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The 2014 Brazil World Cup concluded yesterday in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana with Germany winning their fourth World Cup. Germany made history, becoming the first European team to lift a World Cup on South American soil. The game itself was exciting and fast-paced and despite all predictions, the end score was open until almost the very last minute – and that's exactly when it was decided. But why did Germany win? What makes a team the best in the world? A Game of Substitutes It was Germany's Mario Gotze who decided the result of the match in the 113th minute. While it took Gotze's touch to bring Germany the World Cup, it wasn't him alone who was responsible for the historic moment. Gotze was substituted for Miroslav Klose in the 88th minute, and when the 22 year old forward climbed the pitch he knew exactly what he had to do – and he had done it. Argentina's Failure At the same time, Argentina's substitutes were strange: Coach Sabella replaced Argentina's most impressive dribbler Lavezzi for Aguero who seemed almost non-existent on the pitch. This was Argentina's best game in the tournament, but the team failed because they still relied solely on two people: Mascherano and Messi. While Mascherano delivered, Messi did not. Teamplay is the Name of the Game Why is Germany great? They are a team in the full sense of the word. There's chemistry between the players who were academically raised and trained by Germany's national football institutions to perfect their skills. They're not a machine – they're a team. Germany's players fought fiercely as they were waiting for this moment for many years. Bastian Schweinsteiger looked like a beaten boxer after 120 minutes, refusing to get substituted even when bleeding. It was a great World Cup and the best team won.
It's safe to claim that mobile devices have become an inseparable part of living in today's world, as people use their mobile phones for just about anything. This trend has not surpassed the world of online casinos: Mobile gaming has witnessed a dramatic rise in popularity in the last few years with growing demand for richer mobile sites put up by online casinos. A recent report has shown that this mobile gaming trend will only grow stronger in the next few years, with mobile gambling reaching some amazing revenues. Here at Online Casino Reports, we write a lot about mobile news and trends and this is why we were especially excited when we got an opportunity to chat with CL, a veteran online casino player who uses his mobile devices almost exclusively to play. Playing Anywhere and Anytime A recurring theme in the world of online casinos and their mobile sites is about how players play on-the-go while they're waiting in queues or commuting. We get a first-hand testimony of that exactly from CV, who has also given us an opportunity to get a glimpse on the playing habits of a true mobile player. "I love to play when I need to wait for something," told us CL when asked if he plays while out and about, adding that he also plays "while travelling by taxi or bus". CL plays using either his iPhone or tablet; these two were the main devices with which he accumulated most of his winnings playing only in Royal Vegas Casino. The Grandeur of Mobile Slots Interestingly enough, CL doesn't like playing any table or card games, nor is he attracted to the idea of experiencing these with live dealers. Instead, CL spends his mobile online casino sessions exclusively in the slots sections. A seasoned slots player, CL lists Burning Desire and Gold Factory as his two favorite games, with Avalon, High Society and The Twister Circus coming in closely behind. He praises the payouts, graphics and music – all which are available in full splendor over mobile. A Faster Experience We were curious as to why CL plays via mobile almost exclusively. He claims that for him, mobile play feels faster than on PC, something which also applies to his gaming time while out and about. CL's playing habits are very interesting too. He suddenly has periods in which he plays daily, followed by more dormant periods where he does not play for a while. Three Years at Royal Vegas Three years ago, CL was looking for an online casino with a focus on slot machines that would be "fun and profitable at the same time." CL found that combination at Royal Vegas Casino and this is where he decided to settle down. He has been playing in the casino since, gradually reaching VIP status. Apart from slots and payouts, CL praised Royal Vegas' customer service, with which he has a personal acquaintance. "The attention that I received from Nico has been wonderful," he told us. He continued to commend the general service he has received, which has been available right from the outset in his native tongue, Spanish. We enjoyed our sit-down with CL and thank him for sharing with us the experience of a dedicated mobile online casino player. We hope this interview will open you up to experiencing your favorite online casino on mobile – the trend of the future.
