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Gambling Litigation Study Group - lawyers speculators united

17 May 2013 21:14:10 GMT

Legalized online gambling, once just a pipe dream, is now a reality in the United States. Just this month, the state of Nevada gave the go-ahead to the country's first legal online gambling website, Ultimate Poker. Other states are expected to follow suit by approving the operation of online casinos that are affiliated with land-based casinos. While some Americans are thrilled by the prospect of legal online gambling in their own backyard, others disapprove of the new policy. A group of lawyers calling themselves a “gambling litigation study group” put their heads together in April 2013 to determine whether a lawsuit against online gambling sites would be a viable option for recouping some of the money they believe online casinos will cause Americans to lose.

Litigation Study Group Considers Strategy Similar to Tobacco Class Action Suit

The scenario in which lawyers sue online casinos would be similar to that of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement of 1998, in which cigarette company giants were sued by 46 attorneys general for putting public health at risk via their product.

Four large tobacco companies agreed to pay $206 billion in damages over the course of 25 years to compensate for damages caused by their unhealthy and addictive tobacco products. Some of that money goes toward medical expenses for those with cancer and other smoking-related illnesses, while other funds enhance the American Legacy Foundation, an anti-smoking group which attempts to prevent teen smoking and encourages addicts to quit.

Ten Out of Twenty Invited Experts Attend Indianapolis Meeting

Twenty high-profile lawyers were invited to attend the gambling litigation study group meeting in Indianapolis; only ten actually attended. Anti-gambling attorney Michael Fagan helped coordinate the meeting. Fagan is no stranger to this type of prosecution; he has a history of going after over 25 offshore sports betting operations. The litigation group is also under the guidance of Scott Harshbarger, a Massachusetts attorney with experience fighting against the tobacco industry. Together, these two leaders hope to find a way to prosecute U.S.-based cyber casinos for the bad influence they have on Americans.

The Case Against Online Gambling

Critics of online gambling say the pastime is deceptively glamorous, luring young people and other weak-minded souls who are easily swayed by peer pressure and temptation. They liken addictive gambling to addictive smoking, in which a heartless corporation preys upon victims who are defenseless and vulnerable. Although they recognize that individuals do have a choice in whether they gamble or not, they believe the institution of gambling is more powerful than the individual, that it unfairly cons people into spending money on things that just aren't good for them. These critics cite a $7 billion dollar yearly cost to the United States' health and criminal justice systems due to the existence of gambling in America.

Stoltz vs. OLG: A Similar Lawsuit in Canada

A lawsuit similar to the one proposed by the litigation study group is currently underway in Canada. Attorney Lori Stoltz, a Toronto health care lawyer, is leading a 10,000-gambler fight against OLG, Ontario Lottery and Gaming, claiming that the organization took unfair advantage of the individuals' weaknesses by allowing them to gamble. Stoltz predicts that similar suits will pop up in other areas of North America as legalized online gambling becomes more common.

The Critics Don't Have a Case, According to Washington Lawyer

David Stewart, a Washington lawyer and American Gaming Association supporter, argues that the lawyers comprising the gambling litigation study group do not have a viable case. He refers to gambling as a “product,” indicating that American citizens have the right to partake of that product as much or as little as they please. The social and financial costs of addictive betting cannot be determined, according to gaming supporters, because this is an addiction that often concurs with other addictions and personality disorders.

Ultimate Poker administrator Tobin Prior defends his business, saying the locus of control rests with the gambler, not the government. Furthermore, he says his company does employ certain “safeguards” that enable customers to limit themselves if they wish. He is also quick to point out that people don't have to gamble if they don't want to.

More Online Gambling Opportunities in America

Americans have been gambling online for a years through offshore venues, but only recently did it become legal for gambling websites to operate in the United States. Nevada's Ultimate Poker is the first, but certainly not the last, online gaming site in the country. Delaware and New Jersey have also legalized online gambling; it is only a matter of time before these states establish cyber casinos to accompany their brick-and-mortar casinos. Massachusetts, California, Illinois, and Mississippi are reported to be well on their way to passing laws allowing them to acquire gambling websites as well.

Stumbling Block: Gamblers Are Not a Part of One "Class"

Although it may seem like the critics have a leg to stand on in their prosecution, previous legislation could make it hard for them to establish a class action suit. In 2004, federal legislation ruled that gamblers cannot be lumped together as one "class" of people, as everybody gambles for their own unique personal reasons. If prosecutors decide to attack online casino sites, they will have a long road ahead of them. Before filing a class action suit, they must have a legitimate class to work with. The 2004 ruling could make this difficult.

A Question of Control

The underlying question behind this issue is one of control. Anti-gaming lawyers believe the government has a responsibility protect online gamblers from harming themselves. They cite problem gambling statistics, viewing the addiction as a disease that is out of peoples' control. Pro-gambling lawyers believe the government should keep their noses out of the issue, allowing citizens to gamble online as they please. They cite personal freedom and the belief that American citizens can make these types of decisions for themselves.

Chicago May Get Its First Casino Soon

10 May 2013 23:37:52 GMT

Tourists could soon have a new reason to visit Chicago: a brand new casino with all the glorious gambling options, entertainment venues, and culinary offerings of the Las Vegas Strip. Cash-strapped Illinois is looking for a solution to its $9 billion mountain of debt and floundering school system; the construction of a gambling facility just might be the answer, according to the city's mayor, Mr. Rahm Emanuel. A bill to add five new casinos to the state, including the addition of Chicago's first official casino, passed the Illinois Senate on May 1, 2013. Now it's up to the House to decide if the proposal will go through.

To date, the city of Chicago does not have any casinos. That will soon change if Mayor Emanuel and Democratic Senator Terry Link, a sponsor of the bill, get their way. If approved by the Illinois House, the bill would also provide for slot machine installments in two of the area's largest airports, O'Hare and Midway. Chicago would then be the only other U.S. city besides Las Vegas to have slot machines in its airports.

Illinois Casinos are Nothing New

The state of Illinois already has several casinos where people can partake of various slot machines and table games. Gamblers may visit the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Harrah's in Joliet, and the Hollywood in Aurora. Tourists can float and gamble aboard the riverboat Capri Casino in Bettendorf or spend a luxurious night at the Par-a-Dice hotel gambling resort in East Peoria. According to Chicago Tourist Bureau CEO Jack Johnson, a new gambling facility would give travelers one more terrific reason to visit the area, drawing some much-needed revenue into the state.

Historically, the idea for a new casino in Chicago has been a pipe dream churning in the minds of politicians for years. Year after year, however, the proposal has been shot down by opponents who pose strong ethical questions about the location of such a business. The year of 2013 looks to be different, given the struggling U.S. economy and the dire straits of the debt-oppressed Illinois state budget. Even Governor Pat Quinn, who has traditionally opposed the idea of adding any more gambling houses to the area, has acquiesced that a new casino might be one of the best ways to invest in the future of Illinois.

Five New Casinos

Chicago wouldn't be the only recipient of a new casino. The proposed bill aims to place facilities in Rockford, Danville, and Lake County as well. The exact locations for the businesses have yet to be determined, but different towns are already vying for the opportunity to welcome a new casino into their area.

Mayor Emanuel has announced that he believes so strongly in this revenue-driving cause, he promises to put 100 percent of the proposed new Chicago casino's revenue into the Illinois school system. Emanuel's pledge is nothing new; across the United States, politicians are pouring gambling revenue into public school systems like never before.

Gaming Board and City Board Must Work Together

The fact that a new windy city casino would be overseen not only by the Illinois Gaming Board, but also by a city board, has caused a bit of nail biting amongst politicians. Illinois Gaming Board leader Aaron Jaffe actually got into an argument with lawmakers during a hearing for the bill recently. Jaffe questioned why there would need to be a city board governing a casino in addition to the state board. One of his major concerns is that the involvement of a Chicago city board with the running of a casino could lead to corruption. Democratic Senator Terry Link, who co-sponsored the bill, played down the corruption concern, referring to the city board as merely a routine “business manager.” Link said it's not unusual for Chicago to have city board managers overseeing other large projects as well, like the town's Metropolitan Pier.

The Location of a New Chicago Casino

Even though it hasn't been approved yet, developers are already speculating as to where they might like to build a new casino in Chicago. Some possible locations include the Trump tower and the old Congress Hotel on Michigan Avenue. Conservative leaders fear that the addition of a casino to a neighborhood would harm its surrounding businesses by robbing gambling clients of their disposable income. Supporters of the bill feel that the addition of a casino would be nothing but an economic boon to any area of the town.

Other Cities Hopeful

The exact location of the five proposed casinos, should the bill get adopted, is yet to be determined. At least one facility would be in Chicago while three or four others would find homes in different cities. Due to the immense revenue a new casino would provide, various city governments are clamoring for the opportunity to claim ownership of one of the proposed businesses. Because these cities are so money-hungry right now, they have gone ahead and hired developers for construction projects that have not been approved by law yet. In Waukegan, newly-elected mayor Wayne Motley ran his campaign on the platform that a new casino would drive great revenue into his city. Advocates for a new Waukegan casino would like to see it built at a spot called Fountain Square, a former mall and hotel site.

For several years, politicians in Illinois have been trying to add more casinos to the state. Conservatives have opposed the idea, citing social and ethical reasons against the additional gambling facilities. As Illinois' deficit climbs higher and higher into the billions of dollars, the chance of more casinos opening up becomes more likely. It is now up to the Illinois House to decide the fate of five potential new casinos in the state of Illinois.

Former San Diego mayor's Maureen O'Connor and her Ludomania

4 May 2013 21:07:15 GMT

In February 2013, a former San Diego mayor's dirty little secret became public: she was addicted to gambling. Maureen O'Connor was so severely addicted to gambling, in fact, that she spent nine years and $1 billion dollars playing video poker and other games at casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and her home town, San Diego. At the end of her $1 billion gambling spree, O'Connor lost somewhere around $13 million, although the exact amount is difficult to deduce, according to federal prosecutors. The former mayor, who had accumulated substantial wealth due to her late husband Robert Peterson's Jack-in-the-Box fast food empire, blames her out-of-control habit and related criminal activity on a brain tumor for which she had surgery in 2011. Her attorney also claimed that her illegal and outrageous behaviors were caused by a psychological phenomenon known as "grief gambling".

Criminal Activity

O'Connor's problem may never have come to light if it weren't for the fact that, in addition to wagering and losing exorbitant amounts of her own money, she misappropriated money that wasn't actually hers and used it for gaming purposes (read more similar stories). O'Connor admits to siphoning $2 million out of her late husband's charity organization, the R.P. Foundation, to fund her habit, although she claims that she always intended to pay the money back. O'Connor's thefts drained her late husband's foundation, which once helped serve local San Diego charities like hospices and orphanages. The R.P. Foundation, now defunct, had been in operation since 1966.

Brain Tumor Blamed

O'Connor received surgery for a brain tumor in 2011. She claims that the tumor negatively affected her judgment and behavior, causing her to gamble unwisely and commit the heinous crime of laundering charity money.

Dr. Mark Norman, a UC San Diego professor of neuropsychiatry, has said that although there is no cut-and-dried correlation between brain tumors and gambling, there can be a correlation between brain tumors, impeded judgment, and risky behaviors. The side effects of a brain tumor greatly depend upon where the tumor is located in the brain, how big the tumor is, and whether the tumor can be safely removed without damaging other sensitive cognitive areas.

Also Cited: Grief Gambling

In addition to the brain tumor excuse, O'Connor's attorney blamed her crime, at least in part, on a phenomenon called "grief gambling." Grief gambling is a form of problem gambling. It is an unhealthy coping mechanism which occurs when a person who is unable to process grief turns to the casino or other money-wagering games for comfort. O'Connor lost her husband, Peterson, in 1994 and a string of other loved ones after that. Her attorney said that the stress of her losses was so overwhelming that she turned to casino games, instead of healthier coping mechanisms, to soothe her emotional aches.

What is Grief Gambling?

Grief gambling is a real psychological phenomenon that can happen to people who aren't coping well with losses. It often occurs in elderly adults who have suffered more losses than the average younger person. It is an avoidance tactic which allows a person who has experienced loss to avoid dealing with unbearable pain. People deeply entrenched in grief gambling are said to be in denial of their problems.

This behavioral issue is not just a matter of a person deciding to go to the casino and blow a bunch money; it has a biological basis. When people gamble and win, dopamine is released within the brain. Dopamine is a mood booster. It is also a natural pain killer which, when stimulated inappropriately, can form a temporary band-aid over deeper problems. The syndrome of grief gambling is especially insidious because gaming is a socially accepted pastime, one that is not regulated by authorities and can even be done within the privacy of a home, in front of a computer screen.

A Break in Character

Acquaintances of O'Connor gave character witness that she is not the type of person to commit such dishonest crimes. The former mayor, sometimes called a "goody two shoes", would reportedly become drunk on just a few sips of champagne. Her greatest known vice, before this addiction came to light, was that during her stint as mayor she would occasionally escape City Hall to watch movies.

O'Connor's Plea Deal

O'Connor pleaded not guilty in federal court to the crime of misappropriating funds from her late husband's charity. She admitted to taking the money, but blamed her missteps on the brain tumor and psychological grief gambling, saying she was a victim of her circumstances. She added that she always intended to pay the money back to the foundation, and still does.

In exchange for her plea, O'Connor's final judgment was deferred for two years. In the mean time, according to court documents, the 66-year-old must pay back the $2 million owed to the R.P. Foundation and must also seek treatment for her addiction.

Critics: O'Connor Received a Soft Punishment

Critics of the O'Connor plea deal say that regular citizens, those who are not former mayors or the surviving wives of wealthy business tycoons, would not receive such preferential treatment in a court of law. They say that theft is theft, and that O'Connor received a soft sentence due to her identity. This argument has been used against other politicians and celebrities who commit crimes as well; critics say the O'Connor story is just another instance of a privileged person being shielded from the realities of the real world.

Sympathizers: O'Connor Deserves Compassion

O'Connor sympathizers would argue that the former mayor was a victim of psychological trauma and dopamine addiction, and that she should have the chance to redeem herself before going to jail. They would say that O'Connor fell prey to the evils of addiction and the pain of grief, and that she should be be rehabilitated in spite of the magnitude of financial loss she caused the R.P. Foundation and the city of San Diego.

Mobile Gaming a Promising Trend for Big Businesses

27 Apr 2013 21:13:21 GMT

The invention of the smart phone has changed the way people live their lives. Phone conversations can happen at any place and at any time. Bills can be paid, products ordered, and instant messages sent simply by reaching into a pocket or purse and pulling out a smart phone. One of the most exciting benefits of the smart phone is that people can access the Internet almost any time they wish, allowing them to surf, play, and communicate almost anywhere. Because Internet gambling is legally expanding to more and more areas of the world, it's not surprising that the smart phone has become one of the hottest new venues for online gaming. This venue, called "mobile gaming", is a promising trend for businesses (click here).

H2 Gambling Capital, a gambling research organization, predicts that the online gambling market will experience a 30% growth spurt by 2017. With such a lucrative market on the horizon, it's no wonder that online gaming and social gaming companies are scrambling to get in on the action and claim a piece of the profit. In the United States, three states have now legalized online gambling: Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey. Experts believe it is just a matter of time before the legalized online gambling trend spreads to other areas of the country. This prospect has giant gaming companies salivating for the chance to making lucrative business connections within America's borders.

Probability PLC Reaches Out to U.S. Businesses

Probability PLC has been raking in the dough as a U.K.-based mobile gambling app company since 2004. The company designs and distributes mobile gambling apps, partnering with European giants like Paddy Power and William Hill, Inc. Now that the United States has legalized online gambling in three states, the company's CEO, Charles Cohen, has expressed interest in partnering with some American businesses as well.

About Probability PLC

Probability PLC prides itself on three self-proclaimed qualities: appeal, availability, and activity.

Appeal: The company's wide variety of games are appealing because they cater to multiple demographics in ways that they claim their competitors cannot.
Availability: According to Probability PLC's website, the company's games are available on more devices than that of any other digital gaming business. In addition, approximately one thousand new devices become compatible with Probability games every year.
Activity: The mobile gaming giant claims it is so popular that in just six years, 500 million bets have been made using Probability apps.

