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Portugal has just joined the ranks of online regulation, as of June 28th. The New Law In late April, President Anibal Antonio Cavaco signed Portugal's online gambling reforms into law, opening a market that was previously monopolized. The cash-strapped government seeks to add €25 million to its new budget from new licensees. Until now, gambling operations in the country had been restricted to the government’s gambling monopoly, Santa Casa da Misericordia. Strict History In the most prominent challenge, Bwin attempted to sponsor the Portuguese football league in 2005. However, the effort was blocked by the government and upheld in Bwin's subsequent court appeal. Bwin steadfastly continued to offer a Portuguese language version of its website, resulting in a government order for all Portuguese ISP’s to block access to offshore gambling sites. Financial Woes The Portuguese government has now softened its stance due to economic issues. An €78bn bail-out by the EU Commission, the European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund in 2011 rescued the country from bankruptcy, but the economy has yet to recover. The Portuguese government's economic woes were amplified last year when the country left the European financial rescue program, leading to tax increases which were roundly criticised as seemingly punitive. Concerns Remain over New Rates The tax rate for online casino and poker operators is 15% of gross gaming revenue if an operator’s annual income is less than €5m, with a jump of 3% for every €1m in income over €5m, with a maximum rate of 30% once annual income hits €10m. The Remote Gambling Association sees the proposed 8 to 16 percent tax as discouraging: potential new entrants into the online gambling market will drop out at an estimated rate of 80% in the new regime's first year. Also criticized was the fact that Santa Casa will retain the offline sports-betting monopoly at a tax rate of 50% less than online competitors. Good Luck Needed The desperation of the Portuguese economic situation seems to be applying high hopes to a system that should be focused. As the new regulations kick into effect, we shall soon see how successful the new regulations will aid Portugal's economy.
Online gambling has only recently been approved in certain states in the US. In 2011, it was cleared for in state gaming but excluded sports betting. While the other 47 states are still considering making online gambling legal, Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware are reaping the rewards of new revenue due to online gaming. GOP Candidates Seek to shut it down Even though US online gambling is only taking the equivalent of baby steps, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, backed by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida seek to stop it in its tracks. They have proposed the ‘Restoration of America’s Wire Act’, which if approved would take President Obama’s gambling legalization 180 degrees back to being illegal. "Because of this decision by the Obama Administration, virtually any cell phone or computer in South Carolina could become a video poker machine," Senator Graham related. "A major rewrite of a long-standing federal law like this should be made by the people’s elected representatives in Congress and signed into law by the president, not done administratively." It is thought that these presidential hopefuls are appeasing GOP donor and Las Vegas casino tycoon, Sheldon Adelson, who is opposed to online gambling. Online Mega Millions Doomed? Online lotteries would also be affected by this proposal rendering them illegal, but tickets for state lotteries could be bought in person. It sounds weird but online horseracing would remain legal. There was also drama surrounding this proposal by Poker Players Alliance director, John Pappas. He was intent on conveying his disgust for the announcement coming on the same day that South Carolina began the wake of those murdered at the Emanuel AME Church shootings. "Unfortunately, Senator Graham has not reset his priorities and picked a very unfortunate time to engage in the Internet gaming debate," said Pappas. The future of online gambling in the US is unclear if one presidential decision can change reverse its legality. If voted upon, and deemed legal by congress it could end governmental debates on the issue for the last time.
Social media has been abuzz with activity following Friday’s announcement that same-sex marriage is now a national right in the US. A narrow vote by the Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is legal across the entire nation. To mark the momentous ruling, this is a special feature on casinos and games that are gay-friendly and welcome everyone. Show Support with Rainbow Riches Facebook has launched an app that gives users the ability to superimpose the seven shades of the rainbow over their profile picture. The rationale behind the app is that users can show their support for the US marriage ruling. But all of that got us thinking that Rainbow Riches is the ideal slot for showing support. Rainbow Riches is an extremely popular slot game that is commonly found at casinos with slots developed by IGT. The slot has a decidedly Irish theme in that gold pots, leprechauns, and rainbows all feature prominently. The slot boasts five reels and has 20 paylines that are not fixed, meaning you can choose how many to activate. Although appearing to be a little basic, there are three bonus rounds offering free spins and multipliers. Playing with Cliches The LGBT community is often associated with certain stereotypes - buff men who can dance is always a popular one. Although this is a bit of a cliche and does not apply to the entire LGBT community, this image can be fully discovered in the one and only Chippendale slot. The 5 reel 20 payline game features 5 hot and hunky Chippendale models, along with wild features. Chippendale may be the stereotype of gay men, but as Kevin the Chippendale once said, "They think we're dumb, they think we're gay and they think we're arrogant. And we don't mind any of that – so long as they come to see us with an open mind." And in the end, having an open-mind is what it's all about.
