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A new international professional sports Hall of Fame is on the way, this time from the eSports Electronic Sports League (ESL). Inaugural Inauguration ESL's Ken Chen announced the dates of July 8-10th for the first eSports Hall of Fame induction. The ceremony will take place at the second annual ESL One Cologne eSports megacompetition. The first inductees will be chosen from leading eSports game Counter-Strike, which includes players from League of Legends, Dota, and StarCraft. ESL eSports Reach Operated by Turtle Entertainment out of Cologne, the ESL eSports league has over 6 million registered members spread across over 1 million teams. Over 12.1 million ESL games have been played to date across 50 diverse national and international leagues, and last year's ESL One Cologne stream had over 27 million viewers. Eligibility Inductees must be retired for one year to be eligible for consideration. They will be chosen by a panel of writers, commentators, and designated experts. History of Pro eSports Professional competition began circa 2000 when fierce competitions, growing viewership, and general popularity transformed proliferating independent eSports amateur leagues into a vast professional network. Today, many video game developers integrate features into their games to support league participation, while leading sports betting sites integrate eSport competition odds and bets into their punting options. General Sportsbook Advantages While eSports enthusiasts may be more familiar or comfortable with eSports-first sportsbooks, traditional sportsbooks serve more markets, so that eSports punters can compete against a larger global pool of punters. For the ultra-competitive, limits are often higher at the traditional sportsbooks as well. William Hill and Bet365 are two prominent traditional betting sites that feature eSports wagering, providing regular odds on match play in eSports leagues such as League of Legends and Starcraft 2. The Allure of eSports All bets aside, the digital dimension of eSports calls for a unique skill set that many online competitors find invigorating. Streams of competitions are available via Twitch.tv, which broadcasts from eSports games conventions including ESL's spotlight event the Intel Extreme Masters world championships.
XIN Gaming have announced the release of their latest slot, Candy Quest, which is primarily aimed at the Asian market. It's another step towards XIN Gaming's goal of launching around 20 new titles this year, and has some features that are new to this developer's portfolio. About Candy Quest This 5 reel, 20 payline game is presented in vivid shades of pink and blue for an immediate visual appeal. Colourful candies fill the reels and the main feature of the game occurs when players line up 3 or more of the same for a win. The first prize is paid out, and then symbols that made up the winning combination will disappear, leaving spaces for other symbols to fall down into. Should this new mix of candies produce another winning line, the process repeats itself and a multiplier kicks in to reward players with progressively bigger and bigger prizes. Other features include a free spins round which has an even richer multiplier in place throughout. Called 'Cascading Reels' it's a new innovation for XIN Gaming, and their Chief Executive Officer Mathias Larsson has said ''This is our first game with the cascading feature and we are very happy with the outcome. The candy theme is a very funny one and we hope that players will smile when they see the game and fall in love with it.'' About XIN Gaming Based in The Philippines, XIN Gaming produce their own games as well as titles for other companies and provide an integrated platform for online casinos to run on. They develop slots and table games such as Roulette, as well as Video Poker social games and more, with a focus on players from Asia. A recent expansion of their range has seen Candy Quest being the latest of several releases so far in 2016, with the Highroller and Sky Guardians slots, plus Deuces Wild and Bonus Deuces Wild Video Poker also launched.
