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The first ever Georgia Gaming Congress was hosted last month on 20 February 2015. Planned by Smile Expo and BetConstruct, the event was hosted in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. The aim was to showcase the potential of the Georgia online gambling industry. When explaining the benefits of setting up in Georgia, a coordinator from the congress, Lyudmila Machusk, explained that the absence of a legislative ban on gambling is the first major advantage. Furthermore, the country’s low tax rate allows for operators to retain a larger portion of their profits than in other European jurisdictions. Expert Presentations In the space of one day, more than 100 participants attended from sectors such as online casino, sports betting, poker, and various related sectors, including marketing, construction, and finance. During the congress, participants were able to witness 13 specialist presentations made by industry experts. In sharing their insights, the experts supported them by sharing various sets of analytical data, helping to convey their opinions to viewers. The organisers of the congress chose to split it in two parts, the first of which focused on land-based casinos, while the concluding portion was geared towards online gambling. Lavrentiy Gubin was tasked with the leading the land-based section, while Dmitriy Danilenko oversaw online. Online Growth Targeted Comparatively, there is greater potential for quickly growing the online gambling industry. In discussing the potential for the Georgia market, technology understandably played a pivotal role. While ample time was giving to speaking about mobile, attendees also took the time to talk about the success of free social casino content. Additionally, the rise of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies presents another consideration for operators in catering to players who wish to pay by using them. However, operators would be wise to focus on prioritising mobile and social efforts before looking to potentially turbulent currencies.
There are many lotteries in play around the world, some with massive jackpot prizes for the lucky holders of the winning tickets. Currently, the biggest jackpot worldwide is the €79 million EuroMillions prize that has come about due to the fact that no one matched all the numbers on Friday 27th February. About the EuroMillions The first EuroMillions draw took place on February 13th 2004, with France, Spain and the UK being the only countries taking part. Soon, others joined up and the lottery is now played across 13 countries, although in recent years online lottery tickets services like The Lotter and Lottery Master have opened this and many other draws to a worldwide player base. EuroMillions draws take place in Paris at 20.45 CET on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a jackpot winning ticket needing to match five main numbers from 1 to 50, plus 2 Lucky Star numbers from between 1 and 11. The EuroMillions is known for rolling over multiple times, and has on occasion paid out jackpots of €190,000,000 which is the maximum level possible. Other than the jackpot, players win for getting five numbers and one Lucky Star, the main numbers only, and so on, down to a prize of around €4 for matching two numbers. EuroMillions Online Although officially only residents of participating countries can enter the EuroMillions draw, thanks to online lottery tickets agents like The Lotter and Lottery Master, the winning prize could go to someone virtually anywhere in the world. These services work by having representatives in Europe, the USA, Australia and so on, who buy the tickets on behalf of players who have selected their numbers online. Should a ticket win, the prize of forwarded to the player who picked the right online lottery tickets, and with all the major draws featured at these sites it is a quick and convenient way to go for the biggest prizes.
In the last week of February, Pennsylvania lawmaker John Payne introduced House Bill 649, a bill that would allow for the regulation of online poker in the Keystone State. The bill presents a rudimentary framework that would support Pennsylvania’s already-licensed casinos, with the option of expanding into a multi-state network that would allow pooling players from other states. The bill, as it stands now, does not include a “bad actor clause,” which is good news for PokerStars, one of the largest online poker operators in the world. The term “bad actor” refers to an online gaming company that continued to do business after UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) was passed in 2006. PokerStars has run into trouble in the states that have thus far legalized online gambling, because all three states include some version of the “bad actor clause.” Defender of States’ Rights Payne’s bill comes at an interesting time; earlier this month, Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah introduced a federal bill that would ban online gaming all over the country: the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA). Payne maintains that his bill is not only aimed at regulating online poker, but on preserving states’ rights. “I don’t think it’s their authority” to control online gaming,” he said of the federal government. Bipartisan Support Almost immediately after Payne's bill was introduced, it was referred to the House Committee on Gaming Oversight, of which Payne himself is the chairman. As of now, 18 Pennsylvania House representatives have already signed on as co-sponsors of the bill: nine Republicans and nine Democrats. The bipartisan support is certainly a good sign. Benefits of Online Poker for Pennsylvania Payne outlined the benefits of online poker, specific to the state of Pennsylvania. The main one? Money, of course. As of now, Pennsylvania is facing a $2 million budget deficit, and the tax revenue generated from online poker could change that. Moreover, Payne maintains, online poker could help create jobs, relieve property tax and generate economic growth.