The Copa America soccer tournament is down to the final four teams competing in the Semi-Finals beginning tonight at 00:30 GMT and again tomorrow at the same time. The tournament began with 12 national teams in an amazing Group stage, only to be narrowed down to eight in the Knockout round. We are now down to Chile, Peru, Paraguay and Argentina each with an even shot at this year’s title. Chile is the host nation this year so it would be fitting if they can make it to the final and win their first ever Copa America. They will, however, need to overcome a major disappointment, as their defender Gonzalo Jara has been thrown out of the rest of the tournament for provoking Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani in the Quarter Finals. Key Battles There are many key rivalries on the pitch tonight but the goalkeeper’s could be the biggest one. Chile’s goaltender Bravo has won three shutouts at this year’s Copa, which is the best of any team. Only Mexico could find the back of the net, but he was perfect in all other games. Gallese, Peru’s net-minder, skunked Venezuela and Columbia to make the Semi Finals in style. The main rivalry on the scoring end is between Arturo Vidal and Christian Cueva. Vidal is the tournament’s joint top scorer and he has made Chilean’s very happy by scoring three times so far. The Juventus player has been amazing on all ends of the pitch and will pose a threat to Peru tonight. Christian Cueva may only have the one goal but he has created five dangerous chances and has an assist. Online Copa America Gambling Home country, big favorites, and that is exactly the lines that bet365 have posted for tonight’s matchup. Chile are at 1.50 to win, while Peru need to overcome the odds at 8.50, which is a punter’s dream. There are competitive Double Chance odds, a plethora of Correct Score props and dozens more bets waiting to be won.
December 2014 is the month that the UK Gambling Commission finally introduced the long-discussed point of consumption tax (POCT). Online gambling operators are now legally required to have a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence and also to pay 15% POCT on earnings. Some operators moved quickly to obtain their licences, accounting for 19% of all gambling revenue generated in the UK gambling industry for the 12 months ending September 2014. For those 12 months, operators were not legally required to possess a licence. Although POCT began in December, UKGC licences were first required in November. Revenue Increases 5% to Reach £7.1bn The UKGC has been presenting its figures over strange periods of time, and it revealed financial figures for the 12 months ending March 2014. Over that period of time, it was revealed that the UK gambling industry was worth £7.1 billion (excluding National Lottery revenue). That represented a 5% increase for the industry on the previous 12 months. From the £7.1 billion, land-based betting generated the lion’s share with 46%. Online sports betting, online casinos, bingo, arcades, and social lotteries then accounted for 19%, 16%, 9%, 5%, and 5%, respectively. Out of those markets, bingo (5%) and arcade (5%) revenue actually decreased. Sports betting remains the most dominant of the online markets, having generated £1.19 billion worth of gross gambling revenue. Football betting comprised 56% of the revenue, making it the largest betting category over all of the others. Leading UKGC Operators A wave of UK gambling operators left the market after the new licensing requirement increased their costs, but the fact of the matter is that most operators that left did not have particularly strong sites in the first place. As a result, the overall standard is now higher. Current leading operators now licensed in the UK include bet365, Bet Victor, and Winner.
Congressman Joe Barton (R-Texas) is once again trying to pass federal online gambling legislation under a newly branded bill called the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015. Barton had made similar efforts in 2013, but to no avail. Barton’s new bill would “establish a program for the licensing of Internet poker by States and federally recognized Indian tribes.” The bill itself is a substantial 102 pages, and covers everything from iPoker history to how the bill would be implemented, licensed, regulated, monitored, and enforced. “Poker is an all-American game," Barton said in a statement. "It’s a game that I learned as a teen and continue to play today.” President of the Poker Players Alliance John Pappas commented, “Congressman Barton’s bill is common sense public policy that would allow qualifying states to pool players together to create a more robust market that will drive consumer satisfaction as well as increase state revenues.” Opposition Opponents to the bill, and to online gambling in general, argue that legalizing online gambling would give criminals access to money laundering tools, create children gamblers and gambling addicts; Barton argues that legalized online gambling will do just the opposite - because if the government doesn’t legalize online gambling soon, all sorts of illegal sites will pop up, because there is a demand for it in America. Barton's arguments have not stopped Senators Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) from reintroducing the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA) to the Senate, a bill that would do the exact opposite of Barton's bill: it seeks to ban online gambling at a federal level. Texas Gambling Although Texas is a huge state, there is only one-land based casino. Avid gamblers have had to turn to online gambling, which surprisingly does exist in Texas, with a number of legal online poker sites available for players such as Silver Oak and Bovado online casinos.
