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The feminist movement helped to bring about enormous changes in the role of women in society. More women are in the workforce now than ever before, and recent studies have shown that the division of housework, traditionally a woman's sphere, has grown far more equitable in recent decades. This trend to egalitarianism extends to other spheres of activity, too, including such traditionally male spheres as casino gambling. It's not that women haven't been able to go to casinos; rather, for a long time, women were the ornaments on the arms of male gamblers. Just think back to James Bond at the Baccarat table, with a Bond Girl on his arm... Well, it seems that the Bond Girls weren't just watching the games. They were learning the rules, too, and now they want to play. In a recent survey in the UK, it was found that the percentage of women who have gambled online grew from 6 to 6.5 from 2006 to 2007. Half a percentage point sounds insignificant, but it translates to many thousands of new women gamblers. Online gambling has found a new target audience. That the online gambling establishments are trying to attract women to the games is clear. Sites like Party Bingo are marketed exclusively towards women. Surveys have shown that women gamblers prefer slot games and bingo to the riskier, more complex, table games that male players frequent, and the women-oriented sites reflect this preference. When online casinos first got started, their customer base was, like their land-based counterparts, mostly male. Like so much else in the modern world, this is changing, and the changes are for the better. An increasing diversity among online casino players will lead to an increased diversity in the games, the bonus offers, and the promotions as the casinos work to pull in the new players. Women gamblers will have a lot to offer, beyond a predilection for slot games, and as the online gambling community adapts to the new demographics, everyone will benefit.
Chelsea is the early odds favorite for the English Premier League 2008/09 title, having started the season strongly. As usual, the big four of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are the only teams given a chance in odds betting. Big four odds Chelsea, evens (Ladbrokes): Things are already looking up under Luiz Felipe Scolari, with a couple of strong wins to start the season. With the addition of tiny Portuguese midfielder Deco to an already star-studded lineup, Chelsea clearly has the talent to go one better than last year when they just missed out on stealing the championship from Manchester United's grasp. Manchester United, 6/4: Sir Alex Ferguson won't be worried by the shaky start to the season. Man U began last season badly as well, but were unbeatable for large patches on the way to their 10th premiership in 16 seasons. After retaining Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo - who at one stage looked likely to leave them for Real Madrid - it's hard to see the Red Devils finishing any lower than second this year. Liverpool, 6/1: Manager Rafael Benitez has built a squad that clearly has the talent, but for some reason Liverpool has never been able to translate its success in Europe (2005 champions and regular semi-finalists) to the domestic game. It will take something extra special for the Reds to take that next step and leapfrog their hated rivals to win their first title since 1990. Arsenal, 10/1: The Gunners' odds reflect their decline. They have started this season in the poor form with which they ended the last. While they are as usual an almost certainty to make Europe, it would be a surprise if Arsenal finished above any of their three main rivals. The pack Another half-a-dozen teams have a realistic chance of making Europe, and it's possible one of them could cause a major surprise and finish as high as third or fourth. Aston Villa is considered the best of the rest at 125/1 odds for the title, followed by Tottenham 150/1. Everton's odds of 200/1 are maybe a little too harsh given last year's fifth-place finish. Manchester City, 250/1, will be looking for more of the form that saw them twice beat bitter rivals Manchester United last season. Newcastle earn their 250/1 odds more on reputation than any realistic chance of challenging. Portsmouth, 350/1, is also a chance at Europe. The rest of the teams will be fighting hard to avoid relegation.