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Sought by American Casino Companies

MGM Resorts International was approved in November 2012 to operate a real-money online poker site. Looking toward the future, the corporation has already made plans to partner with Bwin.Party in an online poker business. In exchange for poker software and maintenance, Bwin.Party will own a 65 percent share of the company. MGM will own 25 percent, and Boyd Gaming will own the remaining 10 percent. The joint venture is not a done deal, however; it is contingent upon Bwin.Party receiving their license as a service provider in Nevada. Both companies are hopeful that Bwin.Party will become licensed, but some analysts have expressed doubt in the likelihood of that happening.

About Bwin.Party

Bwin.Party came about when two other gaming companies combined. Those companies were PartyGaming PLC and Bwin Interactive Entertainment AG. Bwin.Party, based in Gibraltar, has two big claims to fame: an online poker site called PartyPoker.com and a sports betting business under the name of "Bwin". Bwin.Party offers more than 140 online games; these games range from casino-style blackjack and slot machines to fortune games and games of skill. The legality of Bwin.Party game use varies from country to country.

888 Holdings Partners with Caesars Interactive Entertainment

In a joint business venture similar to that of Bwin.Party and MGM, online gaming company 888 Holdings has agreed to partner with Caesars Interactive Entertainment. According to the agreement, 888 Holdings will provide poker gaming and technological services to the Caesars company. This project is another example of a brick and mortar business partnering with an online business to take advantage of relaxing online gambling laws in the United States. Experts predict that more such partnerships will blossom as an increasing number of states lean toward legalized online gambling.

About 888 Holdings

The company 888 Holdings operates several online gambling sites. Revenue for the fiscal year 2012 was nearly $4 million. Popular sites include 888poker.com, 888bingo.com, and 888games.com, the last of which offers casino-type slots and table games. When the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006 was first brought about, 888 Holdings abstained from U.S. involvement. Since American gambling laws have changed, however, their interest and involvement with U.S. businesses has been rekindled.

Other Online Gambling Sites with Mobile Potential

The San Francisco-based gaming company Zynga, founded in 2007, has become a household name. Zynga creates games for social sites like Facebook as well as stand-alone gaming apps for mobile devices. One of Zynga's most popular games is the Facebook favorite "FarmVille", but the company has created and distributed hundreds more. Since Zynga's inception in 2007, it has acquired numerous other companies, adding to its power and wealth. Some notable acquisitions include Serious Business, XP Media, Floodgate Entertainment, and Market Zero.

Zynga partnered with Bwin.Party in October 2012 to initiate some real-money games in the U.K. The games include a FarmVille slot variation with real cash winnings, online poker, and almost 200 casino-type games.

Opening Doors to Increased Profits

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006 supposedly prohibits gambling online in the U.S., but the wording of the act was so vague that people have found loopholes and ways to navigate around the federal law ever since it was created. The recent explosion of smart phone technology paired with the growing trend of legal online gambling in America has opened many doors for gaming companies. Probability, Bwin.Party, 888 Holdings, and Zynga are just a few of the gaming companies who stand to profit from the changing digital and legal gambling landscape in the United States.

Bulldozers Crush 48 Florida Video Gambling Machines

21 Apr 2013 00:04:18 GMT

Florida has a new law prohibiting maquinitas, otherwise known as video gambling machines. The new law, signed by Governor Rick Scott on April 10, 2013, prompted Miami mayor Thomas Regalado to order the dramatic crushing of 48 machines with bulldozers on April 18th. The bulldozing was a spectacular, televised event which Regalado said served as a visual demonstration that Miami is ready and willing to comply with Florida's new law. On the same day of the bulldozing, officials raided other Florida locations and seized other maquinitas, according to Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa. Arrests were made and the machines were carted away, some of them with money still inside.

Governor Scott's Maquinita Ban

Governor Scott did not outlaw the slot machines found in casinos; Florida's 137 state-sanctioned casinos are still allowed to operate slots. He banned maquinitas, electronic gambling devices that, up until April 10th, had been used by nonprofit organizations, arcades, amusement centers, and Internet cafes in Florida.

The controversial machines came under scrutiny after 57 arrests were made in connection with a scandal involving Allied Veterans of the World, a phony charity that supposedly served U.S. veterans.

Allied Veterans of the World had been operating numerous Internet cafes in which maquinitas were being used to lure customers into spending extra money. The so-called charity's demise brought the governor's attention to what some considered to be the improper use of the gambling machines.

Arrests Caught Some Vendors by Surprise

Business owner Ayman Jadallah said he had no idea maquinitas had been outlawed when authorities invaded his small grocery store and confiscated his lone machine. Jadallah surrendered the machine willingly, saying it wasn't worth the fight to try to save it. Police allowed Jadallah to avoid jail time by having him sign a document promising to appear in court at a later date.

The maquinita in Jadallah's store was not the typical types of slot machines found in a casino. They were so-called "skill" machines in which players deposit money for a chance to mechanically finagle quarters through a slot onto a tray. Similar games are often found at arcades, children's restaurants, and carnivals.

Five others business owners were confronted by Miami police the same day. Each was accused of harboring illegal gambling machinery in a place of business. The maquinitas in question were discovered at several gas stations, a Laundromat, and a cafeteria.

Some Florida Arcade Proprietors Feel They Were Unfairly Targeted

A lawsuit has been filed by the Florida Arcade Association. The suit, led in part by owners of the Boardwalk Brothers Inc. arcade in Tamarac and the Play It Again, Florida arcade in Davie, claims that the businesses were unduly punished by Scott's new law. The suit calls the Florida governor's ruling "irrational" and "vague" and asks for the ban to be reversed so the businesses can survive.

Unfortunately for these arcade businesses, they were all immediately closed down due to Scott's ruling. The Florida Arcade Association has hired constitutional lawyer Bruce Rogow to defend their case. The plaintiffs are hopeful, but skeptics have expressed doubt that the governor's ruling can be overturned. In the event that the arcades aren't able to reverse the ban, there is still the hope that the arcade owners may be able to save their businesses by reconfiguring their machines to suit the specifics of Scott's new law.

Mayor Regalado's Puzzling Change of Heart

Interestingly, the mayor who made such a big deal of bulldozing the maquinitas on television once worked hard to safeguard their legality. Regalado, a Cuban immigrant and former journalist, actually fought against police chief Manuel Exposito on the issue when Regalado was first elected in 2009. Their conflict: the police chief felt the machines were against the law, while the mayor maintained that they were legal.

In 2010, Regalado decided to charge maquinita operators a yearly permit fee of $500. He argued that this move would help pad the city budget and also allow local government to track the location of maquinitas in town. In 2011, police chief Exposito left his job because of his intense and uncomfortable conflict with Regalado. Now, two years later, Regalado seems to have made a political about-face as he champions the maquinita's demise. This abrupt change in attitude has raised questions in the minds of some Miami citizens and politicians.

Suspicious Campaign Contributions

Regalado admits to collecting about $15,000 in campaign contributions from the maquinita industry during his 2009 election campaign. He insists, however, that the money has nothing to do with his change of heart, stating that he accepted funding from many different sources during his campaign. Still, critics point their fingers at this previous exchange of money as a possible reason for the public bulldozing.

City Commissioner Francis Suarez Accuses Regalado of Hypocrisy

Francis Suarez, a Miami city commissioner who plans to run against Regalado in the November 2013 mayoral election, immediately threw Regalado's public actions back in his face, calling the televised bulldozer display "hypocritical" and "opportunistic." Regalado responded by saying that Suarez has always been an opponent of maquinitas and therefore has nothing to complain about.

Criticism of Governor Scott

Critics say that Scott's new maquinita law goes overboard, that he reacted harshly to the Allied Veterans of the World scandal by making a sweeping and abrupt new ruling that unfairly ruined innocent arcade businesses. One of Scott's platforms as governor has been to create jobs for Floridians, but this new law effectively cuts approximately 14,000 jobs, according to some critics.

Ironically, an April 19 post on Governor Scott's web page announced the addition of 14,000 new jobs to the Orlando area. Supporters of Scott might say his efforts helped create positive economic growth in the area, but critics of his maquinita law might say that Florida's employment rate has simply broken even.

Scott is a Republican. Since his election to governorship in 2011, some of his major reforms have included requiring welfare recipients to take drug screening tests and rejecting the development of a high-speed rail between Orlando and Tampa.

Hot Debate Topic in Canada: A New Toronto Casino

16 Apr 2013 21:31:35 GMT

Toronto, Ontario is the largest city in Canada and home to approximately 2.5 million people. Tourists enjoy a number of museums, theaters, the Toronto Zoo, and one gambling venue called Woodbine Racetrack. In the spring of 2012, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced a "modernization plan" for the province which includes the addition of a casino and hotel resort in the greater Toronto area. In spite of the fact that Ontario already has several casinos, the plan for this new facility in Toronto has faced significant opposition.

What is OLG?

OLG is a division of Canada's government responsible for administering all gambling-related activities in the country. It is in charge of the Canadian lottery, eBingo, and 10 gambling facilities across Canada. These facilities include OLG Casino Brantford, OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie, and OLG Casino Thousand Islands. Paul Godfrey is the current chair of the Board of Directors. Godfrey is one of the major advocates of the new structure in Toronto.

Mayor Rob Ford: Supporting Godfrey in a New Casino for Toronto

Along with Godfrey, Toronto mayor Rob Ford favors the construction of a new downtown Toronto casino, citing increased jobs and economic stimulation as two of its greatest benefits.

Ford has postulated that approximately 10,000 jobs and $150 million in revenue would be generated by the proposed addition to the city. He added that somewhere between 7,000 and 11,000 construction jobs would be created if the suggested plans are carried out.

Ford's support for the construction project has created a stir amongst Toronto citizens and lawmakers. Ford is not well-liked by all of his constituents; his reputation as a controversial politician has followed him into a hot debate over whether or not Toronto should get the new casino. On April 15, Ford attended a public rally to show his support for the proposed business. On this occasion, he insinuated that fellow politicians who do not join him in supporting his effort would suffer repercussions at the next election in October 2014.

"No Casino Toronto"

"No Casino Toronto" is a grassroots organization that opposes Ford and the OLG construction plan. The group believes a casino in Toronto would hurt the city, causing neighborhoods to deteriorate and creating a tax burden for citizens. The group refutes the idea that a new Toronto casino would create jobs, indicating that the OLG's current strategies are actually diminishing jobs with the elimination the Slots-at-Racetracks program. The group also maintains that the city's crime rate would increase in the form of theft, fraud, and money laundering if the proposed business were to be built downtown.

City Councilor Gloria Lindsay Luby: Just Say 'No' OLG's Toronto Plan

Gloria Lindsay Luby, a councilor in the city of Toronto, is the most recent of 22 key politicians to publicly oppose the creation of the Toronto casino. Only eight members on the council have voiced support for the project thus far; a majority of 23 'yes' votes in the 45-member council are needed for the project to receive a go-ahead. The decision now boils down to undecided fence sitters who have not yet made their opinions known.

Toronto's Current Gambling Option: Woodbine Racetrack

Woodbine Racetrack is currently the closest thing Toronto has to a gambling resort. Sponsored by the OLG and owned by Woodbine Entertainment Group, the Woodbine Racetrack is a horse racing facility in which both thoroughbreds and standardbreds are raced. Food offerings include a buffet, a noodle bar, and a lounge where a la carte items are served.

Once upon a time, in addition to dining and betting, patrons at Woodbine enjoyed spending time on Woodbine's 24-hour gambling floor. The floor featured 3,000 slot machines which include penny slots, dollar slots, and electronic table games like video blackjack and roulette. Unfortunately for Toronto's slot machine fans, OLG's Slots-at-Racetracks program was cancelled by Liberal government last year.

Why Woodbine Racetrack Doesn't Deliver Patrons the Total Resort Experience

There is no hotel attached to Woodbine Race Track, and as of 2012 there are no slots for gamblers to enjoy. The only entertainment venue attached to Woodbine is the Mohawk Dinner Theater, which produces small-time plays. A deluxe gambling resort would give citizens of Toronto the opportunity to regain their lost gaming experience. They would also enjoy some of the other luxury features found at big name locations like Caesars Windsor, Fallsview Casino Resort, and Casino Rama, all located in Ontario.

Caesars Windsor

Caesars in Windsor, Ontario provides the total hotel and casino experience for its patrons, including round-the-clock slots, table games, a golf course, pool, and spa. Upcoming entertainment events will showcase top artists like the quartet Il Divo, classic pop band Chicago, hard rocker Alice Cooper, and comedian Jeff Foxworthy. Visitors from the surrounding areas, including Michigan and Ohio, come to Caesars Windsor for this complete-package gambling experience.

Fallsview Casino Resort

Fallsview Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario offers patrons over 3,000 slots and 100 table games. Guests may stay at the attached hotel which features gorgeous views of Niagara Falls, enjoy musical offerings by artists like Gordon Lightfoot and Sheena Easton, and dine at American, Italian, and Asian-style restaurants and buffets. Fallsview's main competitor is Seneca Niagara Casino and Resort, another full-service gambling facility run by the Seneca Nation in New York.

Casino Rama

Like Caesars Windsor and the Fallsview Resort, Casino Rama provides its patrons with a winning combination of slots, table games, fine food, and luxury accommodations. Located in Rama, Ontario, the facility has over 2,500 slot machines and table games ranging from blackjack to craps to Sic Bo. Upcoming concerts will feature stars Billy Idol, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more.

An Uncertain Future

With such grandiose gambling resorts in Toronto's neighboring cities, it seems natural that Toronto would have a similar resort to keep the casino distribution balanced. At this time, however, the future of the proposed new casino in downtown Toronto is still uncertain.

Pathological Gambling: Four Risk Factors

11 Apr 2013 16:13:32 GMT

The uncontrollable urge to gamble recklessly is called pathological gambling, or ludomania. Pathological gamblers bet more than they can afford to lose, and they continue to wager and lose money in spite of significant losses. Experts disagree as to how pathological gambling should be classified. Some say it's an impulse control disorder; others call it an addiction (click to read). In order to be diagnosed with pathological gambling, a gambler must display certain specific characteristics as defined by the DSM-IV. Some of these characteristics include lying about casino gaming and other personal activities, loss of important relationships due to gambling and criminal activities. Although it is rather easy to describe the characteristics of the pathological gambler, the causes of the disorder are more difficult to pinpoint. Researchers have identified the following four psychiatric conditions as possible risk factors for the disease.

Depression

Depression can be caused by low levels of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls mood. When serotonin levels are too low, a person's mood may plummet into depression. Depressed people feel emotional discomfort, yet they are often unable to ameliorate their discomfort through normal coping mechanisms. These feelings of discomfort may prompt them to self-medicate with pleasurable vices that temporarily raise serotonin levels, such as overindulgence in food, alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

Like people who are depressed, pathological gamblers often have lower-than-average levels of serotonin in their brains. Scientists have found a concrete link between depression, low serotonin, and pathological gambling.

A 2009 research study reported in the journal Psychopharmacology described rats with low serotonin levels who readily engaged in the same types of risky behavior as pathological gamblers. The study suggests that depressed people, like the rats in the experiment, may also be more inclined to gamble pathologically as a result of their brain chemistry.

The relationship between low serotonin levels and pathological gambling is significant. Fortunately, doctors and therapists may have some control over pathological gambling in people who are depressed. With medication, low serotonin is often a treatable condition. Clinical trials suggest that antidepressant medications may help prevent, and sometimes even cure, this insidious problem. Results are inconclusive at this point, but scientists are hopeful. Research continues.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder in which patients perceive a distorted reality. They may hear voices, imagine threats that aren't really there, and suffer severe bouts of anxiety and paranoia. Scientists believe that, like clinical depression, schizophrenia is at least partially caused by a neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain. That imbalance pertains, among other things, to a brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a complex substance that plays a critical role in a person's motivation and their response to pleasure and punishment.

Unfortunately for schizophrenia patients, addiction often comes part and parcel with the diagnosis. Victims historically report problems with risky, excessive behaviors like smoking, substance abuse, and gambling. A survey reported by the Journal of Clinical Psychology showed that almost 60 out of 300 schizophrenics had significant problems with gambling. Approximately half of those patients reported symptoms severe enough to meet the DSM-IV pathological gambling criteria. This means that a staggering 10 percent of schizophrenia patients may suffer from pathological gambling.