Now that the world has a break from the biggest international soccer tournament in which Germany was crowned king, teams are making it back to their home turf. The Swedish professional soccer league is going strong. Tonight's game is a featured match as these teams are vying to get into better table position in hopes of challenging for a spot in the top four. The Allsvenskan regular season ends on November 30th, and tonight's game pits IFK Norrköping against Djurgårdens. Trends Both teams are similarly matched regarding the depth of their roster. IFK Norrköping is currently in 9th place with 39 points while Djurgårdens is in 7th with 44. A win tonight is crucial if either team is to have a shot at making the top four and is to secure a better position for next year. The big question tonight for Djurgårdens fans is whether or not Erton Fejzullahu and Amadou Jawo can make some magic on the attack to get past the visitor's defense. IFK Norrköping lost their step early on this year but have recently been playing strong soccer and have been a handful for their latest opponents. As we learned from the last game from the leaders of the table Malmo; even the best can fall as they were held to a draw by the bottom club Brommapojkarna. Live Betting bet365 Sports is back with live in-play Swedish Soccer lines and is offering a number of markets for the match. Pre-game lines include outright winner in which IFK Norrköping are slight favorites at 2.60 while Djurgårdens are at 2.70. A draw is at 3.25. There are many other lines like Correct Score, Half Time/ Full Time Result, Over/Under and more. Throughout the game bet365 will be offering in-play lines that unfold as the game does and gives punters an interactive way to play.
"I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn't know when," wrote Lebron James in his recent essay to Sports Illustrated (SI) about his decision to go back to Ohio and play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He shocked the world and silenced his haters with one move back to the team that gave him real love and appreciation. The fans in Miami are obviously not dealing with this decision well, but they are not burning his jersey like his home state fans did when he left them. They feel scorned in Miami, betrayed and heart broken. For a team that had a great 4 seasons with King James, it came to an end with an abrupt announcement last week to SI. Looking Forward Now that the deed is done it's time to look on to next season and try to figure out the best Cavs roster. The best scenario for the Cavs, and for Lebron would be to acquire Kevin Love from the Timberwolves and rumor has it that this deal is already in the works as part of a three-way deal with Golden State as well. If Kevin Love does join Cleveland the starting roster will most-likely look something like: Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Anderson Varejao. With a starting 5 like that Cleveland, will be a favorite with online sportsbooks and punters respectively. NBA Betting Markets for 2014 The biggest online sportsbooks in the UK like bet365 and William Hill already have outright winner lines posted and it is fairly evident that the Cavaliers are going to be good. Both sportsbooks have the Cavs in second place at 5.50 (bet365) and 6.00 (WillHill). If you thought that perhaps the Heat could potentially get back up after being knocked down, don't worry, neither do the bookies as Miami currently stand at 23.00 to win in 2014/15 season.
Unlike most former Soviet countries, Belarus has always been open to gambling in general, rendering the small Republic particularly amenable and innovative when it comes to a state-run gambling model. State-Run Portal As of now, Belarus has announced its intentions set up and run its own government-sponsored online gambling portal which would provide users with direct web access to specific domestic-based online operators who have been licensed and will be taxed by the government. According to Belarus Minister of Taxation Uladzimir Paluyan, these operators will have servers based within the legal physical limits of the country of Belarus. One Year Projected Timetable The portal is still under discussion within the Belarus Parliament, but Paluyan predicted to state newspapers that “this document will be passed this year,” after which “we will begin to implement its provisions in practice.” Revenue Increase Paluyan further encouraged development of the state-run portal, which he estimates will increase budget revenues for the government by an estimated $6 million within three years. Belarus' General Gambling Background Belarus is one of the only former Soviet Republics open to gambling. This is the country where Russia moved its gambling business after outlawing gambling in 2009, opening its physical casino Shangri-La as the first casino licensed by the Belarusian Ministry of Sport and Tourism. Post-Soviet Las Vegas Since then, there has been interest in Belarus to expand gambling and develop programs providing government benefits from gambling regulation, with some calling Belarus the “post-Soviet Las Vegas.” Belarus Open to Gambling This development stood in stark contrast to neighboring Russia and Ukraine, whose governments frowned upon gambling. The same type of cultural taboo has never existed in Belarus. Belarus Legislative Climate To protect its own interests, online gambling has remained illegal in Belarus, to prevent online operators from outside Belarus from signing up users in Belarus, which would have given rise to an unregulated online gambling market. For the same reason, Belarus citizens were not allowed to access foreign websites online. Portal as Regulatory Model The gambling portal is the model for Belarus' version of regulation, and the means by which Belarus will integrate all global web activity, within an effective computerized system of monitoring of taxable revenue activity that the government is satisfied with.
