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Powerball players are making history this January, as their unbridled enthusiasm for purchasing tickets has propelled the jackpot to $1.4 million. It is by far the largest amount ever to be won by a lottery player worldwide, yet there is no guarantee that the jackpot will stop at this otherwise impressive figure. Now that the jackpot has crossed the psychological threshold of $1 billion, people from all corners of the world buy lottery tickets online. They use the services of agents like The Lotter, Play USA Lotteries and Play Huge Lottos to have a chance at winning the life-changing amount. The prize is so high that even if people hit the winning combination, they are guaranteed to enter the Guinness World Record book, with more than $650 million. The Sky's the Limit for the Powerball Jackpot Powerball fans were on a tickets purchasing frenzy on Saturday when the jackpot was rumored to come near $700 million. Despite the fact that millions of tickets were bought over the weekend, nobody matched the winning numbers which were 16-19-32-34-57 and the Powerball number 13. One possible explanation is that people instinctively avoid number 13, so they chose other numbers for the Powerball. Even so, nearly $160 million was won on Saturday when hundreds of players claimed the second tier prize of $1 million or $2 million. $2 million prizes were awarded in Texas and Connecticut, while dozens of players from other American states became millionaires overnight. With lottery tickets costing just two dollars, the return on investment was spectacular even for those who had to settle for lower tier prizes. How It All Started When someone hits the winning combination and claims the jackpot, it is reset at $40 million, but the last time this happened was on November 4. Since then, nobody managed to keep the winning combination so the prize kept growing and is now on the verge of setting a world record. If nobody wins the jackpot on Wednesday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time (3:59 a.m. GMT), the amount will be rolled over once again and the sky is the limit. It is hardly a coincidence that nobody won the jackpot over the last four months, as Powerball officials changed the games matrix in October. They made it more difficult for players to win the jackpot, with the odds shrinking from 1 in 175 million to 1 in 292 million. On the other hand, the odds of winning any prize are better today, as they stand at 1 in 25 rather than 1 in 32. So Much for Jackpot Fatigue Last summer, Powerball officials were concerned about the fact that sales declined sharply, caused mostly by competition from instant scratch of games and casinos. The so-called jackpot fatigue was another reason for concern, with players being more likely to ignore major lotteries in the wake of a jackpot reset. Now that the winner could walk away with $1.4 billion Powerball players are back in the fray and they purchase tickets at unprecedented rates. The jackpot has rolled over 18 times and the potential winner will receive a lump payment of more than $800 million. Players also have the option of choosing the annuity payment, and receive the jackpot over the course of 30 years, in exchange of paying lower taxes.
That is it. Tonight's matchup ends the College Football season and what a better way to end it than with a matchup between #1 Clemson vs #2 Alabama for the College Football Playoff National Title. Action will kick off at 1:30GMT from the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This may be one of those times that punters dream of, as the number 2 team are the heavy favorites to win, while number 1 Clemson needs to prove odds-makers like bet365 Sports wrong. After the three-month regular season and 40 bowl games, the CFP National Championship will be played tonight and viewers should expect a tremendous battle. The biggest question of the day will be if Clemson and star QB Deshaun Jackson over the fierce Alabama defense? Alabama also has an incredible offense with star RB Derrick Henry, whom helped them over #3 Michigan State 38-10 in the Semi-Final. Don't understand wrong, Clemson also looked incredible at both ends of the field against #4 Oklahoma, but critics think that Alabama will crush an unbeaten team, but it could be the prime time to bet on the underdog tonight. CFP Online Betting Markets Bet365 Sports is offering generous markets to punters that wish to get in on tonight's action. As mentioned Clemson is the underdog at 3.20 and with a 14-0 record this should be the bet that punters try to win. Alabama are the big favorites at 1.37 and they are also -7.00 at 2.00 on the spread. For Clemson, bet365 has made it +7.00 at 1.83 for the spread. There will be live in-play betting markets throughout the game to help maximize betting profits. Live in play betting is an incredible interactive gambling experience and adds a lot of excitement for participating punters. bet365 has dozens of additional lines to choose from so be sure to check out the action before placing a wager. Don't miss out on the pinnacle of the College Football year with the CFP tonight at 1:30.
