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Every Saturday and Wednesday, Americans have a chance at winning the country’s favorite lottery: the Powerball. Winning numbers are drawn twice a week, and prizes range anywhere from $4 to over hundreds of millions! In fact, this week’s Wednesday draw (January 28, 2015) has a grand prize of $261 million, and the easiest way to get a piece of this pie is to buy online lottery tickets. While every state has its own vendors that sell tickets for the Powerball lottery, buying online lottery tickets is an easier option for those who don’t have time to go to their local store in between work and running errands. Anyone over 18 years old (or 21, in some states) can buy online lottery tickets at sites such as The Lotter and Lottery Master How Powerball Works Powerball is a combined jackpot game in which five white balls are drawn out of a drum that contains 59 white balls, and one red ball is drawn out of a drum that contains 35 red balls. The numbers are drawn every Wednesday and Saturday night at 10:59 Eastern Time. Prizes The first prize of the Powerball is obviously the big payday - hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the day and the week. Second prize is nothing to laugh at either - a neat $1 million, paid out in cash, and players can win this any time they match the red Powerball. Other prizes include $10,000, $100, and then, the meager $7 and $4 prizes (which at least cover the cost of the ticket!). Online Lottery Tickets The Lotter and Lottery Master are just two examples of agents that sell online lottery tickets. When you go to these sites, you can actually pick your numbers on the spot, either on PC or mobile. The sites also tell you how much time is left until the next Powerball draw, so you can keep track of when it will take place. And just remember, when buying online lottery tickets, your chances are as good as anyone else’s for winning the jackpot!
With Super Bowl Weekend on the horizon, New Jersey Congressmen have reintroduced their bills to legalize sports betting. Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. and Frank A. LoBiondo claim that legalizing sports betting can only benefit New Jersey; it will provide a boost to the economy and crack down on illegal operators within the state. Congressman LoBiondo stated, “Increasing competition from neighboring states and the proliferation of off-the-books betting has left Atlantic City’s gaming operations at a disadvantage. Sports-betting can help give our famed resort town a hand up, providing yet another unique option for patrons in addition to the quality entertainment, dining, shopping and beaches." Congressman Pallone said, “New Jersey voters have spoken loud and clear: they want to be able to place wagers on sporting events legally.” He added, "It is time to bring this activity out of the shadows and allow states to regulate it." Federal Ban on Sports Betting Stalls New Jersey A federal ban on sports betting was enacted in 1992, and it still serves as the main prohibitor from allowing states to enact any new form of sports betting. The two new bills that the New Jersey congressmen are proposing would exempt New Jersey from this federal law. The Congressmen are acting with the majority of New Jersey residents behind them, who in 2011 voted to approve a ballot to allow sports betting in New Jersey. The legalization ran into its own legal difficulties, in the form of lawsuits filed against the State of New Jersey by the NCAA and four professional sports leagues. New Jersey's appeal was denied, but perhaps there is more of a chance now since NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his support for legalized sports betting in November 2014. New Jersey Online Gambling As of now, New Jersey is one of the three states that offers legal online gaming; Governor Chris Christie pushed through the legislation in 2013. The New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement stipulates that only people over the age of 21 who are found within the borders of New Jersey can play at the state's online casinos.
Players from the UK looking to place some wagers online now have a few extra hoops to jump through as several of the leading website have been found “too sexy” by the Internet Service Providers. In July last year, David Cameron revealed his plans to block websites that contain adult-themed content in order to prevent children from easily accessing pornographic or violent material via the internet. Users who would want to access such content would be required to get in contact with their ISP directly and request for the block to be removed. Two of the providers, Talk Talk and Sky Broadband, already have introduced their new filtering systems to new subscribers, while BT Broadband is still consulting on the idea. One Fifth of Sites Blocked By Filters Forbes recently released reports indicating that almost one fifth of the most popular 100,000 sites used in the UK are now being blocked by at least one provider. This includes websites that don’t have any connection to the targeted “adult” content that the new regulations are aiming to hide behind a tall virtual wall. The over-zealous filters used by the ISPs have blacklisted websites across a variety of fields and impact the activity of legitimate companies that get a big chunk of their income from online advertising. Gambling Websites Blocked in the UK Several of the leading online gambling and poker websites were found on the “blocked” list by one or several ISPs, with Bet365 Casino coming back as the sexiest of the bunch and with four providers denying access to the website in a small experiment done to test the impact of the filters. So far, the new systems have not been introduced amongst all UK online users but this is scheduled to happen by the end of the year. Hopefully, the massive problems with the filters will be worked out by then.