Bingo is all about luck. Skill plays no part at all in this game. In fact, of all the gambling and casino games, bingo is the most 'luck-based' game of all, on a par with the lotteries such as Lotto and Keno. As to the physical location of luck, it can happen anywhere. It has nothing to do with the earth's position in the Universe or the angle between the moon and the sun on any particular day. But for all that, it now seems that the best and luckiest place to play bingo is in Scotland. So if you are determined to make a little money playing bingo, head for Scotland. This is no idle observation based on the results of a solitary bingo session. This is the second year running that Glasgow, Scotland has captured the title "The Luckiest Spot to Play Bingo." The label was conferred after The Mecca Bingo Club in Forge, Glasgow chalked up sixteen national Bingo wins, a huge figure for a single venue. But there is more. The Mecca Stockton Wharf, also in Scotland, ran second in the polling with thirteen national bingo game wins. Online bingo rules Bingo is a hugely popular game, especially in Britain. The bingo parlors are humming places full of action. Online bingo is soaring in popularity and the number of online bingo gambling websites is increasing steadily. The older bingo websites are taking a hint from the online casinos and upgrading, adding promotions and treating bingo as a serious gambling sport.
Bodog claims business as usual, and the Poker Players Alliance are doing all they can to make sure the gambling industry does better come November's elections. In the meantime, we give you a tip on how to choose a safe casino site, as a survey reveals it is a major concern for online gamblers. Bodog Answers to Reports When we reported on Bodog's current crisis and rather uncertain future, we got their response. This is what they had to say. Does it help to calm you? The Poker Vote Will Obama be good for online gambling? Will McCain be the better choice in the industry's perspective? This is what the PPA has to say on the matter. Security is a Worry, But Should It Be? A survey reveals a large percentage of online gamblers are concerned about their security when playing online. To find the safe websites to bet on, consult our reviews.
It's a Presidential election year, which means that both major parties are putting together their official election platforms. These platforms are the base on which party members will run for office this year, and run the nation over the next four years. Election platforms also form the background against which a party proposes legislation. They're worth looking at closely, because, win or lose, a party's platform will inform public debate until at least the next national election. And we quote The Republican Platform Committee, in the lead up to their Party Convention, put the finishing touches on their platform, and in doing so sounded a cautionary note to the online gaming community. Early last week, in an apparent positive move, they removed a plank calling for a ban on Internet gambling. Hours later, when a motion was made to restore the plank, it was replaced by acclamation. The plank in question read simply, "Millions of Americans suffer from problem or pathological gambling that can destroy families. We support legislation prohibiting gambling over the Internet or in student athletics by student athletes who are participating in competitive sports," and has been in the platform each election cycle since 2000. It seems pretty straightforward, but it was the background to the UIGEA, and the bi-partisan push for an online gambling ban. As a practical matter, this plank probably means very little. The UIGEA was passed two years ago, and is currently facing challenges in both Congress and the courts. On complex issues, especially issues with an emotional charge such as Internet gambling, the major parties typically will wait to see how the initial legislation fairs on review before trying to push for additional action on the matter. The current status quo regarding an online gambling ban is likely to remain in place until the UIGEA is either struck down or amended. Inconsistencies However, the Republican Platform plank does put the Internet gaming community on notice that one major party is publicly committed to a ban on Internet gambling. This is the mindset that led to the UIGEA in the first place, and we need to be wary of it. Online gambling is one of the few "big ticket" items facing Congress in which both sides of the issue draw bi-partisan support. The head of online gambling's biggest lobby, the Poker Player's Alliance, is former Republican Senator Alfonse D'Amato, the UIGEA was sponsored by former Republican Representative Jim Leach, and the biggest Congressional challenge to amend or repeal the UIGEA is being led by Democrat Barney Frank and Republican/Libertarian Ron Paul. The politics on the issue are complex, and most members of Congress are unlikely to move until a new law is proposed, or the courts issue a ruling, no matter what either party's platform says. Against themselves Still, for the Republican Platform to call for an online gambling ban is rather incongruous, even in a Presidential election year. The modern GOP built its strength and reputation as the party of individual rights. They're currently in the grip of an odd schizophrenia, as they simultaneously push for less and looser government on fiscal issues and more restrictive government on personal "values" issues. This plank is part of that internal confusion, and we won't see a real change, or a consistent policy, until the Republicans come to grips with themselves.