Back in March 2015, when the rumors about the new GTA 5 Casino DLC surfaced, only a handful of players took them seriously. Almost one year later, a tipster claims that the downloadable content pack is real and could hit the stores in the first half of 2016. The source highlights the fact that the coding of the game suggests that the new release will include popular casino games, such as slot machines and poker. Are Casinos Really Coming to GTA V? Rockstar has created an amazing gambling environment that keeps players coming back for more and the introduction of a virtual casino would make perfect sense. The world of mafia would be incomplete without such a gaming establishment that would make both GTA Online and GTA 5 more appealing. The game has already developed a cult following, but developers need to come up with a new installment, or add a DLC pack of massive proportions. Apparently, they are more inclined to augment the existing content and allowing players to gamble online in-game sounds like a good idea. Blackjack, slot machines, poker and other events including lottery inspired titles and races could be added in the upcoming months. Casinos are not entirely new to the GTA series; players were able to wager their hard-stolen money in the popular GTA San Andreas back in 2004, playing at multiple casinos at "Las Venturas", a glamorous gambling city drawing a lot of inspiration from Las Vegas. The Closest It Gets to Gambling If the rumors are true and the GTA 5 Casino DLC is truly just around the corner, then gambling in the HD environment will closely resemble the real thing. Those who decide to step inside the virtual casino will be wagering as in real gambling, so if they lose their cash stash, they won’t be reimbursed in any way. Worst things have happened in the GTA 5 environment, so losing the credits won’t be a tragedy, but hardcore players would still regard it as a major setback. The details posted at the entrance of the upcoming casino suggest that they will be able to make good use of the Fleeca and Shark credit cards, aggressively advertised in Grand Theft Auto.
For a couple of years, Macau has been a success story that Las Vegas casinos were telling with envy. After a few years of unprecedented growth, the gambling industry slowed down suddenly and the gaming revenue declined for the 19th straight month this December. While the wheels are still in motion and there is no reason to fear a screeching halt, the revenue decline is still worrisome for land-based operators. Revenue Sinks Below $29 Billion Macau casinos are still extremely profitable and in 2015, they won billions from gamblers, but compared to 2014, revenue dropped by more than 34%. December marked the second straight year of plummeting gaming revenue and this is bad news for a city whose economy revolves around casino gambling. 2016 is not expected to be any better and early estimates suggest that gaming revenue will continue to go down, but it’s not expected to cross into double digit territory. Land-based casino operators have good reasons to be frustrated by the sudden decline, given the fact that two years ago the casino gambling market was expected to inch closer to $88 billion. It's Not All Bad News One of the reasons for the slowdown is that the Chinese government launched an offensive against corruption in Macau. Since the crackdown began, the government scrutiny intensified and this had a deterring effect on many highrollers. There is no news about additional government regulations in the immediate future, but the specter of a smoking ban in Macau casinos is now looming. The recent results had a negative impact on the stocks of most land-based casinos and Sands, Melco and Wynn were all affected. Macau has been an oasis of serenity and optimism for those betting heavily on brick-and-mortar casinos. Now that the revenue is plummeting, the online gambling industry could benefit from this interesting turn of events. Worldwide, many players made the transition to Internet gambling and the trend is expected to continue in 2016 and beyond.