The latest release from the premium casino game developer iSoftBet is sure to get the attention of online players with its colorful theme and musical touch. Ambiance has been added to the already impressive collection of video slots from the software provider and takes the gameplay to a new level with its attention to detail and rewarding features. Ambiance Slot Machine Ambiance has a standard video slots screen of five reels and three rows, on which iSoftBet offers up to 20 paylines which can be selected for every spin. The theme of the game is a combination of disco elements from the 1970s with modern touches and even futuristic elements in order to create something unique. Music is the main style subject and there are five musical notes that can be found on the reels, along with five card symbols. The bright neon lights of different colors really make the game stand out and keeping with the theme, the music is very soothing. When the symbols are part of winning combinations, there are short animations that make the notes and the lines come to life, along with unique combinations of sounds for each line. Ambiance Special Features iSoftBet has made sure to include special features with its new video slot that will reward the players with nice prizes. One of them is represented by the Wild symbol that can substitute for any regular icon in the game. Scatter symbols pay anywhere on the reels and they are collected throughout the session. When 5 or more scatters are collected, Ambiance starts the free spins mode that consists of the same number of spins as the available scatters. During the free spins, two random symbols transform into wilds and every scatter adds to the number of spins. The smooth animations make this video slot a very hot title and show the passion that went into making it. Where to Play Look for Ambiance at casinos with iSoftBet software such as Leo Jackpot Casino, Leovegas Casino, Casino777 and JetBull Casino.
Southampton are set to host Crystal Palace in Week 28 of the Premier League season. It has been a long road for both teams this year, with the Saints currently in sixth place and the Eagles in twelfth position. Games between the two are usually fast and furious, and tonight should be no different. In the last six meetings, Southampton has won each match, allowing only one goal. In fact, Crystal Palace have never bested Southampton in the Premier League but they did win at St. Mary’s during the fourth round of the FA Cup. Team Focus: Southampton and Crystal Palace The hosts from Southampton are only two points off Liverpool for fifth place and they should take over that spot pending they win tonight. That would leave them only one point from fourth spot, held by Manchester United. Both United and Liverpool play games later this week, but if they both lose, things could get interesting for the Saints. In their last five games, the Saints have only won once and have only scored once. Their home record is also suffering, having won just two matches in their last eight at St. Mary’s. They should get back on their winning ways tonight though, but don’t count Crystal Palace out just yet. Under Alan Pardew, Crystal Palace have won four out of seven with a total 13 points. Before he took over the team struggled, only winning three times in 20 appearances. Palace is looking very fit on the road, winning all five away matches under his leadership. Online Wagering: Live Betting Odds There is no lack of wagering props tonight as bet365 sports is offering dozens of markets. The Eagles are at 5.25 to win, while Southampton are favorites at 1.75. Terrific odds for punters looking for the underdog to win. There are some interesting lines with Score cast, Win cast and Time cast, each with the potential for lucrative cash pending the bet is placed correctly. Correct Score holds the possibility for the biggest payout, featuring 9.50 for a 2-1 Southampton win.