Several online casinos have reported some big wins for their players so far for the month of March. As usual with news such as this, to ensure privacy the full names and countries of residence of the winners are not released, but the amounts won, the games they were playing, and the casinos are all revealed. Win Details A player known only as H.S. has scooped a €15,624.00 prize at Crazy Vegas Casino playing the Untamed Giant Panda slot game. This is one of a series of games that includes Untamed Crowned Eagle and Bengal Tiger, all of which feature free spins and extra wild symbols triggered by collecting tokens. H.S. then went on to win €9,425.00 on Bridesmaids, which is based on the hit comedy film of the same name and features bonus rounds like Scattered Cupcakes, and Friendship Free Spins. P.T. hit a €24,559.40 prize at Casino-Mate playing on the Tigers Eye slot machine. This 5-reel, 40-payline game is themed around Indian wildlife and rewards players with stacked Wilds, free spins and escalating multipliers that can boost wins by up to 10x. Pistoleras is another snother slot machine at Casino-Mate, and this month its payouts included €12,255.40 awarded to L.C. Pistoleras is set in the Old West, and has a Wild symbol that triples the value of any winning lines it completes and a bonus game where players get to shoot targets for prizes. It's not just the slots that have paid out some big prizes in March, as Maple Casino player, L.A. triggered an €18,897.00 payout on the Double Double Bonus Video Poker game. The rules for this game are based on Jacks or Better, but there are extra payouts for hands containing the number 4. The biggest wins occur when a player draws a Royal Flush, with 400x the stake being returned.
With a referendum coming up on whether the UK should remain in the EU or vote to leave it, UK Gaming operators are set to come down firmly on the side favoring the UK's remaining in the EU. Fight Tooth and Nail They went so far as to tell iGaming Business that they would “fight tooth and nail” for the UK to remain in the European Union. Why UK Might Go Set to take place on the 23rd of June, the referendum has spurred the first public statement of operator views on the UK’s Europe referendum. The arguments are multiple, with points of contention ranging from the ideals of the EU to travel logistics to EU tariffs. Operator Call to Arms Speaking for a major London-listed operator, one source told iGB that all iGaming companies had a “duty” to stand up for the freedom of movement and assert the right of establishment across EU borders. Ego Battle? There are concerns within the ranks of professional operators that partisan political differences in the UK Parliament could compromise the business interests and benefits of all involved, from operators to government to local communities of taxpayers. The unnamed source saying the matter was far too important to be left to what amounted to “a Tory party pissing contest between (UK Prime Minister David) Cameron and (challenger and London mayor Boris) Johnson.” Logistical Snafu Another iGB contact claiming to speak for leading iGaming executives asserted that “If the UK votes for Brexit our travel arrangements will be thrown into chaos. How are we supposed to travel monthly, weekly, sometimes daily! To Gibraltar, Malta or Germany if we’re out of the EU?! The visa arrangements will be a total nightmare.” A departure from the EU of its far most most successful, profitable and established regulation model would likely necessitate significant restructuring of current EU licensing requirements as well as individual national licensing systems. Wait and See At any rate, each UK voter will address his or her concerns and the concerns of their constituents first, regardless of the actual reasons for initiating the referendum or the greater ramifications. The iGaming world can only watch and wait.
Bitcasino.io is somewhat of a pioneer, having been the first Bitcoin-only casino to obtain a gaming licence. And after just two full years in business, Bitcasino.io has posted strong financials that suggest Bitcoin has a lasting future in the global online gambling industry. The pick of the figures released by Bitcasino.io show that turnover increased by 1370% between 2014 and 2015, with the site generating more than €50 million in December 2015. The Player Experience Elsewhere in the statistics, it emerged that Bitcasino.io drew players from more than 140 different countries, with the biggest individual win being 274 Bitcoins on just a single spin, which works out as over €140,000. Registered users also had the opportunity to play for more than €14 million worth of progressive jackpot winnings. For many players, it would appear that the Bitcoin-only design is an appealing draw for the site. In terms of the benefits, one of the most important is that players incurred no processing costs or chargebacks. Meanwhile, they also benefitted from a speedy withdrawal process that paid out winnings at an average speed of two minutes and 30 seconds. Moving forward, more players can expect similar benefits as Bitcoin rises. The Bitcasino.io Evolution Bitcasino.io’s ascent has allowed for rapid expansion since the operator fist established a site in January 2014. After setting up as an online casino, the brand was later built out to provide a sportsbook covering over 60,000 monthly sporting events and many more betting markets, having been launched in August 2015. Elsewhere on the site, Bitcasino.io also has a live casino platform, with users able to play with dealers situated in South America, Europe, Baltic, and Asia. Some of the games include blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, and keno, among others. Alternatively, players can stick with desktop versions or try the various video slots. Some titles to highlight include Satoshi’s Secret, Chicago Nights, Mr Vegas, Galactic Speedway, the Slotfather, and Family Powers.