2015 has been a prolific year for OMI, with the software developer producing some remarkable slot machines, table games and video pokers. 2016 also starts on a positive note, with the release of Platinum Bullions, the second installment in an engaging series of video scratch cards. Immediately after the announcement of the omni-channel release, Platinum Bullions was made available at selected casinos such as Noxwin Casino and Guts Casino. At a first glance, it promises to be a worthy heir of the original title, maintaining the same high standards in terms of graphics, design and sounds. Diverse Game Sessions for New Players As video scratch card games go, Platinum Bullions hits all the boxes, with its modern gameplay, original design and bonus rounds. Players can push their gambling into overdrive by activating the Auto Scratch and Swift Scratch features, while having their stakes multiplied up to 25 times. All those who play Platinum Bullions can randomly win a big paycheck if they manage to activate the Mystery Chance feature. The odds of triggering the bonus round are the same for beginners and savvy gamblers, as they are not influenced by the size of the stakes. Free Tickets Giveaway In addition to winning one round at the time, Platinum Bullions players can also receive some of the free tickets offered by support operators. They enjoy a lot of freedom in handing out these tickets to random players, with no strings attached. Players are invited to spread the news and interact with their friends on social networks, but also via SMS and email. The game acts as a magnet for genuine fans of video scratch card games, featuring some of the best graphics in the industry. There is more than meets the eye about Platinum Bullions, with the game also introducing the celebrated SAFEBETTM feature that highlights the perks of continuous gameplay.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a tear as of late, winning their last seven straight games, including five on the road. They began a six-game road trip last week and now move into the last three games by starting in Texas to face future hall of famer Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Cavs currently lead the Eastern Division with a record of 26-9. That record would usually be the best in the NBA if not for teams in the West, Warriors and Spurs, that are killing it this season. Cleveland has won 13 of 15 after a few missed games and the regular drama from LeBron James, but they are still favorites to win the East, but games against western rivals like Mavs are all-important. The main catalyst of the Cavs’ winning has been scoring off turnovers, which they are now averaging 22.4 PPG. They have won their last four of the last five by 10 points or more and they are seeing new determination from their bench. LeBron scored a season-high tying 37 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter against the 76ers on Sunday night and there are few defenses that have come anywhere close to shutting him down so far this year. Dallas is currently in fifth position in the Western Conference and have won three of their last four. Dirk Nowitzki has led the team in scoring with an average of 17.4 PPG and 6.7 rebounds. The Mavericks are always a playoff hopeful and they seem to be improving faster than other teams in the league this year. NBA Live Wagering If the Mavs can pull out a win, bet365 Sports is offering punters odds at 3.20. The Cavs are favorites at 1.37, but other attractive lines include Winning Margin, Double Result and more. Bet365 will also be posting live in play bets throughout the game so punters can maximize profits.
Famous gangsters and drug lords have always exercised a special fascination on the broad audience, but some of them spend more time in the spotlight than others. No other cartel leader gained so much popularity since Pablo Escobar, as El Chapo did over the last couple of years. His arrest enjoyed ample coverage in the media, but it’s only fair to assume that this is not the last time we hear about Mr. Guzman. No Such Thing as a Maximum Security Prison for El Chapo Now that the Mexican authorities have captured him again, El Chapo will be sent to the same maximum security prison from which he escaped in 2014. It is still not yet certain how he managed to circumvent all the security protocols, but it’s most likely that he received help from the inside. Now that he’s back behind bars, his lawyers are scrambling to fight extradition to the U.S, where he is also expected to answer for his crimes. He was secretly hoping to feature in a Hollywood blockbuster and conducted interviews with famous actors and directors. Pablo Escobar is portrayed in the immensely popular Netflix's "Narcos" show, so El Chapo was probably aspiring for the same type of celebrity. A New Type of Lucrative Betting Opportunity As the manhunt for El Chapo continues unabated in 2014, everyone was wondering when and if the drug lord will be captured. Even though it is possible to bet online on plenty of things these days, ranging from politics and reality shows to weather, no major bookmaker published odds on his arrest. Gambling operators could add such bets in a not so distant future and they’ve got a golden opportunity right now. El Chapo has a reputation of making a joke of maximum security prisons and he will probably try to escape once again. If bookies decided to offer odds on such an outcome, it’s very likely that they will be stacked against the drug lord, as Mexican authorities won’t allow him to make a fool of themselves again. These sort of long-term bets will surely gain traction among punters and could grow into a trend, as there are plenty of villains out there to bet against. And What About al-Baghdadi? These sort of long-term bets will surely gain traction among punters and could grow into a trend, as there are plenty of villains out there to bet against such as ISIS leader al-Baghdadi and other terrorist leaders.