It's official: GTECH has entered the online gaming record books with an unheard of $6.4 billion merger. Merger Approval Announcement Originally consummated over 6 months ago on July 16, 2014, the deal became real with the announcement that the Italy lottery giant's acquisition of US slot machine manufacturer International Game Technology (IGT) has been approved by the Nevada gaming regulatory authority. The merger was approved after several hours of deliberation by local regulators on the Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission, finalizing the approval process and paving the way for the issue of a court order to specify the date when the transition takes effect. Said court order is expected in the coming weeks. GTECH Becomes IGT in April GTECH clarifies that the red tape will end and the deal will come into full implementation in the middle of April of this year. This full-scale implementation includes a re-branding, in which the merger will see the GTECH name disappear within twelve months as the newly formed company takes IGT's name moving forward. GTECH owner Georgia Worldwide PLC will also adapt the new name as International Game Technology PLC. This new juggernaut will move to the forefront of innovation in providing gaming solutions worldwide. The company will be publicly traded under the stock symbol IGT, and will begin expanding immediately. Central merger headquarters will be opened in the UK, with further IGT operating headquarters maintained in Las Vegas, Rome and Providence, R.I. Besides the facelift, however, the internal structure will remain intact. GTECH's current CEO Marco Sala will remain at the helm of the transition and head the merged company. GTECH has already revealed the corporate structure of upper management and executives that comprise the infrastructure of the merged entity. Powerful Adaptive Process GTECH also overtly asserted that a careful examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the two separate companies would be undertaken to combine the strengths of each organization to adapt to the needs of the new global market. The name may be leaving, but GTECH's future looks brighter than ever.
Horse racing fans all over the world are counting the days to next week's Cheltenham Festival, one of the year's biggest events in the field. Prominent racing newspaper Racing Post will integrate social media with charity in the festival's opening day next Tuesday, as Twitter users will be able to immortalize their usernames on the horses running at the second race of day one, the Racing Post Arkle Chase (14:05 GMT, Tuesday, March 10th). Hashtag for Charity The campaign is a continuation of the 2014 initiative which raised more than £10,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and Irish Injured Jockeys. Twitter users who will retweet Racing Post's tweets and tweet #SupportOurJockeys will be entered into a draw to have their handles displayed on the runners' saddle cloths. All runners will bear 100 names of Twitter user handles which were drawn – and 10,000 such handles will be featured on the winner's rug. Retweets and hashtags must be communicated before Friday March 6th in order to enter the draw. Each unique retweet and hashtag mention will spawn a £1 donation from the Racing Post's publishers and the organizers are hoping to surpass last year's record and to go well over 10,000. Cheltenham – Punters Celebration The Cheltenham Festival is one of the world's most prized horserace meetings, second only to the Grand National which takes place next month. Every year, the festival draws thousands of racegoers over the course of its four race-packed days. Highlight races include the opening day's Stan James Champion Hurdle, the second day's Queen Mother Champion Chase, the third day's Ladbrokes World Hurdle and the glitzy culmination with the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup on the fourth and final day. The Cheltenham Festival is a big celebration for punters, attracting a great many people to wager on the many races and not always necessarily those who watch horse races weekly. The festival's four days are sacred at sportsbooks like bet365 Sports which will feature around-the-clock live coverage of the races, with odds that are constantly updated and worthy offers.
