stuff and we're all happy. To me, those dollars are virtual. I never saw them go into my bank account and I never saw them go out—except for the changing balances. All digital. Very easy. All legal. Everybody's happy.
Now, let's look at Bitcoin.
You spend dollars to buy Bitcoins so that you can buy stuff with Bitcoins. Can't you just buy stuff with dollars? Or Marks? Or Francs? Or whatever currency it is that you use?
It seems to me that the whole Bitcoin phenomenon is like Stilgherrian* said in his post: Bitcoin: More ideology than trustworthy currency.
The ideologies and my responses:
Distributed currency - Who cares? What's the real advantage to that?
No government or bank controls it - OK. Again, so what?
Transactions are anonymous - Not true at all but why should that matter unless you're doing something that requires anonymity**? Use cash instead.
There's just no legitimate reason for using Bitcoins. There's no advantage to it. There are many disadvantages. One is that Interpol, the FBI, and others are watching very closely. Anything done on a peer-to-peer network is suspect. Exchanging Bitcoins, drugs, porn, music, whatever it is—there's a good reason why people desire to keep it "secret" and between like-minded peers.
After all that, here's what I really think of Bitcoin and the whole Bitcoin frenzy:
Bitcoin was an experiment—an anonymously created project and that's all.
Bitcoin is interesting from a purely esoteric point-of-view not a practical one.
People will fall for just about anything that they think is anti-government.
People will fall for just about anything.
Just about anything can be used as currency.
Being distributed is no advantage.
Being P2P is no advantage.
Not being controlled by a bank or government is no advantage.
Bitcoins are susceptible to theft and hacking.
Bitcoin transactions are not anonymous.
It's mostly hype and ideology.
The hype is derived from a clever marketing plan perpetrated to artificially raise the value of something that has no value.
Is more akin to cigarettes in prison rather than a real world currency.
Just because people are jumping on the bandwagon doesn't make it something you should get involved with***.
It's OK with me if people use Bitcoin, however, don't try to pay me with it.
I don't care if there are Bitcoin vending machines. Cigarettes used to be sold in vending machines too.
The perceived value is too volatile for a real currency.
Bitcoin is a bad name. It should have been Bitbucks or Bitbux. Bad call.
Just because you like it, doesn't mean anyone else has to. I don't like bubble tea either, so what.
In ten years, Bitcoin will be one of the things you laugh about.
If you have to purchase a currency in order to buy stuff that you can buy anyway, there's something screwy about that.
I'm willing to discuss Bitcoin with anyone, anytime but know this one thing: You'd better be ready with some better answers than what I've heard so far in its favor. I'll even tell you my strategy for those discussions.
I'll ask you to explain to me what's so great about Bitcoin. Tell me its advantages and then back that up. The problem with ideology is that it's based on belief, not reality. If you believe that the distributed model is an advantage, you need to tell me why. Being distributed is not a valid argument. You believe that it's an advantage because you buy into the ideology.
Same goes for the P2P aspect, the non-control issue, mining, the 21 million limit.
If I have one bit (pardon the pun) of advice for you, it's this: Don't fall for schemes like this. Don't get involved in MLM schemes. Don't invest your money in something with no tangible or physical assets. Don't believe all the hype around something like Bitcoin.
Remember that if something sounds to good to be true, it is. If something sounds shady or underhanded, it probably is. If something is sold to you as anarchist, anonymous, distributed, P2P, or subversive, then chances are almost 100 percent solid that there's criminal activity afoot and the police are watching.
Dollars are better than Bitcoins. There's no doubt. I don't have to purchase dollars with other currency to buy things that I'd normally buy anyway. If I can't use dollars, physical or virtual ones, then I probably don't need whatever it is. If I have to buy another currency to get what I want, then I'll do without. Dollars will spend anywhere and I can use them anonymously or not. And without fear of anyone but my wife watching.
Now, to those of you who want to call me names on Twitter because of this post, here's what will happen: I'll block you. I know you want to be anonymous and virtual, but if you can't face me and say those things, then you shouldn't say them online.
I'll e