Sweden might be known as liberal and free-wheeling by and large. Yet its alcohol market, for one is owned by a state-run monopoly. It's online gambling market too. If we do look at the way the alcohol market has operated in the Scandinavian country, we could draw some interesting conclusions with regard to online gambling. Nothing's AbsoluteAbsolute Vodka, the famous vodka brand from 1879, was actually owned by the Swedish government, until March 2008 that is. Half a year ago it was sold to the French firm Pernod Ricard. The Swedish government also owns and controls Svenska Spel, the gambling monopoly. Will its fate be any different from that of Absolute's.We'll definitely not have to wait 129 years t find out... Alternative marketsSwedes are well accustomed to purchasing alcohol from side-of-the-road sellers, wholly illegal, thus avoiding the high store prices. Systembolaget - the stores that sell alcohol by law on behalf of the government, are taxed heavily by its owner. (Just for the record, Svenska Spel reported a profit of over1/2 billion euro in 2007. Although a not for profit operation, it makes for some hefty income.) State stronghold of gambling is likely to draw such illegal operators too as an alternative. It is our concern that these alternatives will not be supervised and regulated, thus putting people's money - and the industry's reputation - at risk. EU involvementTrue, Sweden is a model welfare state. It can afford such generous policies thanks to taxed alcohol and betting. This, however, conflicts with EU regulations, namely that there should be free movement of goods and services. Swedish online gambling company Betsson has recently challenged the state-monopoly, relying on EU principles, when it opened an outlet in Stockholm in May this year. Registered in Malta, it is a European company and authorized by the EU. His shop has yet to be shut down.
Hurricane Gustav is a few days away from hitting the shores of Louisiana. One million residents of New Orleans, only three years since the deadly Hurricane Katrina struck the city in full force, have been evacuated already. They will not stick around to see whether Gustav grows into a Category 5 monster, as predicted. Weather betting But others will be watching closely. Odds makers are offering betting odds while Gustav advances over the Gulf of Mexico, and Mayor Ray Nagin gives orders to prepare for the devastation, telling residents in clear words: "Get out of town. This is not the one to play with." Ironic? Cynical? Not really. Not if you comes to think about it. Science and odds The National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center, AccuWeather and others use advanced models and probability cones to project the most likely path of the eye. These are excellent data for placing your own bet at the end of the day. The options bettors face are specific location where Gustav will hit, the Category with which it will strike, and even an option it will miss the US entirely. (Clearly a case of hopeful betting.) With more and more bettors, hurricane forecasters can follow the trends and consider likely paths as predicted by the bettors. "Real" novelty Though weather betting is a form of novelty betting, listed under "special betting" on online gambling sites, this is no game. Dozens of casualties in Cuba make this point clear. We are more familiar with bets on a "Wet Wimbledon" or other, not the extent of a guaranteed natural disaster. We reach out to the residents of New Orleans, the gulf Coast and all areas already hurt by hurricane Gustav.
The surprise choice of Sarah Palin as the Republican vice-presidential candidate doesn't indicate either a pro- or anti-gambling shift in the party. As with her Democratic VP opponent, Joe Biden, Palin has never made any clear statement either for or against the legalization of gambling, but hasn't opposed pro-gambling initiatives in the state she governs - Alaska. Conservative voice More socially conservative than Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Palin is not the sort of candidate one would expect to be particularly pro-gambling. A born-again evangelical Christian and mother of five, McCain's running mate has made a name for herself since her election as Alaska governor in 2006 as a staunch conservative on issues such as abortion, gun control and crime. Her selection was no doubt designed to attract the vote of the Republican rank-and-file, who could potentially have been alienated by McCain - a man who has developed a reputation as someone who opposes party traditionalists on key issues. The selection of a female could also attract swing voters put off by the non-selection of Hillary Clinton for either the Democratic presidential or vice-presidential nominations. Lenience on gambling Sarah Palin has not made any clear statement on gambling while Alaska governor, and in fact all the evidence points to some leniency on the matter. She has opted to stay out of the ongoing debate on gambling expansion in the USA's second-youngest state, allowing legislation passed by the Alaska State Legislature to become enshrined in law without signing or vetoing them. (On that matter, Alaska voters last Tuesday rejected a ballot that would have created a Gaming Commission, meaning only state legislators can now implement gambling expansion). Therefore, the evidence overall points to a Republican VP candidate who, while far from pro-gambling, will not do the gambling industry any more harm than has already been done by current federal legislators.