China's General Administration of Sport (GAS) has put into force its clamp down on online lottery ticket agents catering to residents from mainland China, after last week's issue of a directive to shut down on all online lottery operators which it deems unlicensed. GAS has not spared words in its message to the authorities, showing its fervor in the fight against online lottery as it called to "crash the illegal business in cooperation with the police and other administrative departments". Among the major online ticket sellers which were forced to suspend their sales are Alibaba's Taobao, Netease and Tencent; overall some 40 websites suspended online lottery ticket sales. The only two legal lotteries in China as of right now are the welfare and sports lottery. Going Against the Numbers As one would expect in a country of its magnitude, lottery is very popular in China. Lottery sales in total for 2014 in China are estimated at around $61.5 billion, a number which shows an increase of 23.6% from the 2013 sales. Online lottery ticket sales compose a notable chunk of these figures, as Beijing-based research firm Caitong Consulting reported that online lottery ticket sales in China amounted to 85 billion yuan last year ($13.6 billion). Uphill Battle Online lottery tickets have become default for many all over the world. Online lottery agents such as The Lotter and Lottery Master have erased borders, letting Europeans take part in the biggest American lotteries across the ocean, as well as other people from all around the globe who can take part in the biggest European lotteries. It seems that China is fighting an uphill battle. The fight against online lottery in China is weird in light of the country's attempts to draw closer to the west. Given China's prior unsuccessful attempts to quell online lottery, it's hard to see this effort setting fruit – it's impossible to suppress progress.
Football fans look to Upton Park stadium this evening for the London derby between home team West Ham United and table leaders Chelsea (19:45 UK time). West Ham's Tight Spot West Ham is the clear underdog for today's match. Not only does it come after a grey sequence of two losses and three draws, but it is up against the strongest contender for this season's title. West Ham started the season well with big hopes, but it seems that things have just went awry for the team as they were also kicked out of the FA Cup after being handed a 4-0 at West Brom. Yet, things can turn around, and West Ham can still feel comfortable in the ninth position with 39 points (10w, 9d, 8l). The team will be missing Morgan Amalfitano and strikers Carlton Cole and Andy Caroll, but talented forwards Diafra Sahko and Enner Valencia will strengthen the Hammers' offense. Chelsea Keeps Rolling Jose Mourinhou's Blues are the ones with the momentum today, even with the fact they're playing an away fixture. Chelsea is basking in the glory of Sunday's 2-0 victory over Tottenham which brought them the Capital One Cup, something which will surely reflect on the confidence and spirit. Chelsea leads the table with 60 points (18w, 6d, 2l), they are only 5 points away from Manchester City who is meeting Leicester City at the same time. Seeing how necessary it is for Chelsea to win today, they are the favorites and will most probably emerge victorious today. In goalscorer bets, look for Diego Costa and Eden Hazard who are prolific in netting this season. Betting Odds Winner Sports will have full live coverage for this interesting game today. In full time result, Winner had 19/4 on West Ham, 3/5 on Chelsea and 59/20 for a draw. Get to Winner in time for the game for a wide range of in-play bets.
Billed as the most important Forex Expo in China, the Shanghai event will be taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre on July 10th - 11th. Top Speakers, Seminars Brokers from across China and the world will be attending what promises to be a major event that will also see around 20,000 visitors who are looking for the best Forex platforms. More than 40 exhibitors will be presenting their Forex and Binary Options services, while local industry experts will choose the recipient of the Best Forex Award for International Brokers and Service Providers award. The Expo features seminars, B2B networking opportunities, a Forex Conference and notable speakers including Ronen Priewer, Hello Markets Vice President, Asia and Tom Gentile, one of the top authorities on stocks, futures and options trading. Other speakers are there to help attendees to make the right decisions on which Forex platforms to use, and make the best trading decisions possible, with some of the best coaches, motivational speakers and trainers contributing to the Expo. Event Organizer: Interaction Pros Limited Interaction Pros Limited have organised the event, one of many that they hold that focus on Forex, bitcoin, the real estate and financial markets. Interaction Pros aim is to bring together international suppliers of technology and brokerage services with investors and financial institutions from China, for mutual benefit. With many Western markets approaching maturity, China is fast becoming one of the most important area for potential expansion. It is already the second biggest economy in the world, and with 2014 growth of 7.5%, will soon become the largest. The Venue The National Exhibition and Conference Centre (Shanghai) is one of the world's foremost venues, with over 500,000 square meters of space in a stunning building designed to look like a four-leaf clover. Easily accessed from the national and international airports of Shanghai, recommended local accommodation is detailed on the Expo website.
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