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that can be managed, but not cured. Anti-psychotic medication is usually prescribed, but unfortunately presents an array of unpleasant side effects. The disease sometimes culminates with the patient developing disabilities like quadriplegia, dementia, and even suicide. Many schizophrenics, however, are able to thrive thanks to combination of medication, talk therapy, and behavioral and cognitive interventions.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is a condition in which patients, who are often criminals, have little or no regard for the feelings and well-being of others in society. The ASPD patient may display behaviors that are excessively violent, narcissistic, belligerent, greedy, or reckless. Once again, the culpable neurotransmitter implicated in many cases of ASPD is serotonin.

The correlation between ASPD and problematic gambling is high. In one study, almost half of a sample of ASPD-diagnosed patients reported taking part in a gambling-related criminal offense. It is estimated that 15 percent or more of pathological gamblers may have this personality disorder.

Scientists believe that a mixture of environmental and genealogical factors contribute to the development of ASPD. Child abuse and other early childhood traumas are often pinpointed as a significant cause of the problem. In addition to pathological gambling behaviors, ASPD patients may suffer depression, anxiety, and social isolation. They often spend time in jail. The disorder is difficult to treat, as patients are often unwilling to cooperate with health care providers. Psychosocial therapy and psychotropic medications have been used with success in some patients.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a mood condition in which victims vacillate, often violently, between mania and depression. A bipolar person may experience periods of hypomania, characterized by extreme diligence, productivity, and focus, followed by periods of severe depression, sometimes with psychotic features. Scientists believe that an abnormal brain structure may be at least partially to blame for the dramatic mood swings which characterize bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder and pathological gambling notoriously go hand in hand. A 2007 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that victims of bipolar disorder are more than twice as likely as mentally healthy people to develop a gambling addiction. In cases where a bipolar patient is hooked on drugs or alcohol, the development of pathological addiction may be even more likely.

The good news for bipolar sufferers is that the disease is often managed well with medication. Lithium is the drug of choice in most cases. Although the disorder is chronic and cannot be cured, therapy can help with gambling addiction and other problems of excess.

Not all people with depression, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, and bipolar disorder become pathological gamblers. A person's chances for gambling pathologically are higher, however, if they have one of these diseases. Scientists continue to pursue medications and other treatments to help psychiatric patients with pathological gambling problems lead healthier, happier lives.

Betting on Politics - an Innovative New Bill

6 Apr 2013 21:42:42 GMT

Senator Richard "Tick" Segerblom is a fourth-generation Nevada politician. An aggressive Democrat, Segerblom has fought for the rights of the citizens of Nevada through numerous campaigns and self-initiated bills.

On March 25, 2013, Segerblom introduced an innovative new bill to the Nevada Senate which would allow its citizens to legally gamble on the outcomes of federal U.S. elections. Although the idea of betting on politics is a novel one in the U.S., citizens in other countries have been cashing in on political bets for decades.

England Gambles on U.S. Elections

If Segerblom's bill passes, it will be the first such ruling in the states. Election gambling, however, is already an established, legal activity in other parts of the world. For years, the English have gained both pleasure and profit from betting on the outcome of American elections. PoliticalBetting.com is an English blog and political speculation site that, through thoughtful reporting and analysis, claims to help guide its readers through the vast world of political betting. Citizens of the U.K. can make decisions based on the speculations of the blog, then go to a website like PaddyPower.com to check out the projected odds and make a bet.

A Bookmaking Super Power

Ireland-based Paddy Power is a bookmaker that services gamblers in Ireland and Great Britain. Established in 1988, the company is the result of a merger between three Irish bookmakers. Now in operation for 25 years, the company owns hundreds of retail sites throughout the Great Britain and Ireland where people can wager money on almost anything, from who will with the NCAA basketball tournament to what kind of hair style Angelina Jolie will wear at her wedding to Brad Pitt. Those who are unable or unwilling to personally travel to a Paddy Power retail site have several other options: place bets using Paddy Power's Dial-a-bet landline phone system, or via cell phone through the company's mobile division. Interested people may also visit the company's website, PaddyPower.com, where the projected odds for hundreds of different bets are displayed. Visitors to the site may also engage in numerous online casino games.

Some Examples of European Political Betting

Interested U.K. and Irish gamblers may visit the Paddy Power website to see what political issues are drawing gamblers' attention. Bets are already being taken, for example, on the winner of the U.S. presidential election of 2016. The bookmaker has placed Hillary Clinton's odds at 7/2 and Paul Ryan's odds at 8/1. These two politicians are not the only candidates on Paddy Power's speculation list, however. In early April 2013, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie's odds for winning were tied at 12/1. Mike Huckabee was listed at 66/1; John Edwards, Donald Trump, and Newt Gingrich were tied at 200/1; Alec Baldwin and Eva Longoria were tied at 400/1; and Andrew Basiago bottomed out the list at 500/1.

2016 U.S. Presidential Election: A Simpler Way to Bet

Those who feel overwhelmed by the long list of choices in the 2016 presidential election bet may prefer to put their money on a simpler wager. In early April 2013, for example, the website projected the odds of a male vs. female winning the 2016 U.S. presidential election this way: male 1/6; female 7/2.

U.K. Political Betting

American politics aren't the only money-making political issues listed on Paddy Power's betting site. As of April 2013, gamblers could wager money on who will win the most seats at the next general U.K. election. Choices and odds were as follows: Labour 8/15, Conservatives 6/4, and Lib Dems 100/1. U.K. gamblers can bet as to whether they think gay marriage will be legalized by the next general election. Odds in early April 2013 were projected by Paddy Power to be 1/7 "yes" and 4/1 "no." Irish gamblers may bet on a number of different issues. When will Barack Obama pay his next visit to Ireland? The odds of a 2013 visit are 2/9, according to Paddy Power. In what year will Ireland's next general election occur? Paddy Power projects it will most likely be in 2015.

A-Z Betting

Paddy Power does not just take bets on political issues. Visitors to the website may choose from an A-Z sidebar of betting categories which include a large variety of sports, play horse racing games and greyhound, lotteries, and novelty bets. Within each betting category, gamblers will find a number of different issues, or "markets," on which to bet, with projected odds listed. The buffet of choices seems almost endless.

Humorous Novelty Bets

Those with a sense of humor may enjoy perusing the bookmaker's "Novelty Bet" category. Gamblers in this category may choose from a long list of subcategories which include "Hollywood," "Music," "Weather," and "TV Specials." Who will be the next Oscar host? Paddy Power names 36 possibilities, with Justin Timberlake topping the list at 2/1 and Michelle Obama bottoming out at 500/1. Which major cities will enjoy a white Christmas on December 25, 2013? Chicago scores the highest with 5/6 odds while Madrid's odds are 12/1. Will the next winner of Britain's Got Talent be a solo singer? The odds are 7/4, according to the bookmaker, while the odds of a stripper winning the contest are placed at 66/1.

Segerblom: Bringing a Taste of Europe to the U.S.

Senator Segerblom has proposed that Nevada citizens be allowed to gamble on the outcome of federal elections. He points out that Europeans have been doing so for years with the help of bookmakers like Paddy Power. While experts speculate that the revenue generated from political betting in the U.S. would be far less than sports betting revenue, Segerblom feels it is an avenue worth exploring.

A World of Betting Options

If Segerblom's bill passes, a world of betting options will open to the people of Nevada. With strong companies like Paddy Power paving the way, it may not be long before Americans are gambling on the Paddy Power site just like some Europeans.

Revel Casino - Chapter 11 process - Benefits for 2013

30 Mar 2013 18:45:09 GMT

On April 2, 2012, a new luxury casino and resort called Revel opened its doors to the Atlantic City public. Today, less than one year later, Revel has filed for Chapter 11 assistance through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Camden, N.J. It took just eleven months for the struggling casino's debts to climb to the $1.5 billion mark, a figure simply too high for the business to handle gracefully. Chapter 11 benefits will give the business a significant debt reduction, forgiving over 82 percent of the monies owed. When all is said and done, Revel will fall only $272 million short, a figure its interim CEO Jeffrey Hartmann views as manageable.

Revel Casino's Luxurious Accommodations Contributed to Its Downfall

Reaching 48 stories into the sky, the luxurious Revel casino and resort towers above all other buildings in Atlantic City. Guests may stay at any of Revel's 1,399 hotel rooms and partake of 13 different restaurants, two nightclubs, and two entertainment halls. Positioned six stories above the ocean, Revel's casino offers 130,000 square feet of gambling space with over 2,400 slot machines and 130 table games to its patrons. One of the resort's highlighted features is the Sky Garden, a two-acre landscaped rooftop complete with swimming pools, cabanas, and over 30,000 plants and trees. No doubt about it, Revel's luxurious offerings make it one of Atlantic City's most glamorous places to stay and gamble. Unfortunately, the deluxe amenities have not been enough to keep the business's financial status in the black.

High Food Prices May Have Scared Customers Away

At first glance, the Revel resort seems to have everything going for it: located in one of America's most popular gambling Mecca, it offers beautiful scenery with an ocean theme, a glorious gambling floor, and fine food and accommodations. The fact that Revel is a luxury casino and resort, however, may have contributed to its financial downfall. It has been speculated that the resort's pricy meals may have scared potential clients away. Some theorize that Revel essentially forgot to include the day-tripping, middle class senior citizen in their business plan, catering only to the wealthiest of customers. For example, Revel did not offer the traditional buffet seen in other Atlantic City casinos to its customers; to dine at Revel was to shell out a small fortune. This may have caused patrons to seek their meals and gambling fun at other, cheaper casinos in Atlantic City. Part of the Hartmann's new and improved vision for Revel is to provide more economical eating options to customers on a budget.

No Smoking Policy a Possible Customer Deterrent

Once upon a time, gamblers at Revel were told to smoke their cigarettes elsewhere. Revel was the first and only Atlantic City casino to forbid smoking on its gambling floor. Critics have theorized that this forbiddance drove middle class customers out Revel's doors and into the welcoming arms of competitors like the Borgata and the Tropicana. Part of Revel's new revenue-seeking plan is to axe the old cigarette policy and invite smokers back inside. Non-smokers may be dismayed, but Revel's general consensus now is that if you can't beat the pro-smoking competition, you should join them.

It's All in the Timing, and the Timing Was All Off

Another possible reason for Revel's financial failure was the timing of its construction. Initiated in 2008, the Revel project began just before the U.S. economy took its most recent nosedive. By the time the economy plummeted, Revel's investors and builders felt they were too deep into the project to quit. They did cut corners, however, by eliminating the construction of a second hotel tower. Had the tower been built, business may have been better, some theorize. In any case, the financial malaise of American citizens certainly contributed to the lack of middle class interest in Revel's offerings.

Travelers on a budget simply did not choose to spend their funds at a swanky resort and casino when there were at least ten cheaper, equally alluring options to be found in Atlantic City.

Revel, a Stand-Alone Casino, Has No Parent Company to Fall Back On

Revel Casino in a stand-alone casino and resort in that it is the only business of its name and kind; no other Revels exist, and no major parent corporation owns Revel. For this reason, the business has no rock to cling to in turbulent financial times. Analysts have speculated that Revel's lack of large-corporate backing contributed to its rapid financial fall. Other, more stable casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas are part of a stable chain, whereas Revel is not.

Forthcoming Changes at Revel Casino

Hartmann hopes the Chapter 11 process will be complete by early summer 2013, just in time for the resort to pick up business from the seasonal boom. Patrons, he says, will not notice a decline in the quality of service in the coming months. Some changes will definitely occur: smoking will be permitted, a high-stakes slot room added, and dining options expanded to attract those on a tight budget. Hartmann's number one goal is to lure in customers and generate revenue so the drastic financial slippage that led to its Chapter 11 filing will never happen again.

When construction began on Revel Casino in Atlantic City five years ago, officials had no idea the U.S. economy was about to tank. Revel initially aimed to be a high-end casino, catering to rich executives rather than middle class senior citizen gamblers, but the economic climate in Atlantic City was not right for the growth of such a business. Now, after its $1.5 billion dollar debt has been tempered by the benefits of a Chapter 11 filing, interim CEO Hartmann plans to make key changes that will drive business through Revel's doors. Instead of being the swanky, non-smoking casino on the block, Revel will join the ranks of its eleven competitors, catering to middle class gamblers on a budget.

Gambling Theft a Sign of Addiction: Five Stories

22 Mar 2013 14:08:31 GMT

America's legal system doesn't have a problem with people who take their own money to the casino for a bit of gambling fun. In fact, America's legal system is banking on the fact that many people will do just that. Casinos bring in revenue to states, and as the U.S. economy continues to struggle, states budgets are becoming more and more dependent on that revenue. When people steal money from others to fuel their gambling habit, however, America's legal system reacts quite differently. The following stories illustrate how five American citizens stole money in order to gain a little cash at the casino.

Pennsylvania Lunch Ladies Pocket $94,000 to Fund Gambling Excursions

Stacy Shipley and Shirley Cook, two former cafeteria workers in the Charleroi school district of Pennsylvania, allegedly pocketed $94,000 of their school district's lunch money to fund their gambling excursions. The lunch ladies have been accused of gambling with student money at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington, Pa. The women had been working for the Charleroi school district for over eight years when the crime was discovered during a routine budget review. The district's superintendent, Dr. Brad Ferko, said it was initially believed that only $30,000 was missing from the budget. Upon further investigation, however, it was discovered that almost $100,000 was missing. Although released on bond for now, the women could soon be serving jail time for theft, criminal conspiracy, and forgery.

Washington Paralegal Cashes $235,000 in Law Firm Checks for Personal Gambling Use

Deborah Sheehan, a senior paralegal at a Tacoma, Washington law firm, has been accused of cashing almost $235,000 worth of checks that were intended for the law firm's clients. In April 2012, workers at Sheehan's bank became alarmed when she tried to deposit a check addressed to a client into her personal account. The bank alerted the law firm, resulting in a criminal investigation and Sheehan's arrest. Sheehan admitted that she forged her name on 89 checks from her workplace and cashed them for her personal gambling use. Sheehan has also been accused of forging almost $13,000 worth of checks from the Home Owners' Association for which she was president in 2011 and 2012. She has expressed remorse for her crimes, saying she used gambling as a way to escape the stress she felt at work and at home. The former paralegal faces 27 theft and forgery charges, but is not yet in jail.

Illinois Priest Pilfers Almost $300,000 from Collection Plate to Support Gambling Habit

Rev. John Regan, a former priest at St. Walter Catholic Church in Illinois, has admitted to stealing almost $300,000 from the church. Regan opened an account at a local bank titled the "Church of St. Walter Special Needs Account" and regularly deposited church funds there, cleverly naming himself as the only person authorized to withdraw the cash. The priest, who initially made a favorable impression on his parishioners, took the money to Harrah's in Joliet and Grand Victoria in Elgin for numerous gambling sprees. Regan, who was earning only $25,000 per year, will be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison this summer.

Michigan Man Allows ATM Error to Fund $1.5 Million Gambling Spree

Ronald Page, a retired GM worker and frequent gambler in Detroit and Las Vegas, was on the receiving end of a bank error which allowed him to withdraw unlimited amounts of cash from his Bank of America ATM account. Page, who typically kept only about $100 in his account, eventually got caught when his withdrawals soared to the $1.5 million mark. The U.S. Attorney's office recommended that Page serve 15 months in prison and indicated that he should repay Bank of America the full amount, in spite of the fact that it was the bank's error. According to his defense attorney, Page has no history of criminal activity prior to the bank theft but does have a history of alcohol and drug addiction. He will serve the 15-month prison term recommended by the U.S. Attorney's office and will also repay the debt from his $2,000 per month pension.

New Jersey Financial Officer Steals over $10 Million From Hedge Fund for Sports Gambling

David Newmark, the ex-financial officer of a hedge fund in New Jersey, has been accused of stealing $10.4 million from his firm to support his sports gambling habit. The 39-year-old family man will serve 54 months in prison for crimes which include embezzlement, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Newmark's attorney begged a U.S. District Court judge for leniency, but the judge declined, saying Newmark needed to feel the sting of his crimes so as not to offend again. Newmark will serve 4 1/2 years in federal prison.