All eyes will be on the Vincente Calderon stadium in Madrid tonight as home team Atletico Madrid host Barcelona for the second Copa del Rey quarter-final leg (20:00 UK time). Barcelona is carrying a 1-0 lead from the first leg at Camp Nou, achieved by a late Lionel Messi rebound from a missed penalty kick. Pressure on Atletico With the Catalan lead, Atletico Madrid is the pressured side today, although the team is known to be very hard to beat at home. Atletico is managing to stay relevant in the La Liga title chase, ranked third in the table with 44 points, 3 points away from Barcelona and 4 from neighbors Real Madrid. For tonight's game, Atletico will have some notable absentees the likes of Koke, Tiago and Diego Godin who was suspended, but the team will count on talented defender Jose Maria Gimenez. The front will also be interesting – look for prolific goalscorers Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic, and perhaps El Nino Fernando Torres who'll look to make an impression. Barcelona Out for Revenge While Barcelona's got the lead, they will be pressured as well due to Atletico's home advantage and the slippery 1-0 lead. But the Catalans are hungry for revenge tonight as Atletico Madrid has been responsible for many of their problems and heartbreaks in the last year, namely dropping them out of the Champions League last season and shoving them aside for taking the La Liga title. Barcelona will be encouraged by their 6-0 thrashing of Elche on Saturday and will most likely try to shock Atletico right from the beginning and put the game to sleep with an early goal – this could present a good betting opportunity. In-play Betting The match will be covered at Winner Sports which will offer in-play betting markets as the action unfolds. Pre-match full time result odds gave 12/5 to Atletico, 23/20 to Barcelona and 12/5 for a draw. Also look for a "Yes" bet on Both Teams to Score (3/4). Don't miss out on this thriller!
Endorphina is a casino software developer planning to build upon its success at ICE Totally Gaming 2014 with a strong showing at the 2015 event next week. Pivotal to Endorphina’s strategy is an investment in more stand space to introduce three exciting new games to the conference. And the list of the new games… Minotaurus Greek mythology and the fearsome Minotaur creature act as inspiration for the Minotaurus slot. This fantastical game is designed over five reels and features a Minotaur wild symbol that can trigger re-spins at random. Fairy Tale In addition to being a magical game with dazzling visuals, Fairy Tale is a highly rewarding five-reel slot with 20 paylines. Players can potentially trigger unlimited free games with an ever-increasing multiplier until all four keys are found and doves have been released from their cages. Every dove released will increase the multiplier size. Macarons Macarons are delicious meringue treats hailing from France, and now they have their very own five-reel slot game with 10 paylines. Complimenting the deliciousness is a Champagne wild symbol and an engagement ring acting as the bonus symbol. Romance in Paris is a distinct possibility with Macarons. Endorphina Feeling Confident ICE Totally Gaming 2015 will be just the second time that Endorphina has attended the conference. On this occasion, the software developer is a lot more confident ahead of its showing. Endorphina sales manager Jan Urbanec is eager to demonstrate that the company’s games provide “notable value for operators.” Meanwhile, marketing manager Stepanka Chmelarova is promising “delish goods” to compliment the “amazing games” at Endorphina’s ICE 2015 stand, which will be #N6-150. Endorphina is a relatively new but experienced player in the development of online gambling software. The developer operates on the proviso of creating attractive content to promote feel-good gaming. Next to game development, Endorphina also specialises in delivering technical solutions.
Golden Riviera Casino has just announced that as of February 4, 2015, there will be an additional three new slot games on the site: Golden Era, Cricket Star and Loaded. If you like film, sports or music, you should definitely check out these new games. Golden Era Golden Era is a nostalgia-themed video slot game with 5 reels and 15 paylines. Players who are tired of all the flash and glitz of contemporary casino games can finally play a relaxed slot game, reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood, when times were calmer and life golden. Golden Era includes Wilds, Scatter symbols, Free Spins and a Double Feature Bonus. Cricket Star Cricket Star is a game for sports fans, and it arrives at Golden Riviera Casino right before one of the biggest cricket events in the world, the ICC Cricket World Cup. Cricket Star is an action-packed slot with 5 reels and 243 ways to win, and includes special features such as Rolling Reels and a Multiplier of up to 10x steps up to bat. Loaded Players may recall the original Loaded slot, a 5-reel, 25-payline game with a hip-hop theme and rhythmic beat. Now, Golden Riviera Casino is adding the new, revamped version of the game, which includes icons of urban culture, bling and pimped-out cars – all in dazzlingly clear HD. Golden Riviera Rewards New Players New players at Golden Riviera are treated to a generous welcome offer of up to $/€1,400 on their first three deposits. Players can also use the 30 free spins to play these new game releases. Golden Riviera is a licensed online casino that uses sophisticated 128-bit SSL encryption system to protect their data. Games are available on desktop or mobile.
Reports recently surfaced that Sheldon Adelson, the renowned Republican casino magnate, held a private briefing in the second week of January with Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee. The meeting signifies that Adelson, who has been the driving force behind the opposition to federal legislation of online gambling, is not planning on curtailing his efforts any time soon. At this point, it is unknown whether the briefing was arranged by Adelson’s lobbyists or through the House leadership itself. An aide who has direct contact with the House Judiciary Committee denied that the briefing was officially organized through the committee, and sources close to Adelson said that the meeting was regarding both updates and future strategy. Who Is Sheldon Adelson? Adelson is one of the biggest contributors to Republican candidates in the United States, having donated more than $90 million to Republican party candidates and causes in 2014. The irony of making his own fortune through land-based casinos seems to be lost on Adelson; he has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the federal regulation of online gambling, and even formed the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling in 2013. He has promised to “spend whatever it takes” to make sure that Congress does not approve any online gambling legislation. Federal and State Online Gambling While the issue of federal online gambling legislation remains a hot one, a parallel controversy is taking place at the state level as well, with state legislatures finding themselves in need of taking a stance within their own jurisdictions. As of now, three states have legalized online gambling: Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware. Other states such as Pennsylvania and California are seriously considering passing their own legislation, but it is a lengthy process with many bureaucratic, as well as moral, lines to cross.