The European Commission has released it recommendations for the legislative adaptation of online gambling for member states. Consumer Protection and Ethical Business Practices The recommendations combine encouragement of a high level of security for customers and minors with the integration of strong principles for ethical advertising and responsible sponsorships in online gambling agreements. Security the Priority Commission Vice-President for Internal Market and Services Michel Barnier stated that the EU was embracing the priority of better protection of “all citizens, and in particular our children, from the risks associated with gambling. We now look to the Member States, but also to online gambling operators, to match our ambition for a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU in this fast growing digital sector.” List of Recommendations Recommended Priorities in implementation identified by the Commission include: - Basic information requirements for gambling websites to empower consumers with the necessary information to protect themselves from behavioral and psychological risks associated with gambling - Responsible commercial communication in advertising and sponsorship - Prevention of online gambling by minors through regulation minimizing the contact of minors with gambling sites in advertising or promotional tools. - A uniform player account registration process requiring consumers to provide details of age and identity for verification. - Requiring operators to track player behavior and intervene in their account where necessary. - Making available online support and resources to address or prevent gambling-related problems, including support links, spending limits, and information alerts when winning or losing reaches certain levels or when a time-out is necessary and healthy. - Socially responsible and transparent advertising and sponsorship, in the form of avoiding exaggeration about odds of winning, taking caution not to exert pressure to gamble, nor in any way suggesting that gambling would resolve social, professional, personal or financial problems. - A recommendation that all member states ensure the provision of employee training to all employees of online gambling operators interacting with players to empower them to identify problem behaviors on the part of users and handle accounts accordingly.
The game of Bowls has been around since the 13th century and is one of the most cherished games in the UK. The object of the game is fairly simple, get your Bowls as close to the small yellow 'jack'. This is easier said than done as the bowls are not completely round which adds strategy and special tactics when playing the famed game. The bowling green for both outdoor and indoor bowls is the same length between 34-40 meters long in which teams go head to head. There is a traditional coin toss to see who bowls first and who sends the jack to the other end acting as the game target. That Jack needs to pass 23 meters to be counted and once it stops rolling it is moved to the center of the rink. Points are scored at the end of the game according to the number of bowls that are closest to the Jack. To win the Super8Series, bowlers will need to win a best of 3 sets in which the first two sets are 7 ends long. So far the action has been great and players are vying to better their position in the Champion of Champions Table. The current leader is Les Gillet with 650 points overall but it could all change following the today's games. Jarrad Breen and Tim Stone face off today and they are both currently tied for 9th place in the Champions table with 450 points. They are similarly matched which should make out for an excellent game and some hard-rolling action. Live In-Play Betting Bowls is getting full coverage from bet365 for all the tournaments this year. Today's game at 01:00pm has a number of live in-play lines sure to make things more interesting. Breen is the favorite at 1.72 with Stone not too far behind at 2.00. Throughout the game, interested punters can get in to win with the live in-play bets that only punters watching bet365 can take advantage of.