A Common Occurrence

These five stories represent just a small fraction of Americans who have stolen money from others in order to fund a gambling habit. While some people have the self control to gamble only what they can afford and then walk away, others are not so lucky.

Gambling can become an addiction just like overeating, alcoholism, and drug abuse (read more). When an addict becomes desperate for a high, or desperate for money to repay a debt, theft is often the natural choice. It is estimated that as much as 3 percent of the gambling population grapples with serious addiction.

Other Signs of Addiction

Not all gambling addicts turn to theft. Other symptoms may arise, including the neglect of family members, home, and health. People who steal money to fund a gambling habit often have no criminal history. They may project the image of a completely normal person. Compulsive gamblers. however, are at higher risk for suicide, attempted suicide, and other devastating emotional and legal problems.

People who break the law in order to maintain a gambling habit have a disease. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Gamblers Anonymous is a good first step for those seeking help with a debilitating gambling problem.

Allied Veterans of the World - Florida's charity scam ends

20 Mar 2013 23:07:41 GMT

In 1989, a charity for veterans called Allied Veterans of the World was born. The charity, under the guidance of well-intentioned leader Harold Grossman, used bingo games and bake sales to help raise money for veterans in need. Grossman passed away in 2004, leaving a man named Jerry Bass in charge of his good works. In 2013, Bass's organization was shut down due to allegations of scandal. According to an IRS affidavit in federal court, the fraudulent organization has been operating almost 50 illegal gambling locations in Florida under the guise of charity. While a small amount of money taken in by these gambling locations actually was donated to those in need, authorities allege that the group's leaders used the bulk of the organization's $300 million income over the past five years to buy luxury items for themselves and to financially support key Florida politicians.

March 2013: 57 Suspects Named in Florida Gambling Scandal

In March 2013, 57 people were named suspects in the illegal gambling operation. As of March 18, 53 of those suspects were in custody. Notable suspects include 65-year old Johnny Duncan, a man with a history of running illegal bingo games in the name of charity, and Kelly Mathis, the group's attorney. Authorities have alleged that Mathis is the ringleader of the operation, using his legal expertise to guide the group through loopholes that have kept their illicit activities under the radar for the past five years. Bass, who took over for founder Grossman almost a decade ago, was also arrested after authorities completed a lengthy investigation of the gambling ring.

Internet Cafes: How Allied Veterans of the World Made Their Money

The so-called charity absorbed its funds from various Internet cafes across Florida. An Internet cafe is like a coffee shop that provides Internet service instead of coffee. Customers who don't have regular access to the Internet can purchase time on a computer at an Internet cafe. While there, customers can pay bills, surf the web, whatever they like.

Allied Veterans of the World invited its Internet cafe customers to wager money on slot machine-like games provided on the computers. They maintained that the slot games were legal because they had predetermined outcomes, much like the Monopoly sweepstakes sponsored by McDonald's.

Internet cafes exist in several states, including Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Legislators in all three states have been working hard to ban the cafes, claiming that they are nothing but thinly veiled, illegal casinos. Authorities allege that Allied Veterans of the World was, in essence, committing a double crime: not only were they siphoning money from a falsely advertised charity, they were doing it through questionable Internet cafes. Attorney Mathis maintains the charity's innocence, saying the cafe slot games are indeed legal through a loophole in Florida law.

A Fishy Affiliation With Florida Politicians

During its operation, Allied Veterans of the World took in $300 million through the Internet cafes. Authorities speculate that approximately $1 million of that money was contributed to the campaign funds of key Florida politicians who had the power to keep the organization in operation. Dan Krassner, executive director of a watchdog group called Integrity Florida, commented that Florida's political system is flawed in that it does not cap the amount of money politicians may receive from outside parties. This creates an open-ended invitation for any person or organization to contribute as much as they want to the politicians they chose, in essence allowing them to manipulate public policy with cash.

The Resignation of Florida's Lieutenant Governor

Florida's Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll, resigned from her position after being questioned by authorities on the issue of the scandal. Although Carroll has not been accused of corruption herself, Florida governor Rick Scott stated that Carroll did the "right thing" by stepping down from her position. The exact reason for Carroll's resignation is not known, but some speculate that it has to do with the scandal in question. Before her governorship, Carroll was once affiliated with Allied Veterans of the World as co-owner of a public relations firm that represented the organization.

A Pithy $6 Million Donated to Those in Need

Allied Veterans of the World donated $6 million to veterans during its operation. Although this amount may seem significant at first glance, it pales in comparison to the total $300 million taken in by Internet cafes over the past five years of the charity's operation. Authorities speculate that the major players in the scandal knew exactly what they were doing when they used the hardships of poor veterans to front their illicit gambling activities. Bits of money were donated here and there to charity-associated groups, but the 70 percent share of profits Allied Veterans of the World claimed to pour into the hands of needy veterans never actually occurred.

Gambling Scandal May Leave Some Innocent People Homeless

In 2011, Allied Veterans of the World donated $630,000 toward the down payment on a homeless shelter called the Allied Veterans Center. The shelter, a converted state nursing home, opened its doors to its first guest in 2012 and has the facilities to house 48 people in need. Currently there are 28 people living at the Allied Veterans Center. Because of the scandal, unfortunately, their future residency is uncertain. The operators of the shelter, Len and Suzie Loving, have found themselves in dire straits due to the financial losses associated with the scandal. The Lovings said they are willing to go without most of their pay, as are some of their staff, in order to maintain the Allied Veterans Center for its homeless guests. They speculate that all funding will run out by June, however, and at that time they may have to close their doors, leaving up to 28 people out in the cold.

The complicated story of how this so-called charity used needy veterans and illegal Internet cafes for massive personal gain is still evolving. At the time of this writing, the search for four suspects in the scandal continues.

Don Johnson - History of a blackjack guru's

16 Mar 2013 18:25:42 GMT

When Don Johnson began playing blackjack 15 years ago, he had no idea his gift for the game would one day earn him millions of dollars. Between December 2010 and April 2011, however, that is exactly what happened. Johnson, over the course of these five months, played blackjack at the Tropicana, Borgata, and Caesar's in Atlantic City and raked in a whopping $15.8 million dollars in profit. Such extreme winning rarely occurs in well-managed casinos, where the house always maintains a winning edge. The casinos of Atlantic City are definitely managed well, which leads the casual observer to ask the following questions: who is Don Johnson, how did he do it, and why did three major Atlantic City casinos allow him to get away millions of dollars in winnings before banning him from the game?

Don Johnson: Who He Is

Not to be confused with the Miami Vice star, Don Johnson of Bensalem, PA is a 49-year-old business executive. Often dressed in sweatshirts, baseball hats and sneakers, the millionaire gambler conveys the image of neither a highbrow CEO nor a high rolling blackjack professional. He works for a business called Heritage Development LLC, a Wyoming-based company that is, not surprisingly, affiliated with the gambling industry. At Heritage Development, he oversees the production of computerized wagering systems that are used in horse racing. A fan of horse racing himself, Johnson has even owned his own thoroughbreds in the past. He also did a stint managing Philadelphia Park, known for its thoroughbred racing, for a time in the 90s. His professional experience with horse racing does not, however, explain his miraculous winning streak at the blackjack tables of three big time Atlantic City casinos.

How He Did It: Not By Counting Cards

Over the course of his $15.8 million dollar winning streak, Johnson took in $4 million at Caesar's, $5 million at the Borgata, and $5.8 million at the Tropicana.

At first glance, some skeptics would assume that the man is a card counter who simply did not get caught. A card counter is someone who systematically keeps track of the cards that have been played by the dealer, then bets according to the composition of the cards yet to be dealt. It is possible to count cards both mentally and through the use of an external device; the latter is illegal. Johnson denies counting cards, however, and officials at the three casinos in question never came forward with surveillance video tape to suggest otherwise.

High Rollers Get Special Deals

Johnson was a high roller with a padded wallet. He had no qualms about risking significant chunks of change while sitting at the blackjack table, and Atlantic City casino officials knew it. Initially, Johnson's betting style made him a desirable customer. The Atlantic City Tropicana, in fact, stretched his blackjack betting limit up to $100,000 per hand before he hit his $5.8 million jackpot there. This is a privilege not extended to every Tropicana guest, but in the unknowing eyes of Tropicana officials, Johnson was a big spender likely to lead the casino to great profit.

A "Whale" of a Gambler

Because Johnson was a "whale", frequently wagering large sums of money on a single bet, Atlantic City's gambling houses began extending incentives to him that were unusually generous. Johnson, in turn, developed a negotiating rapport with the gambling houses which sweetened the pot even more. Over time, Johnson's high roller perks shimmied up to a 20% forgiveness rate; that is, for every $10 he lost, the house would give him $2 back. For every $1,000 he lost, the house would give him $200 back. When you extrapolate this generosity into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, it's easy to see how Johnson, who was already sitting on a huge personal fortune, found it easy to accept these favorable odds.

Extra-Special Perks for an Extra-Special Customer

Johnson's high roller perks didn't stop with a 20% forgiveness rate. He actually persuaded some casinos to let him play blackjack with client-specific rules that stacked the odds even more in his favor. Although he has not disclosed many specifics, it is known that his games were played with a hand-shuffled shoe of six decks. It is also known that he negotiated the privilege of splitting and doubling down on up to four hands at once, and that he often played the advantageous "soft 17".

Even without counting cards, the 20% forgiveness rate coupled with Johnson's client-specific rules brought the Tropicana's house advantage down to what Johnson calculated to be one quarter of one percent. These favorable odds, paired with the fact that he was well-versed in blackjack strategy and had money to burn, produced a confident Johnson who eventually won millions.

Why He Got Away With It

It's no secret that casinos like to keep the house edge high. Gamblers do beat the odds sometimes; it they didn't, no one would gamble. Patron losses, however, almost always exceed house losses. This is how casinos make their money.

When Johnson hit his incredible winning streak in Atlantic City, it took the casinos a while to figure out which customer was responsible for their losses. Once officials at Caesar's, the Borgata, and the Tropicana discovered it was Johnson, he was immediately banned from the game. Unfortunately for the casinos, this discovery was not made until he had already pocketed $15.8 million of their dollars.

Mark Giannantonio, former CEO of Atlantic City's Tropicana, was fired the month after Johnson's phenomenal winning streak was uncovered. Giannantonio has denied suggestions that his departure from the Tropicana had anything to do with one customer's $5.8 million dollar victory over the casino.

You Can't Keep a Good Gambler Down

Johnson may have pulled the wool over the eyes of three Atlantic City casinos, but he did it honestly. Even so, he has now been banned from those casinos, as well as Caesar's and Harrah's in Las Vegas. Johnson has stated that he will not allow the casinos to keep him down: if he can't play blackjack, he will enjoy betting at the horse races instead.

Hotel and Casino Sahara in Las Vegas Reborn in SLS

8 Mar 2013 17:54:50 GMT

On May 16, 2011, a beloved Las Vegas icon closed its doors to the public. That icon was the hotel Sahara. At 59 years old, the Sahara was no longer an "economically viable" business, according to SBE Entertainment Group CEO Sam Nazarian. In spite of its efforts to reach out to the public through desperately low, $30-per-night offers, the 1,720-room hotel's business took a nosedive right along with the U.S. economy. Now, two years later, president and CEO of SLS Las Vegas Rob Oseland is making an attempt to revive the historic Las Vegas structure under a new name.

Oseland's New SLS Las Vegas

The former Sahara building is owned by SBE mogul Nazarian, who recently partnered with Oseland in a quest for the structure's revival. Oseland has raised $300 million for the project and plans to model the new hotel after the upscale SLS Beverly Hills, calling it SLS Las Vegas. Although $115 million has yet to be raised in order for the restructuring project to be complete, Oseland has high hopes for the profitability of the future SLS Las Vegas. His vision will transform the small and outdated Sahara into a swanky destination for vacationers who seek a luxury hotel stay in Las Vegas.

What Will the New Hotel and Casino Be Like?

The SLS will be different than the Sahara in some ways. Instead of $30 per night hotel fares, customers will pay between $100 and $200 per night. Although this may seem high when compared to the drastically low room rentals of the Sahara, the rate is still cheaper compared to some other big name hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Oseland hopes that the SLS name, well known in Beverly Hills, will lure in customers who seek an extraordinary resort-like experience without an extraordinary price tag.

The facility will retain its 85,000 square feet of casino space. In addition, it will feature four nightclubs, the famed Los Angeles apparel store Fred Segal, and multiple restaurants offering a variety of styles and fares. The new business is slated to open in the fall of 2014.

How Can Oseland's New Business Afford Cheaper Rental Rates?

The Sahara is an aged structure with tinier-than-average rooms. The entire building is smaller than some of the king casinos down the street. Oseland believes he can swing the $100-$200 per night price tag on rooms because he expects his mortgage and operational costs to be much lower than that of some of the larger resorts in the city. For this reason, even if the SLS Las Vegas takes in less money than other resorts, Oseland believes it will still fare well against the competition.

Who is Rob Oseland?

Nazarian knew what he was doing when he hired Oseland to breathe life back into the Sahara. As president and CEO of SLS Las Vegas, Oseland brings to the company a wealth of valuable experience in successful casino development. In the earliest days of his career, Oseland worked at the Gold Nugget as a casino analyst and dealer for Steve Wynn. Wynn subsequently invited Oseland along for the ride as he developed the new Mirage and Bellagio casinos. Later, the two men worked side by side in opening the highly successful Wynn Las Vegas. Under the tutelage of mentor Wynn, Oseland developed a positive, can-do attitude that is challenged by some and appreciated by many. Skeptics question Oseland's ability to resurrect the old Sahara into something new and profitable, but Oseland counters their skepticism with a spirited attitude and positive reasons of his own.

What Are Skeptics Saying About Oseland's Plan to Resurrect the Former Sahara?

Skeptics say that the Sahara revival project has some definite drawbacks. The hotel is too small, they say, in comparison with larger Las Vegas resorts. The location is too far north on the Strip, they say, to attract customers who plan to travel up and down the street on their gambling ventures. They say that if the Sahara couldn't pull it off in 2011 at super low prices, there is no reason to believe that SLS Las Vegas can pull it off in 2014 with significantly higher prices.

Oseland views the situation with a more positive attitude. He says the smaller hotel size will create a more intimate, exciting atmosphere that will only stimulate gambling and other consumerism. He says the northern location of the facility is perfect because he wants to be the leader in the development of this part of the Strip. He says the economy is now recovering and the accommodations of the SLS, in its glamorous Beverly Hills style, will beckon customers looking to pay $100 - $200 per night.

What Have We Lost?

Patrons and businessmen alike mourned the loss of the Sahara. The building was a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip, an iconic spot people knew about even if they'd never visited the city. Originally titled Club Bingo in 1947, owner Milton Prell renamed the facility the Sahara Hotel and Casino in 1952. Over its 59-year career, the Sahara housed hundreds of thousands of guests. Rat Pack members Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra all crooned their tunes on the Sahara stage. Other notorious entertainers to grace the Sahara's nightclubs included Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Wayne Newton, and George Carlin. The Beatles stayed at the hotel when they played the Las Vegas Convention Center. Without a doubt, the Sahara building is entrenched in a deep and meaningful cultural history. When it closed in 2011, many found its demise a difficult truth to accept.

Oseland aims to reinstate the building to its former glory, albeit under a different name. He envisions the SLS Las Vegas as a leader of future new developments along the northern part of the Strip. Taking the naysayers in stride, Osland keeps his eyes on the prize: a revitalized new casino and hotel with booming business and a rich cultural history that beckons young and old alike.

New York Governor Uses Quick Draw to Make a Fast Buck

4 Mar 2013 00:17:29 GMT

The use of gambling revenue to fund societal institutions like public education raises a challenging ethical question. While some people feel it is okay for the government to dangle temptations like slot machines and keno in front of its citizens in the name of societal good, others feel it is unfair and morally unjust to do so.