Microgaming is yet again making gaming headlines. The industry-leading software supplier has now invented a brand new technology, which operators can use to customize online poker software. The technology has been named after the wild translation fish, ‘Babelfish’ from the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and the new API is quite amazing. Babelfish Software developers now have the ability to create unique poker client software and run in on the MPN securely. This will give operators the chance to customize their poker software to a level that has never been possible before. “Babelfish is definitely a game changer for poker,” related Microgaming’s head of poker Alex Scott. “Furthermore, it allows them to do this without having to worry about expensive hosting costs, random number generators, or any of the other complexities that come with developing server software,” he continued. Just like the Babelfish, operators can now develop their poker offerings in any programming language and using the API, they can get into the MPN’s liquidity pool, which will give their players the chance to access the cash games and tournaments offered on the network. Fully Customizable Poker Software The software is customizable so operators can market to a specific target audience, as Microgaming claims that any language is possible. Not only for online platforms, Microgaming’s new API was also made for mobile devices, smart TV’s, game consoles and even new smartwatches. The first Babelfish user is said to be one of the most popular operators in the online poker marketplace and it will be online in a very short time. “With this new operator on board, our network will grow significantly,” continued Scott. “But this is not the only exciting news that the MPN has for 2015. This year we want to be at the pinnacle of the poker industry - this is just the first step.”
Romania is seeking to rescue its struggling economy with new gambling regulations through a risky program of high tax rates. Ambitious Economic Goals for Struggling State The goal of the gambling measures, as agreed to with the International Monetary Fund, is for one of the EU's poorest member states to reduce its deficit by four-tenths of a point to 1.83 percent of gross domestic product. The head of Romania's gambling regulator ONJN estimates that the new regulation will bring in upwards of 100 million Euros in direct taxes this year, explaining how the new laws aim “to increase public revenue and stimulate the market” while harmonising “Romanian legislation with European norms.” Current Climate Apart from online gambling, Romania's gaming market is estimated to be worth 800 million Euros to the government after bringing in 150 million euros in tax revenues last year, a figure ONJN places at 0.1 percent of total national economic output. Gaming operators expressed their obvious satisfaction with the government's decision to “open the tap,” as trade association gaming operator head Cristian Pascu called it. The decision certainly provides relief to the approximate several hundred thousand Romanians who to this point have continued to risk two-year jail terms by connecting to foreign online gambling sites to keep playing, with poker websites the most popular gaming sites frequented. Romanian gaming operators are now looking forward to hosting poker tournaments which could attract thousands of foreign free-spending tourists. Exorbitant Tax Rates? The problem is that behind the new freedoms is a tax hike that could cripple operators if expectations are not met, with potential annual license fees reaching 180,000 euros ($205,000), and fixed directly to operator revenue levels. Other exorbitant fees and taxes include a hike on slot machine licenses from 5,700 to 20,000 euros per year and a new "sin tax" from 1,000 to 5,000 euros to fund a new gambling addiction foundation, measures which Director of Romanian Bookmakers Association Alexandru Debrezeni claims will contract the market without bringing in significant if any added revenue.
Tonight will be the third meeting between the Canadiens and the Rangers this season. They split the first two games and both teams are eager to get an edge on the other tonight. The Canadiens won the first game 3-1 and the Rangers took the second, beating the Habs 5-0 giving Henrik Lundqvist his fourth shutout (he now has five for second place in the NHL). The Rangers are at home tonight, which will give them an outright advantage, but don’t count the Canadiens out just yet. Team Scope The Canadiens have won three straight and are 13-3-1 over their last 17. They lead the Rangers in the Eastern Conference by five points and are 30-13-3 on the season, good enough for third in the Atlantic Division. Montreal is 14-8-1 on-the-road and their record is due to incredible goaltending by Carey Price. He made 40 saves against Dallas on Tuesday and was excused from practice the following day to get refreshed and ready to face the Rangers tonight. The Rangers are 16-4-0 over their last 20 but are only 6-9-1 against Stanley Cup hopefuls from the Eastern Conference. New York lost a tough game to their hometown rivals the Islanders and need to get back on track with a win tonight. "They're definitely a team that likes to play a fast game," Coach Alain Vigneault related, knowing that he faces one of the NHL’s best tonight. Live In-Play Markets Punters have a number of live in-play props to make online wagers on for tonight’s game. Bet365 Sports is offering in-play markets for all NHL games this year and it is a great way to make online bets for an interactive gambling experience like no other. Prior to dropping the puck tonight, bet365 has the Rangers at 1.74, while the Canadiens are at 2.15, great odds for punters betting on Montreal. The Over/Under is 5.0 for 1.90 odds and there are many more props to choose from.
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