For governments all over the world the internet is a jurisdictional nightmare. Some try to control content and block certain areas of the internet, while other like the Federal Government in Canada have a Telecommunications Act, which stops internet providers from controlling the users' browsing. Operators are well aware of the negative effect that doing business on the internet in illegal areas has on a company’s reputation. Many are even leaving markets that have made new regulations or laws against online gambling. Gambling in Canada Canada is an interesting example. Even though there are certain provinces in the country that allow and even promote online gambling, it is against federal law to operate an online casino or poker room. The way that these laws are enforced however, is still a confusing issue. Due to the Telecommunications Act, censorship or blocking of a certain site is against the law for internet providers. “The content or influence the meaning or purpose of telecommunications carried by it for the public.” ISP’s are effectively prohibited from unilaterally blocking content,” the law states. In provinces like Quebec though, announcements have already been made, and budget created to create an amendment to the federal law. “A legislative amendment will be proposed to introduce an illegal website filtering measure. In accordance with this measure, Internet service providers will not be allowed to provide access to an online gaming and gambling website whose name is on a list of websites that are to be blocked, drawn up by Loto-Québec.” If enforced, this law could be detrimental to any and all online gambling in Quebec and there would undoubtedly be long court battles from the operators therein. The government of Quebec started a ‘working group’, whose recommendation was exactly the opposite of their decision. The Working Group essentially said that the best way to limit online gambling is to set up an online gambling licensing system and allow private companies to work.
It is the match that will send one of these teams to the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final, but it could easily be the final match of any tournament. These are two teams that are very evenly matched and it will be an action-packed 90 minutes of soccer in Canada. The US Women’s team have only allowed 1 goal against them in the entire tournament. That was in the opening game. Since then, American goalie Hope Solo has gone 423 minutes without a goal against her. It is the US defense that is simply the best on the planet right now. The last game against China in the Quarter Finals only saw two shots from the Chinese team due to the American defense. Germany is the highest scoring team in the tournament with 20 goals already in just 5 games. In comparison, the US have scored 7 goals but will need to pick up the offense if they are to beat the Germans. The US were the 2011 runner’s up to Japan. The Japanese are once again in the Semi Final against England tomorrow night and if the US wins here, and Japan wins there, we will have the exact same final as 2011. That would be the revenge that the Americans would be seeking but must first get past the high flying offensive attack that Germany brings to the pitch. That is not to say that Germany doesn’t have an excellent defense too, because they do, which will be another road block the US women need to work around to win tonight’s match. World Cup Online Betting Bet365 the famed UK sportsbook has this Semi Final virtually even. The Germans are slight favorites at 2.62, due to their goal scoring, but the US women are not far behind at 2.70. bet365 is offering dozens of props including Asian Lines, Goal Props, Half Time and Full Time Result and much more.
The talks regarding Greece and its future in the Eurozone are getting heated and the future is yet unclear. Sportsbooks didn’t waste any time to get in on the action with the so called Grexit and while the odds of Greece still keeping the Euro as its only currency have improved since earlier this year, the odds are not in its favor. 2-to-1 odds for Greece to leave Leading bookmakers stopped taking bets on Greece being the first country to ever leave the Eurozone about a month ago but this didn’t really affect the demand for the wager. Prediction market sites allow bettors to place wagers against each other and the sites can use this information to offer odds and the debate is getting stronger. Some sites have a fairly wide range of probabilities which can be between one or two points and go up to even 20 percent for Greece leaving by the end of 2015. Almost $200,000 bets have been placed at Betfair alone, while the actual sportsbook odds give punters 2-to-1 odds on the official website and it is joined by other brands. This is an improvement for Greece compared to the 11/10 betting odds offered earlier this year where punters would almost get even money. More Greece betting options And bookmakers don’t just focus on Greece having to leave the Eurozone this year and there are actually betting option that cover different aspects as well. One of the most popular is that Greece will have another official currency by the end of the year 2017, with 11/10 odds or 48% probability. Another option is that Athens will have to default on the debt by the end of 2015, not necessarily forcing an exit. This has a 45% chance of happening according to the betting lines. William Hill stated that it stopped accepting bets on the matter because quite a lot of people are likely to have more information on the matter.
Quest for the Minotaur has just been launched at Rich Casino. This one of kind game takes players into the realm of Greek mythology and has state of the art graphics to give players a visual experience that is unparalleled. This exclusive new game has 5-reels, 12 symbols and 20 paylines along with a variety of symbols. Players can start their bets at $0.01 and go all the way up to $5, which makes this new game perfect for any player. Greek Mythology This user-friendly online slots game is based on the mystery of Greek mythology, and offers first-class graphics and easy gameplay. When players spin the reels, the game comes alive as they search for the Minotaur’s den where he is keeping his treasure. Throughout the game, there are multiple ways to get bonuses and free spins, in turn helping them find the riches. Wilds and Multipliers Players will quickly see that there is no need to be afraid of the Shadow Minotaur. He is the Wild Symbol and substitutes for all other symbols to help players create a winning combination. While spinning the reels, players should keep their eyes peeled for the Clew Scatter Symbol, when 3 or more appear players can win up to 12 Free Spins along with a 10X Multiplier. The top paying symbol is the Chest, which will trigger the bonus round when 3 or more appear anywhere on the reels. The bonus round offers players the chance to enter the Minotaur’s layer and win up to 2,300 points. No matter what a players experience level, Quest for the Minotaur is an exceptional match for anyone who enjoys online slots.
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