New York governor Andrew Cuomo is a supporter of dangling temptations. He recently promised his citizens he won't raise taxes to cover the state's $1.3 billion budget shortage. Instead, he plans to use revenue from the state's keno-like gambling game, Quick Draw, to help fill the gap. Since 1995, Quick Draw has padded New York's public education budget with a handsome 25% revenue. In his new state budget plan, Cuomo proposes to increase public access to the highly controversial Quick Draw game in order to soothe the state's hurting economy without raising taxes.

What is Quick Draw?

Initiated in New York in 1995, Quick Draw is a fast paced video number game in which gamblers wager money on 10 digits between 1 and 80.

Bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments display a TV screen that flashes a new set of random, computer-generated numbers every four minutes.

Gamblers write down their chosen numbers, hand them to a bar tender or waitress with a $1 or $2 wager, and sit down at a table with their eyes glued to the screen, hoping for the best.

Quick Draw Growth and Change Throughout the Years

When it was first introduced in 1995, Quick Draw was only permitted in larger bars, restaurants, and other facilities over 2500 square feet where food and alcohol were served. Gamblers could access the game 13 hours out of every day, and the minimum betting age was 21.

In 2010, the amount of time the game could be played was increased from 13 to 23-and-a-half hours per day. The amount of revenue the game contributed to New York's education budget that year was $103 million.

In 2011, game locations were expanded to include establishments that do not serve food. The quality of the computer graphics on the Quick Draw TV screen were highly improved that year. The amount of revenue contributed to New York's education budget was $124.5 million, an increase of approximately $19 million over 2010.

In 2012, Quick Draw revenue contributed $138 million to New York's education budget, a $35 million increase over 2010.

Cuomo's Plan for Quick Draw in 2013 and Beyond

Cuomo, a Democratic governor in his third year of service, has proposed that Quick Draw locations be increased to include spaces smaller than 2500 feet that do not serve alcohol. This move would expand the total number of locations in New York by about 780, opening up more corner store opportunities for gamblers to invest their money in the system.

Cuomo also wants to reduce the age at which citizens can play the game from 21 to 18. The theory is that this age requirement reduction would inflate the number of people playing Quick Draw, thus increasing revenue. Ironically, adults under 21 in bars and other alcohol-serving establishments would be able to legally wager their money on Quick Draw, yet they would not be legally able to order a beer.

Cuomo hypothesizes that these suggested changes would increase Quick Draw revenue by $12 million the first year and $24 million in the years after that, providing New York's struggling economy and educational system with a much-needed boost.

What Critics Are Saying About Cuomo's Plan for Expansion

Critics of Cuomo's Quick Draw expansion plan say that lowering the gambling age to 18 would cause a world of hurt for a new generation of gambling addicts. Steven Cymbrowitz, chairman of Assembly's Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, has likened Quick Draw to "video crack." This refers to the highly addictive, fast paced nature of the game, in which gratification can be attained almost instantly. It also refers to the financially destructive nature of the game, in which large sums of money can be wagered and lost in a matter of hours.

Opponents also point out that, while the New York governor is willing to put forth the funds and effort for Quick Draw's expansion, the state has yet to increase its spending on therapeutic programs for addicted gamblers. If New York is going to dangle this extra temptation in front of its citizens, they argue, the state should also be willing to cough up the money for additional addiction programs to help counteract Quick Draw's hazardous side effects.

What Supporters Are Saying About Cuomo's Quick Draw Expansion

Those who advocate Cuomo's Quick Draw expansion claim that the availability of Quick Draw is no more detrimental to the public than the availability of other gambling activities like scratch off tickets, slot machines (click here), and the like.

It has been argued that only 1% of the general population is pathologically addicted to gambling, and that this figure has not changed with the increase in Quick Draw availability over the past years.

Tough Ethical Questions, No Easy Answers

Gambling revenue can be a significant source of income for state budgets. Because the cash collected through gambling revenue is essentially given up voluntarily by citizens, it can lessen the need for taxation. As the United States struggles with an ailing economy, it is understandable that politicians like Cuomo would look to increased gambling revenue as a way to pad budgets and avoid raising taxes. Supporters of Cuomo's strategy maintain that the societal rate of pathological gambling is not worsened by the presence of more gambling opportunities. Critics of Cuomo's strategy say that too many innocent people will fall prey to the temptation of Quick Draw and suffer significant financial harm at the hands of the state government.

US casino players - Tips to avoid trouble with the IRS

28 Feb 2013 16:14:02 GMT

Most gamblers hope to win money when they visit a casino, but many fail to think about the taxes they would have to pay on their winnings. Meet George and Frank, two American friends who spend a weekend gambling at the Las Vegas Bellagio. George wins $200 playing video roulette. Frank wins $1500 on a quarter slot machine (Play here). Both men make some significant financial mistakes that could get them into trouble with the IRS.

Mistake # 1: Frank Fails to Pay Taxes on His Winnings

Before leaving the casino, Bellagio officials ask Frank to supply his Social Security number and fill out a W - 2G stating his $1500 winnings. When tax time rolls around, Frank forgets about the W – 2G and does not report the $1500 on his tax forms.

Could Frank Get in Trouble?

If Frank gets audited, he could indeed get in trouble with the IRS for failing to report his gambling income. Federal law mandates that slot machine winnings over $1200 must be reported to the IRS. The law also requires horse racing winnings over $600 and keno (click here) winnings over $1500 to be reported. Frank's legal obligation does not end with the W - 2G he filled out at the casino; he must also claim his winnings on Line 21 of his 1040. Failing to do this could result in stern penalties from the IRS.

What About George?

Bellagio officials did not ask George to fill out a W – 2G because his $200 earnings fell below the IRS threshold. Technically, however, he is supposed to claim his $200 winnings on Line 21 of his 1040 just like Frank. Unlike Frank, George stands little chance of getting caught if he fails to do this because there is no paper trail documenting his jackpot (read more). The only punishment George is likely to suffer is the discomfort of a guilty conscience.

If your winnings surpass the predetermined threshold, casino proprietors are required by law to have you fill out a W – 2G which reports your extra income. If you fail to submit this information to the IRS at tax time, government officials could catch a whiff of your paper trail and come after you. If your casino winnings do not surpass the predetermined threshold, you are still required by law to report the money, but without written evidence, the IRS stands little chance of catching you in your dishonesty.

Mistake # 2: Frank Itemizes His $4000 Gambling Loss and Cheats Himself Out of the $5,950 Standard Deduction

Frank carefully records his losses at the Bellagio in a small notebook he keeps in his pocket. At the end of the weekend, he calculates a $4000 loss. When tax time rolls around, Frank itemizes this $4000 loss and feels like a tax-savvy gambling superstar. Unfortunately, the $4000 is Frank's only itemized deduction for the year and he's actually cheated himself out of a significant chunk of money. If Frank had bothered to do some research, he would have known that the standard deduction in 2012 is $5950. By itemizing only his $4000 loss at the Bellagio, Frank cheated himself out of an additional $1950 deduction.

The Moral of the Story

You can itemize gambling losses on your tax forms in order to recoup some of your lost money, but always find out what the standard deduction is first. You will only come out ahead if your itemized deductions add up to more than the standard deduction.

Mistake # 3: George Itemizes His Gambling Losses, Which Are Greater Than His Winnings, and Gets in Trouble

After examining the pocketful of ATM receipts he accumulated while at the Bellagio, George realizes that although he won $200, he lost a total of $800. When tax time rolls around, George reports the $800 loss under the miscellaneous deductions section on Schedule A. He also reports his $200 winnings on Line 21 of his 1040. Unfortunately, George does not realize that deducted gambling losses cannot legally exceed gains. He gets audited and fined for failing to comply with this IRS regulation. It is perfectly acceptable to deduct your gambling losses, but you must also report your winnings. On top of that, your claimed losses may not exceed your stated winnings. George can legally claimed a $200 loss because he won $200, but he cannot legally claim an $800 loss in this scenario.

Mistake # 4: George Fails to Document His Gambling Activities in an IRS-Approved Fashion

George is notified by the IRS that he is being audited and needs to provide legal documentation of the wins and losses he accumulated at the Bellagio. He digs through his suitcase, reassembles his collection of ATM and players card receipts, and submits these slips of paper to the IRS in a manila envelope. IRS officials reject his envelope, stating that this piecemeal form of documentation is unacceptable.

Conclusions

It is wise to track your casino expenditures, but saved receipts are not enough in the case of an IRS audit. Wins and losses should be logged in a notebook which includes the location, date, and amount of money won or lost. Game stubs are also acceptable documentation, but ATM and players club receipts are not.

All Americans must report gambling winnings to the IRS, regardless of what state or country they are in when they win. Gambling proprietors are required by law to report guest winnings that exceed certain predetermined amounts to the IRS. If you don't report your winnings and are audited, you could get in trouble.

Citizens are permitted to claim gambling losses on the miscellaneous deductions section in Schedule A, but losses may not exceed winnings. If you're thinking about itemizing gambling losses on your taxes, experiment with different deduction scenarios to see which will give you the biggest benefit.

Finally, keep track of your wins and losses in a detailed notebook. If you do get audited, IRS officials will only accept certain forms of financial documentation.

Online Gambling in New Jersey: Indicative of the Future?

20 Feb 2013 17:45:14 GMT

On Thursday, February 7th, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey vetoed a bill that would've made the state the third in the country to legalize online gambling. There is still hope for those that yearn for the chance to play online though, as Christie stated that he would gladly ratify the bill if it included provisions for a ten year trial period and higher tax rates for casinos.

New Jersey, and Atlantic City in particular, are hopeful of their chances in legalizing online gambling, as they believe it would be a huge boon to the state's economy. Eric Hollreiser, a spokesperson for The Rational Group, said as much in a statement approving of Governor Christie's actions. As of right now, Delaware and Nevada remain the only two states that have legalized online gambling. Given the popularity of online gambling, it seems it's only a matter of time before other states follow suit. PokerStars, a popular online gambling site, recently faced U.S. civil charges back in April of 2011 for allegedly operating illegally. After reaching a settlement, PokerStars was able to relaunch its website, but not without paying a hefty sum to the U.S. government. With their legal troubles in the past, PokerStars seeks to acquire the poorly performing Atlantic Club Casino Hotel in Atlantic City once New Jersey passes its online gambling bill. With support from the state and a physical location to its name, PokerStars might signal the wave of an online gambling future in the United States.

In terms of specifics for the bill that Christie vetoed, one of the points of contention from his office was on the rate that casinos should have their winnings taxed: the governor wishes to see it raised from ten percent to as high as fifteen percent. Christie hopes to see his demands met soon, as he has noted that there has been decline in earnings from the economic giant of New Jersey. It is estimated that over the past six years, New Jersey's annual revenue from casinos has fallen over two billion dollars. Gaming and tourism have been suffering in New Jersey, but lawmakers are convinced that online gambling will inject interest back into the dying economy (click here).

With time against them, as well as pressure from the governor himself, state lawmakers are confident that they'll be able to draft up a new bill with the required changes in time to get it passed by March of this year. Christie has noted that should the bill be passed, it will be the biggest state reform of gambling to go into effect since 1978 when the first casino was built in New Jersey. The bill is not without its detractors though. People fear that legalizing online gambling will actually decrease tourism revenue, as people will have no inclination to leave their home if they can gamble from the convenience of their computer. In addition, the ease of accessibility internet gambling provides could increase the number of "gambling addicts" in the state.

David Weinbaum, the executive director for the Council on Compulsive Gambling in New Jersey, estimated that there are roughly three hundred thousand compulsive gamblers in the state, and that the passing of a bill that legalizes online gambling could see this number skyrocket even more. As a result, Chris Christie wishes to also increase funding for gambling rehabilitation programs in order to curb potential social consequences of the bill passing. Finally, the governor wants a yearly analysis of the effect of games on children and adults to be conducted in order to ensure online gambling will have a minimal impact on the citizens of his state.

The legalization of online gambling won't be without its share of regulation though, as the bill is also facing demands to ensure transparency from companies that would seek a gambling license from the state. Lawmakers want to protect consumers while giving them the freedom to enjoy the games they devote their time to. This is not the first attempt by New Jersey state lawmakers to get a bill passed that would legalize online gambling. Back in March of 2011, Christie vetoed a similar bill, but for different reasons. The governor was worried that such a bill might not be entirely constitutional, as well as the ethical concerns of the state's citizens possibly being taken advantage of. Christie conjured images of illegal casinos forming with backroom dealings. Such dealings would be especially difficult to find and prosecute should they only exist online.

In order to address these previous concerns, this new bill proposed penalties to anyone attempting to exploit online gambling. It accomplished this by including provisions for severe fines towards anyone caught hosting such an illegal casino as defined by the bill.

Of particular interest to anyone with a personal stake in the new bill, the legalization of internet gambling would include all games, without a specific focus on anyone type, such as Texas Hold'em. While online casinos in other countries supporting a wide range of games is nothing new, it is of worthy note as only two states in the United States have passed a similar bill. Bills such as this being passed in New Jersey would set a precedent for neighboring states to follow suit. This means that the more support a bill like this draws, that allows for games of all kind, the more likely it will be that other states also support games other than poker over the internet.

With the future of online gambling coming to fruition in the state of New Jersey, it's more important that ever to reach out to your local congressman and let him know your position. Even if change must come one state at a time, bills that legalize internet gambling are essential to providing citizens of the United States the freedom that they are promised.

Lucky Nugget rivals The Best That New Casinos Have To Offer

15 Feb 2013 18:35:10 GMT

The convenience and accessibility of online casinos today has resulted in a market that is continually welcoming new venues into its fold. As new casinos strive to make a place for themselves among more venerable online gambling sites, players benefit greatly from a cornucopia of new promotions, sign-up freebies and intriguing bonus opportunities not so readily offered by all long-established sites.

However, Lucky Nugget Casino, which began operating in 1998 and is recognized for its long-standing culture of stability and security, is one grand dame that successfully keeps up with the new kids on the block. By offering all players the hottest new Microgaming releases as they are rolled out and new players a compelling choice of welcome bonuses, Lucky Nugget remains the online casino of choice for many slots players today.

New Valentine's Day Themed Slot Game Is Now Live Online At Lucky Nugget

On February 8, Microgaming introduced a new Valentine's Day themed game to its online slots community: Starlight Kiss. Romance novel fans are certain to be enthralled by the red roses, fancy chocolates, love letters and romantic starlit garden setting; Microgaming slots enthusiasts expect nothing less than the dazzling graphics and extravagant bonus schemes that make Starlight Kiss a true Valentine's Day treat for all.

This five reel video slot game offers players 243 Ways to Win, 30 paylines, and a 20,000 coin jackpot. There are bonus opportunities galore. Highlights include the Free Spin feature, the Romance Bonus Game and the Romance Meter. Landing three or more Mansion symbols anywhere on the screen triggers the Free Spin feature, awarding 14 free spins, in honor of February 14, at a 2x multiplier. When three or more bonus symbols appear, the Romance Bonus game is played; in this game, the mood in the romantic garden is set based on which three of 10 items are chosen by the player. Each chosen item awards a mix of hearts and coins. Coins form the basis of the bonus payout. Hearts are credited to the game's Romance Meter, which rewards players with a possible 10x multiplier when filled.

With vibrant, memorable animation and a mood that romantics will appreciate long after Valentine's Day has passed, Starlight Kiss is expected to be in demand year around. It can be played on instant Flash or Viper download at Lucky Nugget Casino and all online casinos powered by Microgaming software.

High Roller or Player: The Choice Is Yours at Lucky Nugget Casino

Lucky Nugget wisely recognizes that players new to its casino are not necessarily also new to the excitement of online gambling and offers a choice of welcome bonuses to accommodate both new and experienced players. High Rollers are invited to choose the High Roller Bonus, a "100% match up to $1000 Free" opportunity. Those new to the online casino world may prefer the Player Bonus, a "150% match up to $200 Free" bonus but may choose either. All that is required after registration is that a cash deposit be made prior to claiming a bonus.

Lucky Nugget Casino is a perennial favorite of slots players around the world with good reason. It may be one of the "old-timers" of online gambling, but there is nothing old about the cutting-edge, high-quality slots action and competitive welcome bonuses this online casino offers.