Mobile casino games are here. It's the next logical step for the online gambling world to take, really. Internet gambling brought the casino into our homes; laptop computers allowed us to take it with us; and now cell phone based casino games are here, allowing us to hit the casino whenever we want, no matter where we are. Cell crazy The mobile casino phenomenon is already expanding. It took off in Japan, partly because the Japanese love their gadgets and love their gaming, but also because cell phone culture in Japan was well established. Everyone there seems to have a cell phone, and frequently more than one. It's only natural that the Japanese would want to expand the horizons of their phones. The British also like mobile gaming. Like Japan, the UK has a well-established cell phone culture, and the people are not afraid to try out the latest cellular add-ons. Combine that with the Brits' love of casino games, and it's no wonder that mobile gaming is seeing rapid growth in the UK. Europe is also taking to mobile casino games, although not as quickly. America lags behind, even though several mobile casino sites offer service in the US market. In both Europe and America, while people have and use cell phones, they are not as "cell crazy" as the British and Japanese. First steps Right now, mobile casino gaming is in its infancy. No service has been providing mobile gaming for more than 2 or 3 years, and the bugs are not completely worked out of the systems. While many phone models support online casino games, that's clearly not the main feature cellular customers consider when they buy a phone. Also, the games sometimes take up far too much phone memory or drain the battery far too quickly. These are kinks that will need to be worked out, in order for the mobile casino to truly break out of its "local craze" status. Still, it's almost inevitable that casino games will find a home on our cell phones. Just think back to the cell phone you had 10 years ago, and try to remember how limited it was, and how excited you were to have it. And now try to think ahead, to the cell phones of 10 years from now, and imagine what they can do... Mobile gambling news Online casino Reports has also joined the mobile wagon, and offers the latest news headlines in our mobile version.
The big bad UIGEA bill is fighting a losing battle. While this law may be in place, the US government is seriously underestimating both players and the companies that take their bets. The sheer determination to have the basic human right of spending their own money and how to do so is being violated and few remain quiet about it. So far, even while threatening and delivering legal actions, online gambling has only perhaps slowed a touch, but with the power of the Internet, if one site shuts down, three more will pop up in their place overnight. BetOnSports has made some serious headlines recently, taking just about everyone down with them. Here's the lowdown on what's really going on with BetOnSports in easy to understand terms. Recap Once a publicly traded company in the UK stock exchange, BetOnSports made their exit after charges were brought against them by the United States, stating the UIGEA bill as their reasoning, amongst others. In order to avoid further criminal charges, the company agreed to supply evidence against their founder, Gary Kaplan, who had warrants out for his arrest months before he was captured and brought into custody. David Carruthers, CEO, and his team were on a business trip from the UK to Costa Rica. While at their layover in Ft. Worth, Texas, FBI agents swarmed them, arrested and charged all members with over 22 counts claiming their company illegally accepted wagers over the phone and Internet from US customers as well as not paying applicable taxes. Sentencing held on October 19, 2007 resulted in the shutting down of the website, multiple fines and the requirement to repay US wages from June 1, 2006 and on. However, these American customers are finding it almost impossible to retrieve their leftover balances, which for some are totaling up to thousands of dollars. Until then, players are waiting not so patiently and seeking other avenues to play. UIGEA or not - the US has its work cut out for them. BetOnSports may be the sacrificial lamb but there is more than one kebab to cook my friends.
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