The biggest event in the iGaming industry is getting closer and closer, with less than a month to go until the doors open at the ExCel London. ICE Totally Gaming will take place on 2-4 February and feature the biggest operators in the industry and countless visitors attending the conferences, the seminars and the exhibits. Three Packed Days With the size of the event, ICE promises to once again be the launch pad for innovation in the gaming industry, with hundreds of products expected to be unveiled over the course of three days. And this is not just about the launches as the conferences have established themselves as being the best learning program one can ask for, with expert speakers covering relevant topics every time. Networking is also a big part of the three days since ICE brings together major players in the industry and allows them to interact, discuss new deals and reach agreements for the future. Operators, clients, regulators and developers representing hundreds of countries will all be present next month in London. And if that wasn’t enough to keep attendees busy, there are free seminars everyone can check out on the show floor to learn about the latest news in the industry and engage in debates. The list of exhibitors who have confirmed they will attend 2016 ICE has more than 450 entries and includes game developers like NetEnt and Microgaming, casino operators, sports betting companies, banking providers and many more. Living up to 2015 Bar 2015 was certainly a great year for ICE Totally Gaming as the event attracted a total of 25,497 attendees from 133 different countries. It featured 80 hours of targeted learning and the exhibition stands covered 37,500 square meters. Over 8,000 operators were in attendance and most of the visitors had only good things to say about ICE. Now, it is time to get ready for the 2016 event and it is already shaping up to be better than the previous one.
The gambling industry is set for quite a sea-change this year, with multi-billion pound mergers being closed left and right as a rapid shift to online sales takes place. Investment Report Released Motley Fool has released an update on the long-term investment appeal of the major competitors in this new merger race. Paddy-Betfair Merger Intrigue The report tabs the merger of Paddy Power Plc (LSE:PAP) and Betfair Group Ltd (LSE: BET) as the most interesting new player, with Betfair undergoing a transformation over the past three years to a technology-focused organization driven by exchange gaming, which pits punters against each other in a variety of games. The newly formed group's profit margins have already surpassed all other competitors except the well established Bet365 in online revenue. The second half report saw operating profit rise 12% with Paddy Power posting an overall gain of 33%. This caused more than a warm response from investors, catapulting shares of Betfair up 150% and Paddy Power 78%. With Betfair currently trading at a mind-boggling 45 times earnings and Paddy Power at a 35 P/E, the recommendation to investors is to temper expectations before jumping in with the numbers seen as already reflecting potential growth. Next to Watch Another merger of note is Ladbrokes Plc (LSE:LAD) and Gala Coral, which the Fool calls “a high-street behemoth” in light of the 45% of physical betting shops the combined group now holds across the UK bringing in annual revenues of £2.1bn. Despite the prodigious physical presence, the new company trails both William Hill and the newly combined Paddy Power Betfair online, with both online leaders having focused their resources on online operations. As far as investments are concerned, the Fool informs that the Ladbrokes CEO has already cut all dividends with an advisory to investors that there will be no profit growth until 2017. Existing liquidity will be invested in expanding the online presence of the group, resulting in a recommendation that investors wait on the sidelines until more details are released. By the same token, online expansion has proven a key driver of growth in general so far. More Info in Report The report details prime choices for growth in further detail, providing interesting insight into the iGaming climate for 2016, whether one is looking to invest or not.
This is the day that can change the life of countless people and it only takes six correct numbers. The U.S. Powerball has reached an amazing jackpot of $1.5 billion after the amount was rolled over last week and it is now up for grabs with the draw taking place on Wednesday, January 13th. It is the largest global lottery prize ever and sales have significantly gone up as more and more people try their luck to win the record-breaking jackpot with a ticket that only costs a few dollars. Getting in on the buzz online The number of players from the United States taking part in the lottery is matched by the number of international customers buying their tickets on the internet. With reliable online lottery ticket agents like The Lotter, Play USA Lotteries and Play Huge Lottos offering tickets for the Powerball lottery, the jackpot is now accessible to everyone from around the world. There is still plenty of time to purchase the tickets since the draw will take place later today and it only takes a few minutes to set everything up, choose the numbers and pay for it at any of the mentioned online stores. A jackpot of $1.5 billion means $930 million in cash value so if there was ever a time to start playing the lottery, this would be it. How to play the U.S. Powerball lottery On 10:59 p.m. ET, the Powerball draw will reveal the winning numbers by randomly selecting five white balls from a drum of 69 options and a red ball from a different drum of 26 options. All six of them must be matched in order to win the current jackpot but there are also smaller prizes for only getting some of them. For example, having the right five numbers from the white balls on the ticket will result in $1,000,000 paid in cash.
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