Internet Gambling Strategies: Myths vs. Facts

12 Feb 2013 18:21:13 GMT

The world of internet gambling has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade so it’s easy to see why so many people dedicate themselves to forming gaming strategies for online casinos. There are hundreds of sites spread around the internet that offer strategies for online casinos. It gets hard to separate fact from myth. Now it’s time to take a closer look at some of the more common online gambling strategies and see which ones really work.

How Online Casino Programs Work

Before looking at all of the different strategies and separating fact from myth, let’s take a moment to look at gambling software itself. Every roll of the digital dice, every card dealt, and every roulette spin is determined by what is known as a random number generator (RNG). In the early stages of online casinos, gaming sites had access to this aspect of the program which in essence, gave them total control over the odds. Due to recent trends and improved competition, casino software developers no longer allow casinos to access this part of the program. Even though the developers will work with casinos to slightly change the payout rates, it’s safe to assume that a game will have roughly the same odds of winning no matter which casino it’s being played at.

How does this apply to gaming strategies? Knowing that random number generation is responsible for the odds of all online casino games offers a unique perspective to players. Although the RNG does a great job of simulating a live gambling experience, it is still different and in effect, changes the rules between live and online gambling strategies. So a player can pretty much throw any live gaming strategies out of the window when it comes to online casinos.

Gambling Strategies: Myth or Fact

Now comes the fun part. We will take a look at some of the more common strategies and determine whether they really work in the realm of online casinos.

Money Management Strategy

The most commonly preached internet gambling philosophy is money management. This strategy works through careful planning of a player’s bankroll. The basics are to never risk 100% of the total bankroll in one sitting and to always set a total maximum loss limit everyday.

Myth or Fact

Money management should be practices in all walks of life and is a proven way of avoiding huge losses. It’s definitely a fact that practicing money management will greatly reduce the risk of big losses. With the RNG in play at online casinos, sometimes it’s best to quit for the day and come back tomorrow. Money management gives player’s a milestone to stop playing at.

Casino Stacking

Casino stacking involves players placing a short and sensible series of bets on the same place in an attempt to increase their odds. One example is the Triple Jump Roulette strategy. The player will place 1 unit on Even, Odd, Red, or Black. If they lose, they place 2 units on the same bet. If they lose again, they place 4 units on the same bet. If at any time they win, then they profit 1 unit.

Myth or Fact

Using the above example, players are really betting on the hope that they cannot possibly lose 3 times in a row. However, the RNG doesn’t care about such things. Every spin of the digital wheel means that the odds are reset. The chances of landing on Black during the second spin is the same as the first. Casino Stacking is a myth and has no mathematical increase on a player’s odds. In fact, mathematically it lowers them.

Online Slot Loyalty

This strategy involves playing through losses at an online slot machine. So when a player is faced with a losing streak at a particular slot machine, they should stick with it until they get a big payout. This is a common practice at live casinos and there are some players (called lurkers) who watch and wait for someone on a losing streak to quit the machine.

Myth or Fact

Live casino slots work differently than online. Live slots are programmed by multiple factors such as the time of day, their payout, and total cumulative payout. These things make the process of slot loyalty plausible. However, online slots are based on Random Number Generators. We already know that RNG reset after each spin. So for online slots, this strategy is a myth.

Utilizing Casino Bonuses

Online casinos normally offer a wide range of promotions which includes free casino money when meeting certain requirements. The strategy for utilizing casino bonuses is the practice of planning and getting the most from these bonuses. It’s quite a common practice.

Myth or Fact

This is just another form of money management. It’s a fact that planning and making the most of all money in a bankroll is a sure-fire way of increasing it.

Warning About Rogue Casinos

One more thing that players should be very weary of are rogue casinos. Since it’s relatively easy for a computer geek to simulate the look and feel of a real casino, always be on the lookout for rogue casinos. These people gain access to their software RNG and will change it significantly to give the house a huge edge. It’s always best to look for reviews before spending real money at a new online casino.

Overview

Checking any new online casino strategy is as simple as determining whether it will really work against the RNG. There is no way to trick a RNG nor can on depend on the law of averages. Utilizing money management practices is the only strategy that will help increase profit in an online casino. Since the RNG resets after every play, none of the live casino rules stand a chance of working in the online world. If a strategy involves tricking the RNG, then it will always be a myth.

Online Gambling is the New Trading

9 Jan 2013 01:05:38 GMT

Ever since the dot.com bubble burst, enterprising entrepreneurs and opportunists have been looking for a new way to become millionaires overnight. The stock market isn't what it used to be, capital is scarce, times are tight. So what are risk takers to do? Gamble, apparently. News of online gamblers that have become millionaires overnight are flooding the web. These fortunes -- amassed solely by the skill of the gamblers who earned them -- are attracting the attention of the world. And many, whether they've made millions or tens or hundreds of thousands are declaring online gambling the new home of the self-made millionaire.

Is the Dot.Com Era Really Over?

It depends on who you ask. It's less and less likely that your domain name or idea for a website will make you millions. But one of the by-products of the dot.com industries was the birth of a new cash cow: online gambling. Since its inception a few decades ago, the online gaming industry has grown by leaps and bounds. In fact, there's so much cash flooding in and out of the myriad sites online that it is tough for analysts to come to a precise number. There are literally millions of players from all over the world that log on day and night for their chance to hit it big from the safety of their living room. But the estimates that they have made are staggering. The number is somewhere around $30,000,000,000 if not more. Even more mind-boggling is the rapid growth. Back in 1998, just 15 short years ago, revenue from online gambling was a comparatively paltry $280,000,000. As the dot.com boom petered out, the online gambling industry gained steam.

Recession Proof

Unbeknownst to most who are struggling to make ends meet during one of the worst recessions in American history, online gambling is one of the few silver linings in this dark cloud. Just as banks were closing and job markets narrowed, online gambling boomed. During one of America's darkest periods, online gambling became the second largest online gaming market. It follows close behind Europe and is quickly being followed by Asia and the Middle East. As the world collectively pinched its pennies, smart investors turned to online gambling -- and it proved to be just the savior that they needed.

Forget Trading

While some things have proved to be recession proof, the stock market is certainly not one of them. Both the stock market and the real estate game are in worse shape than they've been in a long time. Even professional investors are finding that there just aren't that many opportunities for smart investors to make to come out on top much less make it rich overnight. Stories of stock market booms and investors who won the investment lottery are simply no longer in the news. What has taken their place are gambling success stories. Online gamblers like Daniel Cates who became a multi-millionaire thanks to his smart playing or John Orchard the 60-year-old Englishman who made roughly $2,360,000 on a single online bingo win have helped boost online gambling's popularity even among those who used to play the market.

It's Not as Hard as You Think

Since online gambling is such an easy way to make millions, why don't more people turn to the net to make or supplement their income? As far as researchers are concerned, it's a feeling of intimidation. Novice gamblers feel like they don't have what it takes to compete with the big boys at the virtual gambling table. They've spent their evenings watching stern faces in sunglasses silently make bets around a poker table at a high stakes tournament. What they don't know is that the online climate is much different. Like any brick and mortar casino, online gambling caters to all levels of players. No matter your skill level, there is always somewhere to cut your teeth and win small until you're ready to win big. And now that the gambling community has moved online, there's more help on offer than ever before. Amazon has a wealth of gambling books for those willing to put in serious research. Websites, blogs and YouTube video offer information in more accessible bites. Players who tune in can learn one or two tricks, put them up their sleeves and perfect them at the novice table before adding more skills to their repertoire.

Where Do You Start?

Because online gambling is such a great opportunity to learn, there are a staggering number of sites online: thousands at the last count and the number is growing even as you read this article. So where do you start? The best place to begin is a casino with a good reputation or one that offers gamblers helpful tips and a wide variety of games. Novice gamblers may take a while to find their forte: the game that they're naturally good at or love enough to put in the effort to make it their career. And doing that is getting easier all the time. Once upon a time, online gambling was a largely illegal outfit where trading took place under the digital table and just out of the eyesight of the authorities. However, the climate is changing. Several states have legalized online gambling and more are sure to follow suit. Whether you choose to gamble domestically or abroad, you'll find online gambling as safe or safer than any other online transaction.

One of the best by-products of online gambling's popularity is its regulation. Once the internet was the wild west of human interaction, but times have changed. Today online casinos are just as safe to use as any brick and mortar establishment. And since there's no insider trading or Enron caliber fraud to contend with, the argument that online gambling is much safe than stock trading is not hard to make.

JackpotCity Casino offers double deposit bonus

29 Jan 2013 20:47:14 GMT

Jackpot City Casino's new double deposit bonus feature will net players up to $500 in bonus credits. How this works is after a player makes an initial deposit of up to $200, JackpotCity then matches that deposit. So, for example, a deposit of $200 is made. JackpotCity then gives the player an additional $200 in credits for free. Then, when the player makes a second deposit of up to $300, Jackpot City will match the deposit again. This means that players can effectively receive up to $500 in bonus credits after their first two deposits! Don't wait around to get your bonus credits, though, as they'll only be made available for a week after your initial deposit.

To take advantage of this $500 double deposit bonus feature, players must download Jackpot City's official software from → their website and create a new account. Once this happens and the deposits are made, players can enjoy a wealth of fun and exciting games that can either be played for free or with money to win real cash prizes. Popular games like Blackjack, Red Dog, Sic Bo, Baccarat, Craps, Casino War, Table Poker, Roulette and even online slot machines are available to play 24 hours a day. There are over 500 games in all!

The software provided was developed by Microgaming, one of the leaders in online casino gaming. All of Jackpot City's games provide modern, slick and stylish experiences that are on the cutting edge of game design. This provides for more fluid and exciting gameplay, and an experience that will keep you satisfied. JackpotCity is also well aware that online slots are the most popular form of online casino games, so they made sure to include over 300 kinds of slot machines for players to enjoy.

Not only does Jackpot City offer a huge assortment of games to their players, but they reward their most loyal customers. Their loyalty rewards offer cash back bonuses on every cash bet made, and their VIP players can look forward to bonus spins, credits and exclusive promotions. Not only that, but prize promotions and giveaways are going on all the time. These special prizes include high-end electronics, free spins, cash and vacation packages.

Jackpot City is a licensed online casino that has been in business since 1998. Players can feel entirely safe in their eCOGRA approved environment. They also offer plenty of safe and easy-to-use banking options in order to ensure peace of mind and fast payouts. They even include language and currency options, that way their games are available to just about everyone. So, if you're interested in online casino gaming, Jackpot City Casino is one of the best there is. Try them today!

Five Reel Slots - Free slot games with 5 reels

27 Jan 2013 22:08:05 GMT

The moment you step into any modern casino, your eye is likely to be drawn to a lively crowd gathered around the exciting action of a hot new 5 reels slots game that has just hit the market. In fact, there may be no more popular way to gamble today. Intuitive video-game-style play accompanied by the possible thrill of hitting a huge jackpot with each spin of the reels offers players entertainment value that is beyond the capabilities of older, less technologically advanced machines.

Fueled by the contributions of pioneers who played a part in slots' illustrious history, each newly introduced game seems more exciting than the last. Today, you can find a plethora of great games featuring beautifully detailed graphics and engaging themes that are fun to play at both land-based and online casinos.

5 Reels Slots: A Place in History

Some might assume that 5 reel slot machines first entered the wagering-game scene after their well-known 3 reel predecessors, the Liberty Bell and the Operator Bell, but the opposite is true; the very first wagering machine based on spinning reels, matching symbols and pay lines was actually a five reel machine.

In 1891, Sittman and Pitt developed the grandfather of all slot machines, a coin-operated poker machine that featured the images of 50 playing cards on five spinning drums. Players inserted their nickels, pulled the lever and collected prizes like beers and cigars if they were lucky enough to line up a good poker hand when the spinning cards stopped.

There was no automatic prize payout mechanism; the technology did not yet exist that would allow configuration of a payout table for all of the possible winning combinations that could be made from 50 symbols. In order for slots technology to advance, Fey reduced the number of reels on his machines to a more manageable three, and he made no immediate further effort to develop a five reel machine. Instead, 3 reels slots became king of the early slots era.

It Was Only a Matter of Time: 5 Reel Slots Expand the Game

It is ironic that the very reason that first kept five reel slots development from advancing is largely responsible for the popularity of these machines today: Unlike 3 reels machines which have a limited number of total combinations and lower jackpot capabilities, most 5 reels slots have seemingly endless possible winning combinations and feature large, enticing jackpots.

Charles Fey's original Liberty Bell slot machine with its three mechanical reels containing 10 symbols each was mathematically capable of hitting only 1000 total symbol combinations. As the likelihood of a jackpot being hit is high when the number of possible combinations that can be hit is small, it was risky business for casinos to offer large payouts for winning combinations on these machines. Reel sizes and the number of symbols on them eventually doubled, but even the 10,000 or so combinations possible with more symbols is still small by modern standards. Jackpots remained small; the only player interaction with the game involved depositing coins and pulling a lever. Over time, the game was becoming boring.

The debut of the electronics age brought changes to the slots industry that would open the door to rapid advancement of the game and soon make the widespread availability of 5 reels slot machines possible. Bally introduced the gambling world's first electromechanical wonder, the Money Honey, in 1964. Not only was this was the first 3 reel machine that was not purely mechanical; it was also the first slots machine ever to feature a "bottomless" hopper. The Money Honey was able to pay out a maximum of 500 coins to a single winner automatically, and this innovation was a hit with the public.

By the 1980s, the use of programmable electronics in casino gaming equipment was becoming commonplace. Producers could now program losing symbols to appear on the payline more frequently than winning symbols and control the odds of the game; each symbol was no longer weighted equally. Virtual reels were introduced that allowed millions of combinations to be formed. Casinos could finally offer large jackpots with confidence to those making low wagers, knowing that the odds favored the house because these jackpots would not likely hit more than once every 15 million spins.

The Stage Is Finally Set For Great 5 Reels Slots Play

With these historical developments leading to the recent advent of computerization and video slot machines, mechanical limitations in slot gaming no longer exist. Video slot machines have no moving parts; the spinning reels are an illusion created by superior graphics and sound. With mechanics no longer an issue, it is common for these video-style games to display five reels containing at least 50 symbols, which results in a such a seemingly endless number of possible combinations that most casinos no longer feel any need to weight any of the symbols.

For nostalgia's sake, many physical slot machines still have a handle that can be pulled, although this is not necessary to play; the press of a button is all that is required to start the fully automated action. Neither is it necessary for the reels to spin to determine which combination will show on the payline. At a rate of as many as a thousand numbers a second, Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs) silently running in the background determine the winners; the combination programmed to correspond to the number generated most recently when play is begun is the combination that appears on the payline.

Who Plays 5 Reel Slots?

Even the most staunch 3 reel slots devotee is likely to have tried at least one of the many diverse and elaborately themed five reel games available almost everywhere gaming is allowed. Although it is possible to still find a few electromechanical five reel machines in land-based casinos, 5 reel video slots are the most popular style played. The proclivity of video gaming in society today makes this choice a logical one for those looking for an easy-to-play adult entertainment option, and the rich assortment of games offered online invites players to try their luck while relaxing in their most comfortable chair at home.

Profile of the real gambler in America today

25 Jan 2013 16:30:50 GMT

Love it or hate it, the gambling industry in the United States is one of the largest, most economically important industries in our country. Commercial casinos are by far the largest player in the world of gambling in the United States. Even when you consider the introduction of online gambling, off track betting and other various venues the American public has to choose from, the good old fashioned casino is still where most Americans who chose to gamble spend their time and money. Las Vegas, the gambling epicenter of the United States boasts an excess of 39 million visitors annually. That's pretty remarkable for a city with a population, including the metropolitan area, of just around two million. While there are many attractions that bring visitors to the Las Vegas area, the big draw is clearly the casinos and legal gambling the city has to offer. While Las Vegas is without question the largest and most popular gambling venue in the United States, when you combine the number of casinos there with the many other smaller cities in America that center around gambling, for example Reno NV, and Atlantic City NJ, you begin to see how the gambling industry is easily one of the largest industries in the nation.

Who are Americans casino gamblers?