As one of the three states to have legalized online gambling within the past year, Delaware expected to see some financial benefits sooner rather than later. However, expectations fell sadly short of the state's projected target of $5 million in revenue. According to The News Journal, Delaware’s online gambling venture brought in very little revenue for the state, and none for casinos. This is because while actual online gaming in the state brought in $1.2 million (still, a very low number), the state's return after start-up and vendor fees came to a measly $318,000. What Went Wrong?State officials say that the poor profit is due to a number of reasons, including a low gaming population, unfamiliar brands, delays in a mobile platform and other technology issues. The projection for the 2015 fiscal year, which began on July 1, does not look much better. The projected revenue for 2015 is $3.3 million, which is still not enough for the state's casinos to make money, because part of the state's regulations say that Delaware will collect 100% of income for the first $3.75 million made from online gaming. Only after that number has been hit can casinos even dream of seeing a penny. Don't Count Them Out YetDespite the disappointment, Delaware plans to continue with its online gaming venture, and even the casinos are in full support. “We are patient, “said Ed Sutor, president of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. “It’s a brand-new product coming to a brand-new country, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel.” State lottery director Vernon Kirk also commented that number show the users are winning, which is great for business. And so, Delaware forges ahead with cautious optimism.
As the debate about the dangers, perceived or otherwise, of social gaming hots up, the Maltese government might be the first to put its legislative head on the chopping block, as it considers regulation of one of the island's main sectors of employment. In another sign that the online gaming industry takes its social responsibility seriously, one of the main motivating factors behind the draft bill in the Maltese legislature is the concern that line between remote gambling and social gaming is becoming increasingly blurred - and might lead to minors gambling. The Lotteries and Gambling Authority (LGA) Executive Director Joe Cuschieri explained that "Malta has always been an innovator in proposing new regulations and legislation, as we did more than ten years ago with iGaming, this niche needs to be regulated as well." He said that far from damaging the reputation and success of Malta as a destination for remote gaming companies, he was confident that it would "consolidate" Malta as a hub for remote gaming companies. The shape of the proposed legislation is unclear, though its importance to the Maltese economy cannot be underestimated. Of 418,000 people on the island 7,000 are employed in the iGaming industry - which accounts fro 10% of Malta's GDP. With appropriate laws in place, this figure could rise, further bolstering the economy. Social casinos are one of the fastest growing areas of the entire industry, with a recent prediction claiming that in excess of 1 billion players will be gambling at these sites by 2015. As with so many areas of this fast-paced industry, legislation is always trying to play catch-up with the reality on the ground. At the International Masters of Gaming Law conference in San Diego in April, both Tel Aviv-based lawyer Tal I. Ron and French financial jurist Stephanie Attias defined a need to "protect children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling." Malta has taken a first small step and might be joined in the future by several other European countries.
The third day of the ATP tournament in Hamburg continues today with many exciting matches taking place. The clay tournament at Hamburg is part of the 11-tournament ATP World Tour 500 series with the first prize standing on €1,190,700. It's one of the best tournaments where spectators can see players who don't necessarily dominate Grand Slams. Ferrer Top Favorite David Ferrer of Spain, ranked No. 7 in the world, is one of the top favorites to win the tournament. His last ATP World Tour win came in November 2012 when he beat Poland's Jerzy Janowicz in two sets to win the BNP Paribas Masters. Yesterday's highlight second round match saw Ferrer beat Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin (No. 53) in three sets (2-6, 6-3, 6-2) and it seems like Ferrer is in a condition to go far in this tournament. Today's Matches Today's second round games see some intriguing meetings like the one starting 11am UK time between Serbia's Filip Rajinovic (No. 149) against last year's champion, Fabio Fognini of Italy (No. 15). At 12:20 Germany's Alexander Zverev (No. 285) will play against Russia's Mikhail Youzhny (No. 19). While the Russian naturally seems like a favorite, after defeating Robin Haase, the 17 year old Zverev is a wild card who became the youngest player to win a match at an ATP World Tour 500-level tourney in more than five years and he might be on a roll. Live Betting Action Winner Sports is covering all games taking place in Hamburg today with pre-match and live betting markets. At 5pm UK time Germany's favorite Philipp Kohlschreiber (No. 26) meets Spain's Gastao Elias (No. 150). This is a headline match at Winner which is giving 1/6 to Kohlschreiber and 4/1 for Elias in match winner bets. Tune-in Winner to enjoy world class tennis today.
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