So who exactly are the people doing all of this gambling in America. When we take a look at the typical visitor to American casinos we begin to see a picture that may surprise people. When we hear the word "gambler" we hear the Kenny Rogers song in our heads and we see a lonely cowboy in a dusty casino playing cards and waiting for the next gunfight. Or perhaps, we picture the desperate outcast, betting everything he has to try to make the mortgage payment. In reality, the modern gambler is nothing like these caricatures we develop in our minds. According to a recent study done by Harrah's, the average age of visitors to casinos is 46 years old. We may think of a young party crowd when we think of a casino gambling crowd. But the truth is the average gambler is more mature. We also tend to think of gambling as more of a male dominated hobby. This also a misconception. According to the American Gaming Association, in a 2012 opinion poll the gap between male gamblers vs. female gamblers was quite small. The results of that poll showed 29% of all males polled had visited a casino in the last year while 26% of female respondents had visited a casino in that same time frame. Another somewhat surprising fact regarding casino patrons is their average household income. According to a 2006 Harrah's report, the average household income of casino visitors is just over $56,000 per year. That is $8,000 per year higher than the median household income for that year. What that tells us is that those people who choose casinos as the place to spend their entertainment dollar typically have an above average income. Again this dispels the image of the young college crowd and the desperate gambler.

how much money they spend at the casino?

So, now we know who is in the casinos, let's take a look at how they are spending their money while they are there. If you have ever been in a casino you know that you have many options when it comes to how and where to try your luck. Your options range from a variety of slot machines, video poker, live card games such as black jack and others, as well as live games such as roulette and craps. Without question the most popular choice for casino goers is the machines. According to the same 2006 Harrah's study, slot machines and video poker accounted for 53% of all casino gambling. Live gambling such as card games, roulette, craps and all others combined for just 36%, leaving just a small percentage for the sports betting. Just a quick note for my readers who may be curious, as I was, about the percentage of gambling done online as opposed to in casinos. According to the American Gaming Association, in 2011 of all the people surveyed 27% said they had gambled in a casino in the past 12 months. The same poll revealed just 4% of those surveyed said they had gambled online in the same time period. Which is why I chose to focus this article on the casino gamblers.

Conclusions

It appears the preconceived image in our mind of the typical "gambler" needs to change. When we talk about gamblers we are no longer talking about rough and tumble outlaws playing cards. Nor are we talking about the degenerate who is spending his family's grocery money on a long shot, hoping to hit the big score. No, the modern gambler is more likely a middle aged, male or female, who makes a good living. Today's gambler is more likely to sit down alone at a slot machine or a video poker machine that sit down at a table across from someone dealing cards. Today gambling in a casino is as accepted a form of entertainment as going to a movie or catching a baseball game. This may be due, in part, to the fact that casinos now offer so much in the way of entertainment than just gambling alone. Most larger casinos are connected to grand luxury hotels offering dining, Broadway style shows, gift shops, elaborate pools with fountains and themes. Today visiting a casino is an experience for all the senses. Casino gambling has become so mainstream and family friendly that it is no wonder the gambling industry is, and will continue to be, one of the largest industries in the U.S. So, the next time you hear Kenny Rogers singing about the gambler on the radio perhaps the picture you get in your head will be just a little different.

All Star Slots offer Cash Back Bonus

23 Jan 2013 22:14:19 GMT

All Star Slots is setting you up with a chance to win big money by guaranteeing 25% back if you happen to lose. The promotion runs for a limited time (until 24 January 2013) and offers every player a return on their investment just in case lady luck isn't on your side. It's a chance to take knowing that the gamble will always pay off with some sort of refund. Simply sign up for an account, download the online casino, make your initial deposit and start playing.

The benefit is knowing that you are safeguarded. Take a chance at the online slot machines or keno and feel safe that you'll get a second chance if you don't strike it rich on the first go around . It's as simple as sending an email to the promotions department in order to access your return. In addition to this promotion, All Star Slots allows the payer to redeem daily bonuses year round. They match up to 65% of your initial deposit for all keno, slot machine and scratch card players. The system for tracking your bonuses is easy to follow and with your first deposit, you'll see the "welcome" bonus instantly appear in your players account.

Now, how about a free cash coupon that allows you to play and win without a cash deposit? All Star Slots offers this too. Simply redeem the coupon for a chance to play without an investment. This is a unique feature online and an incentive to a lot. This will allow the player to check out the full scope of the casino games without having to invest. The player will be allowed to try their luck, explore the navigation of the site and experiment with online gaming for free.

Many casino websites require a player to make a deposit in order to check out the gambling options. This is unique in many ways. The player will be allowed to redeem the free play deposit instantly and will have access to the gaming floor right away. Casinos typically make a player earn a certain number of comp points before they offer any free trials. You can not find this kind of service at any "live" casino. Las Vegas clubs won't let you check their place out for free and many online establishments are the same. It's a gamble on choosing for all the online casinos out there. This doesn't have to be a gamble. All Star Slots is so confident in their software and gaming style that they are willing to give a person an inside look without any risk.

The advantage of access like this is significant in determining where a person feels most comfortable. Establish an account, take advantage of the free bonus and then start having fun. Keep in mind that there are bonuses to fit your style. The 25% back feature works as a net in your gaming budget. Play away, have fun and if you happen to get unlucky once or twice; try again.

Illegal Online Gambling an International Problem

21 Jan 2013 19:26:38 GMT

Online gambling is illegal in numerous countries, yet people across the world consistently find ways to circumvent the law and participate in forbidden activities such as virtual casino gaming, poker, bingo, and sports betting. Those who find themselves addicted to the thrill and instant gratification on online gambling are at serious financial and personal risk, which is one reason why so many countries attempt to block their citizens' access to such activities. In addition, the monies taken in by these unauthorized sites are often used for illicit purposes, such as organized criminal activity. Unfortunately, illegal cyber gambling activities are easy for the average citizen to access through a cell phone or personal computer, and difficult to regulate. Authorities across the world continue to investigate and arrest suspects involved with online gambling rings, but many perpetrators still remain a large. In the past seven months alone, investigators have made a small dent in the number of worldwide online gambling perpetrators. Here are some of those cases.

July 2012: Over 50 Arrested in China

According to the South China Morning Post, Shanghai police arrested over 50 people and confiscated 13 million Yuan in the bust of an online gambling ring in July 2012. Participants in this ring are said to have been betting on European football game outcomes and playing casino games online. The website in question was linked to at least 20 server sites overseas, making this the first time an illegal Chinese gambling ring was found to be associated with other countries in such a remote way. Since January 2012, bets of approximately 70 million Yuan passed through the ring. Many of the people involved were college students and executive businessmen, according to Shanghai authorities. “The ring had a bad effect on society,” said Qu Weifang, head of the Shanghai police, referring to the devastating financial, moral, and social effects of pathological online gambling.

August 2012: Seven Suspects Headed for Deportation from the Philippines

During 2012, authorities in the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) encountered multiple difficulties with Korean nationals who would enter the islands on tourist passports and proceed to set up illegal online gambling shops there. Notably, on August 30, seven Koreans were arrested in Pasig City for violating the Philippines Anti-Gambling Law. These seven accused men now face the consequence of deportation by the Bureau of Immigration, as well as additional prosecution for violating the Filipino law.

October 2012: American Sports Gamblers Arraigned in the United States

A U.S. investigation that lasted over 18 months and spanned several states and continents led to the arraignment of 25 American citizens for their involvement with illegal online sports betting in October, 2012. While some countries, such as Costa Rica and Panama, permit sports betting, this activity remains illegal in the states. Some sources have estimated that the activities of this multinational betting business added up to $500 million U.S. dollars, although the investigation was still ongoing at the time of this writing.

Although wagering money on the outcome of sports tournaments is clearly against the law in the U.S., laws concerning the government of American online casino games are less clear. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 attempts to prevent “unlawful Internet gambling” in the United States, yet it never specifically states what that entails. Because of its vagueness, the law has caused a lot of confusion among American citizens, and is open to different interpretations. Individual states are left to enforce their own individual regulations. In the following states, it may be considered illegal to gamble online: Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Citizens of these states should exercise caution before entering online casinos. Because the UIGEA is so confusing, some choosier online casinos reject all American gamblers, to stay on the safe side of the law. Other American online casinos, however, are not so scrupulous or picky.

November 2012: Two-Year Investigation Leads to the Arrest of Three in Canada

Because of investigative work conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in an operation called “Project Amethyst," which began in September 2010, an illegal site stationed in Ottawa, Ontario was taken down in November 2012. Three men were arrested, two of whom are thought to be affiliated with illegal betting on NHL, NFL and Olympics outcomes. Canadian authorities have noted that the activities of these three perpetrators created a significant threat of violence in Canada. The case continues to be under investigation.

January 2013: Seven Suspects Arrested in Vietnam

According to tuoirenews.vn, the Ministry of Public Security arrested seven members of a transnational gambling ring on January 17, 2013. The arrests took place in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi over a site called M88, which featured illegal online gaming as well as betting over well-known international football tournaments in the UK, Spain, Germany, and several other European countries. Police seized VND 600, the equivalent of approximately $28,800 U.S. dollars. Gamblers would deposit their betting money to the website by phone, or via a special bank account opened specifically for use with M88, and receive credits with which to bet. Police continue to investigate this case, as it is suspected that other international perpetrators are probably involved.

January 2013: Nine Suspects Arrested in Indonesia

Authorities in Indonesia took down two illegal gaming websites, ibcbet.com and sbobet.com, which were allegedly being used by suspects in Jakarta. Stationed in Johar Baru, Central Jakarta, the business had been operating since 2010, with the sites taking in up to Rp 50 million per day. Nine suspects were arrested, with the possibility of up to 150 other involved parties still at large. The suspects' illegal activities included online casino gaming, sports betting, and involvement with togel, Indonesia's illegal lottery.

Online gambling can be a dangerous, addictive force, and the Internet is a vast, difficult-to-monitor venue for illegal betting. Authorities worldwide continue to pursue those who break the law, and law-breakers continue to pursue ways to outsmart them.

Three Reel Slots - The best online slot games with 3 reels

15 Jan 2013 18:40:59 GMT

A Hundred Years of 3 Reels Slots

Just over 100 years ago in a basement workshop, an auto mechanic invented the first true slot machine and changed the way the world gambled. Charles Fey's invention, which was made of heavy cast iron and featured three mechanical reels, came to be fondly known as the Liberty Bell.

This machine was the first 3 reels slots. The mechanics were simple. A player inserted a coin into a slot to unlock a lever and gave it a pull. This activated a mechanism causing three metal reels to revolve and then randomly stop. Each reel had only five symbols, so the odds of three Liberty Bells lining up on the single payline were good. The prize was a $.50 jackpot which was a great payout in the early days of slots.

Fey's contribution to the game did not stop with the Liberty Bell. His next machine was called the Operator Bell. Those familiar with the fruit symbols that are standard on slot machines today can credit Charles Fey; the traditional fruit designs first appeared on this machine and have been used in all types of slots games since then.

The Ignominious Past of Slots

Today, slot machines may account for as much as 80 percent of all modern casino revenue; however, during the early 20th century 3 reels slots were considered a novelty and an immoral one at that. Anti-gambling sentiment ran high. Police and politicians often attempted to gain popularity with the public by vilifying slots and those who played them. For a time, slot machines were illegal in California and Nevada.

Fey found a way to work around this. He began designing slots that functioned like vending machines. Newcomers to the business capitalized on Fey's creativity; machines developed by the Bell-Fruit Gum Company dispensed chewing gum every time their handles were pulled. The bar symbol frequently found on slots reels today began as a marketing ploy when the gum company developed the design to advertise their product.

3 Reels Slots Are Played Everywhere Today

Time passed, anti-gambling sentiment relaxed and "Bugsy" Siegel developed a hotel on what would become the famous Las Vegas strip; in fact, Bugsy was instrumental in giving slot machines a boost in the gaming industry. Looking for a way to occupy the female companions of the men he wanted to keep engaged at his tables, he installed slot machines wherever he had space. It worked. No longer considered a novelty, slots became a standard casino offering and were soon found almost everywhere that games of chance were played.

Today, recent technological advances have made games like slots accessible to everyone. Players can choose to visit a land-based casino or to play online in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Perhaps it is the simplicity of the game play, or maybe it is a fondness for the game's place in history that players find so appealing; regardless, 3 reel slots remain a popular choice among gaming enthusiasts wherever they play.

Although slot machines have evolved during the past century into electronic multi-game wonders, the object of the original game remains the same: make a wager, line up matching symbols on a pay line and win a jackpot. Today, slot machines are a mainstay of most online and land-based casinos, and Fey's classic 1895 3 Reels Slots machine started it all.

Free Online Scratch Games

15 Jan 2013 01:35:41 GMT

All you have to know about online scratch games

Perhaps one of the most widespread and well known types of lottery game is the "scratch game." Also known as "scratch cards," "scratchers," "scratch-off games" and "scratch its," these games are simple in format but diverse in their implementation. They generally consist of a card made from paper or card stock. The paper chosen is usually fairly firm to maintain the physical integrity of the card when it is operated. Upon this card, a layer of easily removed material, often latex, is applied. This layer is generally decorated with the theme of the game. For example, it might look like a series of fruit icons, similar to a slot machine. It also might resemble a traditional card game, a "Tic Tac Toe" board or a chess board. New styles are frequently released to keep the games fresh. They are usually highly colorful and festive in nature to attract the attention of the customer.

Guidelines

In order to play the game, the customer generally uses a coin to scrape the latex material off of the card after purchase. This reveals information that was previously obscured. The most common format provides the player with one or more numbers. These numbers, the "winning numbers," are then compared to other scratchable blocks. If the numbers match, the player wins a predetermined quantity of money. They may also win a free card. Though less common, some cards use icons that can be matched up. It is becoming increasingly common for icons to appear, although far less often, in the place of numbers. For example, some scratch cards sold in Florida use a roll of dollar bills to indicate an instant win of $20 without matching up any values. In some applications, these icons can indicate a multiplier that increases the amount of money won using a matched number set. Some icons indicate that the player has won all of the prizes listed on the card, regardless of the numbers that they uncovered.

History

Prior to the mid-1970s, these cards were manually produced. The information hidden on the card was produced using a manual method, such as "pop up balls" with numbers printed upon them, mechanical randomizers and with the rolling of dice. In 1974, these cards started to be produced with random data produced by a computer. Using dot matrix printing techniques and software based pseudo random number generators, these cards could be cheaply and rapidly produced. Because computers work in a procedural way and are therefore incapable of producing 100 percent random values, these generators can be "seeded" with data from a source that is highly difficult to predict. A very comprehensive way to generate this pseudo random data is by reading atmospheric noise.

These cards are generally redeemed using a computer based system. A bar code on the back of the card corresponds to the results printed under the latex layer. This bar code contains encoded data that indicates the prize that has been won, if any. The code can be read by an embedded computer with a laser scanner.

New Year, New Chances to Win at Platinum Play Online Casino

7 Jan 2013 17:07:46 GMT

Platinum Play, one of the most exciting online casinos in the reputable Fortune Lounge Group, is getting ready for its tenth year anniversary in 2014 by offering players new promotions each week. The current luxury Caribbean cruise promotion, which started back in November, is celebrating 2013 with six cruise packages and a slots extravaganza from January 8th to the 29th.

The Fortune Lounge Cruise

To celebrate the New Year, Platinum Play Online Casino is giving away six luxury cruise packages for two, including the cost of airfare and transfers, to exotic Caribbean destinations. The lucky winners will not only get to enjoy the cruise; they will have additional opportunities to win €100,000 once they are aboard the ship. This special promotion has already sent various lucky players on fun-filled cruises to sunny and sandy beaches in the Caribbean, and Platinum Play will continue this exciting promotion through February.

Island Style Spin-to-Win

Previous cruise promotions from the Fortune Lounge Group had players earning chips in November and picking a gift at a festive beach location in December. The promotion theme for January is called Island Style Spin-to-Win, which lets players reel in the prizes on the colorful Island Reel online slots. On top of the cruise packages, players who participate in the Island Style Spin-to-Win will also be spinning for 10,000 casino credits.

To take a lucky chance on this promotion, Platinum Play members should login each week in January and click on the My Promotions section. Players who qualify will be given an opportunity to spin the Island Reel and try their hand at winning a cruise to the Caribbean or casino credits.

How to Play and Win

Qualifying for this promotion is easy. From January 8th to the 13th, players must try their luck on their favorite Platinum Play games on three different days and get a chance to spin on January 15th. From the 15th to the 20th, a single deposit equivalent to 50 pounds, dollars or Euros, qualifies players to spin on January 22nd and win a cruise or 4,000 casino credits. Then from January 22nd to the 27th it gets more interesting; the 40 players who have amassed the most reward points will get to spin the Island Reel on January 29th.

Even More Chances to Win

The New Year celebration will not stop in January. Platinum Play Online Casino will be giving away more Caribbean cruise packages and cash prizes in February, but players must login to find out what the February Mystery Promo will be. This is only the beginning; as Platinum Play gets closer to its tenth anniversary, players will see new exciting promotions to participate in.

For new players, 2013 could be their lucky year. Platinum Play offers a special sign-in bonus that welcomes new players with 1,5000 free bets, which means that players can try their luck at more than 400 Las Vegas-style games even before they make deposit. This new player bonus, combined with the Caribbean cruise promotion, makes Platinum Play one of the most enticing casino proposals in 2013.

River Belle Casino for gambling fun

2 Jan 2013 00:44:14 GMT

River Belle Casino has been providing gambling pleasure for nearly twenty years. This Canadian based gaming site holds a license from the government of Gibraltar. While it is available to international gamblers, the doors are closed to portions of the United States, which is rather controversial considering that it is based on a Southern theme and the hospitality known in that region of the United States.

Visitors can choose to play for small stakes or take part in the big time, with many chances to make good money along the way. With over 250 games to choose from, it's unlikely that players will ever be bored. The loyalty program and bonuses provide incentives to come back again and again to try one's hand at another game. The saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, and try again," holds true at the River Belle Casino. Members will find it hard to resist getting in on the action of a new game even if failure took place the first time.

Signing up is easy and first time members get extra motivation. River Belle will match up to $100 for the first round of playing, quite an invitation to enter the site and get down to some serious gambling. For those who are cautious, they can start small with as low as $20, get an instant $20 from the site and it's near impossible to resist the temptation to play some more.

Riverbellecasino.com is all about options. For those who want to get their feet wet, they can try out the one or two favorite gaming opportunities. For those who are wary about downloading content, the instant casino is available with the sign-up incentives. To take advantage of all of the sites options, it's necessary to download content.

This is a user-friendly site. It's easy to navigate without hunting and pecking for the next exciting option. Microgaming software means giving players excellent graphics. It's best with full screen action that offers clarity and attention to detail. Variety is another key advantage. Gamblers can try a host of slots, the typical casino games, and a variety of popular selections, poker alternatives having some of the greatest reviews. Promotions add some spice, giving members more reasons to play. Customer support is also a plus. While some gambling sites leave players high and dry when there is a question or problem, RiverbelleCasino.com offers an FAQ section, live chat alternative, and several phone numbers. Finally, first rate security is another plus at this online casino. Confidentiality and safety of client information is a top priority.

When it comes to online gambling, gamers need to choose a site with a strong reputation, one that has withstood the test of time. Riverbellecasino.com has established itself in the industry since their beginnings in 1997. It offers something for the tastes of everyone, allowing players to experiment with new alternatives or spend their time and money on old favorites. It's gaming at its best.

California tries again to legalize online poker in the state

22 Dec 2012 14:52:28 GMT

California has once more attempted to try to have poker legalized in the state it seems, after more plans to attempt to convince those in power have been announced for 2013. Senator Rod Wright has unsuccessfully made several attempts to try and secure a future for online poker in the state before, and is resolved to not giving up without a fight. It is believed his next bid will focus on attempting to get intra-state online poker gambling the green light early next year.

The bill, titled SB 1463 is expected to remain largely unchanged for his previous attempt which failed to pass after both commercial and tribal parties were divided over the issue, with some of each group both in favor and against the legislature. Where the two parties fail to see eye to eye has caused each of the former bids to collapse and fail, and this area is believed to be centered round a fear of domination by the other. Neither commercial nor tribal parties will allow the other to dominate any online poker gambling market that might surface.

One thorn in the side was the California Online Poker Association, which had its own views on how to get the bill passed and drew in a lot of water. Fortunately for Senator Rod Wright, this group of thirty one state card rooms and twenty nine tribal groups fell apart and disbanded earlier this year, leaving him with an open table as it were to try again with the bill.

The bill itself was withdrawn on the eve of state discussion by the senator, and it is thought that in time since, both Wright and Senator Darrell Steinberg, have been busy amending the bill and talking to the two main factions to try and make it work for both of them. This was seen as a key move and potentially one which could see the bill passed early next year.

In squabbling in house groups involve the aforementioned tribal and commercial groups, but also horse-racing operators, though it is quite unclear their position or any involvement they might have the success or failure of this bill, or the ones before it. It is predicted that will enough support from the three groups, the bill should have enough weight behind it to go through.

Getting a compromise and an agreement with the three alternative parties is one thing however, and the bill will face more difficult challenges ahead. The bill would also need to be picked apart and approved by lawyers across the state, as well as convince the leading industry players that it will be worthwhile. Of course other states are attempting very similar things, though California has a lot of sway; so it is hoped that should the bill pass in California that it might spur on similar bills in other states or potentially a federal law might be passed in general, though there has been no signs of the later.

CasinoPlex - all promotions of which you can take advantage

18 Dec 2012 00:57:15 GMT

CasinoPlex.com realizes the need of offering its customers a variety of promotions in order to ensure player satisfaction. Offering the Playtech software with its impressive graphics and variety of games as well as the famous multi millionaire progressive jackpots, players have a lot to gain by choosing CasinoPlex. There are of course many casinos using the Playtech software nowadays but what makes CasinoPlex stand out from the rest is the variety of valuable and permanent promotions that have been introduced during the last 3 months. Below is a breakdown and detailed description of each and every one of these amazing promotions. For any type of player will find one or more promotions which appeal to his/her style of play and to gain many benefits.

Daily bonus - 50% up to $1000

A bonus, every day you choose you want to play! An existing CasinoPlex player can immediately earn, on a daily basis a bonus of 50% up to $1000 depending on the level the player is in the VIP Club. All you need to do is log in, deposit a minimum of $10 and you will earn your bonus immediately in your account so you can have more funds to play with and increase your chances to win.

Wednesday – Double Comp Points

Every Wednesday, for every casino action you generate you will earn double comp points which will be transferred to your casino account and the amazing thing about this offer is that these double points can be immediately converted into cash. Earning Comp Points at a double rate also increases the possibility of reaching higher VIP level status which in return allows you to get better loyalty benefits.

Thursday – 25% Cashback

A firm favorite with our players, this weekly promotion allows our players to be rewarded for their losses. Log into your CasinoPlex account, play your preferred game and whatever losses you incur, we will pay back 25% of it directly into your account by the next day.

Weekend Jackpot Hunt

Weekends are probably the highest volume days because players have more free time to play. During both Saturdays and Sundays, CasinoPlex offers you the chance to earn 100% up to $100 deposit bonus on every single deposit you make.

MONTHLY CALENDAR OF THESE EXCITING PROMOTIONS FOUND HERE

Payment method bonus

CasinoPlex offers a wide range of payment methods to suit different player needs and reach various geographic locations around the world. In collaboration with 2 of our best known payment methods, i.e. Skrill and Neteller, we are offering a special bonus to players who use these methods. We will give you a 15% deposit bonus on every deposit you make using Skrill or Neteller as depositing methods.

Monthly Prize Draw

For every $/£/€ 100 you wager at CasinoPlex, and if you are on VIP level 2 upwards of our VIP Club, you will be awarded a ticket into the next month’s prize draw. Therefore the more you wager, the more you increase your chances to be one of the lucky winners of the $5000 up for grabs.

CasinoPlex VIP Club

Last but not least, the CasinoPlex VIP Club is a casino player’s dream come true because it offers a lot of value back for any casino player, apart from participating in all the promotions mentioned above, the strongest offer of this VIP Club is the cash back which goes up to 30% on all losses incurred.

Play at Aladdins Gold Casino ultimately it's very profitable

13 Dec 2012 20:08:53 GMT

There are a number of online casino sites that host Middle Eastern or Arabian themes. The difficulty with these gambling sites is managing to come up with something that hasn’t been seen or overly produced before. Aladdins Gold Casino has luckily managed to come up with something rather original with their attempt at an online casino site.

Aside from the very generic and un-original name, Aladdin’s Gold is a real cracker among trendiest online casinos. Their welcome bonus in particular, is worthy of great admiration and isn’t found in too many other places in the online casino world. Of such importance to mention is their online casino welcome bonus that, players can pocket an amazing two hundred percent match deposit bonus with their very first deposit. That isn’t the amazing part; what is amazing is that this offer is continued over the course of seven days. For seven days and seven nights (get it?) players can pocket as many two hundred percent match deposit bonuses as they please, in an offer that surely should be taken full advantage of whilst the giving is good.

Aladdin’s Gold Casino also runs a series of weekly offers conceived to reward and retain players. One such offer is the ability to deposit fifty dollars, and bag an additional fifty dollars free (a 100% match deposit bonus effectively) using the promotional couponDOUBLETIME. Aladdin’s Gold Casino tends to use a lot of promotional coupons for weekly offers in their realm. Player’s will also find that the same sort of thing is ideally on offer for special promotions too, although these aren’t set like clockwork and appear whenever the online casino site deems it necessary to throw up a new one.

Naturally, Aladdin’s Gold Casino also runs a loyalty program for all their most serious online gamers. Like most online casino’s, Aladdin’s Gold Casino’s loyalty program, rewards players with points for every wager that they make in the site on their gambling games. The more points you accumulate, the more you can hoard about the place until you eventually have enough to exchange them; for real money no less.

Aladdin’s Gold Casino is a site that has been in existence for five years, and is powered by RTG (Real Time Gaming) software. It is simple, easy to navigate and hosts a good, boasts a solid range of online casino games in many different genres. For players seeking a slice of Arabian Nights in a not too common and stereotypical online casino, then Aladdin’s Gold Casino might just be the ticket to online gambling paradise that they are looking for.

Club World Casinos just love a good Christmas round up

11 Dec 2012 23:54:23 GMT

Club World Casinos is a multi-national online gambling site that first started operating in the United Kingdom in 2004. During their eighty years history, the online casino site has remaining relatively simple, and not adopted the rush and go promotions that many other online casino sites have implemented (and many ultimately failed to deliver). Instead, Club World Casinos has often preferred to have more stable promotions, those that last a while and aren’t replaced with new offers and deals before gamers have had a chance to understand and participate in them. This is certainly to the credit of the online casino site.

This Christmas however, CWC has decided that it must broaden its horizons and has begun an Advent calendar series of daily Christmas prizes and offers, much akin to that which is being offered by many other online casino sites across the globe. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this type of offer from time to time, and with the holiday season less than three weeks away, you might even comment that it is the opportune moment for some great holiday fun.

Every single day of the Christmas run, Club World Casinos will be hosting a daily promotion that is aimed at rewarding their loyal players over the holiday season with bonuses, free chips, reductions, match deposits, free keno, free scratch cards and the much, much more. The implementation of coupon codes is also incredibly important to the promotions, so any player wishing to pick up a bob or two at the site, will certainly need to make sure that they are looking at the promotional advent calendar when they are making a deposit and claiming a bonus, in order to obtain the promotional code. Without which, the offer will not stand.

Briefly running through some of the offers at Club World Casinos this December, we can see that there are free deposit bonuses for specific online slot games, continual bonuses, lower play though deals, and cash back offers and more. As each day of Christmas dawns nearer and nearer, the promotional will get better and better; as you might expect from an online casino advent calendar promotion.

The advent calendar is proving to be exceptionally popular as a way of offering goodies this Christmas at online casinos sites across the internet. Indeed, it is so popular that very few of the major online casinos have chosen not to implement it in some way or another. Club World Casinos has chosen to do it spectacularly!

Casino Epoca - Play at +400 slots with a top welcome bonus

8 Dec 2012 19:42:56 GMT

It is a fair bet to say that many online casino gamers will never have heard of Casino Epoca before. This simplistic yet ultimately very comfortable online casino site hasn’t made any major headlines, nor have they been in any trouble. Whilst the later is undoubtedly one of their strongest points, how is it that this online casino has passed us by? More importantly, it is paramount that we do not let it pass us by anymore, for it is one of the most endearing online casinos available at the minute.

Complete with a massive collection of world class slot machine games, including over four hundred titles; Casino Época also comes equipped with a rather delightful welcome bonus for all new players stepping into their realm for the very first time.

Casino Época’s welcome bonus is offering all first time players who choose to sign up at their online casino site, a one hundred percent match deposit bonus, valid up to two hundred pounds. Claiming the welcome bonus at this odd online casino has never been simpler. First players are required to download the Casino Época software, and once that is done they are to register for a real money account at the online casino site. Following this, players must log into their account using their account number and password. Then if a player makes a deposit of between twenty and two hundred pounds their bonus will become activated.

Once of the more interesting aspects of this online casino site is that it is also friendly to gamers inside the United States of America. Despite the fact that Casino Época is licensed out of Malta, they appear to have no qualms about permitting players from almost anywhere to access and play in their online casino site.

This Microgaming powered online casino also houses a non-downloadable, flash version of their site and also comes equipped with several VIP promotions, holidays and sports cars up for grabs through their other offers. The online casino site also has a reliable customer service line that can be reached though several methods for any gamers requiring an answer to a question they might have.

All in all, Casino Época has managed to stay under the radar as far as big online casinos that are generally well known to the public are concerned, but when gamers hear just what is on offer at this casino site, that may very well change in the future.

The River Belle Casino celebrates fifteen magical years

1 Dec 2012 21:53:50 GMT

Did you know that the River Belle Casino has been in action for over fifteen years? First formed in 1997, this online casino site is one of the oldest and yet well known of the ancients. That hasn't stopped them however, whipping up a delightful welcome bonus for their anniversary year.

New players who are interested in trying out something a little more elegant and authentic can register themselves at River Belle Casino to qualify for a welcome bonus that is above average as far as many online casinos go.

By downloading the online casino and registering for a real players account, gamers can make their very first deposit at River Belle Casino to claim a one hundred percent match deposit bonus that is valid up to two hundred pounds. For example if you were to deposit twenty pounds into your online casino account, you’d receive an additional twenty. Were you to deposit a hundred or two hundred into your account, you’d net an additional hundred or two hundred. Basically put, whatever you deposit you get back free, up to the figure of £200.

River Belle Casino isn’t all about the welcome bonus however. The online casino site also has a good range of additional more current online casino bonuses and promotions. For example, players can get themselves involved in a series of monthly promotions from the online casino site that include the chance to win massive cash prizes, tickets to events, bonus money, free spins and gigantic collection of loyalty points.

River Belle Casino also loves to hand out weekend promotions too. Players can bag a fairly generous match deposit bonus on all deposits made from Thursdays to Sundays, based on how much they have wagered during the week prior. If you’ve had a good run, then there is nothing stopped you from getting your money back via match deposit welcome bonus is there?

And then of course there are the aforementioned loyalty points and bonuses. These loyalty points and bonuses are awarded every single time a player makes a wager at the online casino site. At River Belle Casino, these points you earn can be accumulated and collected and then cashed in for real money at the online casino site.

With all these offers and more, River Belle Casino is going to be offering some a real stunning set of prizes to their loyal gamers in celebration of their fifteen year anniversary, all the online gamers can do other than reap the rewards is hope that they continue to provide the goods for another fifteen years at least!

Slots Jungle - Online Slots Casino - $10,000 Welcome Bonus

28 Nov 2012 15:52:46 GMT

Jump on board with the hottest online slots casino around- Slots Jungle! Prepare yourself for non-stop action and excitement with this #1 rated casino that has casino critics calling it the best place to be! As soon as you enter the door, you'll be welcomed with one of the biggest bonus deals valued at up to $10,000 in free playing cash! All new clients are encouraged to sign up for a free account. Slots Jungle is open to all players worldwide including USA clients!

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