A few years ago, gamblers used to make a clear distinction between online and land-based gaming, while mobile gambling was only a narrow niche. Now they are no longer separate business units, but pieces of the same puzzle, according to the Executive Director of World Match, Andrea Boratto. The latest trends in the gaming industry suggest that these two formerly distinctive niches will converge and this makes it essential for the big players to have a coherent omni-channel strategy. 13 Years of Activity for World Match The company has been providing top-notch gaming solutions for more than a decade and it covers both desktop and mobile gambling. Those who have traded land-based casinos for their online counterparts are frequently shifting between these gadgets. The gaming products provided by World Match make this transition much smoother and help online gambling operators with customer retention. The Italian market has always been of great importance for World Match and today many online casinos try to tap into its potential. Italians, just like most of their European counterparts are now gambling massively on smartphones and tablets. This is also a trend visible among young gamblers, as only a small minority of them still sticks to desktop computers and most prefer touchscreens. Recent data indicate the fact that today more players gamble from mobile gadgets and the trend is only going to pick up speed. The Rise of Multiplatform Users When asked about their gambling habits, most of those who play casino games over the Internet described themselves as multiplatform players. This means that they feel comfortable gambling from desktop and laptop computers, but also tablets and smartphones. It is perfectly possible to start a game on one device and finish it on a different one, which takes convenience to an entirely different level. Under these circumstances, a smart omni-channel strategy will greatly increase the revenue for online operators.
The Cavs and the Hawks have both secured their spot in the post-season, but tonight's Eastern Conference showdown will be a good foreshadow into possible matchups in the later stages of the 2016 NBA Playoffs. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in first place in the Eastern Conference, but have lost two-straight games allowing the Toronto Raptors in second place, and the Atlanta Hawks in third place, to close the gap. The Hawks will not be able to better their third place spot in the conference, but they must make some room between themselves and the fourth place Celtics and fifth place Heat. The Hawks have won three-straight, including a huge victory against the Celtics 118-107 on Saturday night, but the real test will be tonight. LeBron and the Cavaliers are in need of a win, and there couldn't be a better time to do so other than tonight. With just three games left in the regular season, the Cavs need momentum going into the playoffs. The Cavs will likely make it to the later stages of the playoffs and could easily be in the Finals when all is said and done, but not being able to beat teams like the Bulls, the Pacers, while on-the-road like in their last two losses, could widen the obvious holes in the Cavs' depth, which the Hawks could easily take advantage of tonight. NBA Betting at bet365 The NBA has received full wagering coverage this season, with UK sportsbook bet365 Sports offering solid, competitive odds throughout the season. Now with just three games left per team, punters have a last stitch effort to win lucrative cash before the playoffs. The Cavs are the favorites tonight, but not by much and punters are invited to take advantage of Accumulator Bets at bet365, which offer up to 50% more winnings. This deal is just one of the offers that bet365 has for basketball bettors and it is a great way to maximize winnings.
After it rolled over for a sixth time, the EuroMillions lottery jackpot now stands at a huge £51 million, or €64 million. The next draw will take place at 20.45 CET on Tuesday 12th April, and now that online lottery ticket agents have become so prevalent, it's open to people from around the world, not just Europe. How To Play EuroMillions The EuroMillions lottery has a straightforward format where players need to select 5 main numbers from 50, plus 2 Lucky Star numbers from a pool of 11. It cost £/€2 per play and draws take place twice a week. It's not uncommon for the EuroMillions to roll over multiple times, which has produced some of the biggest jackpot prizes in history, sometimes reaching the maximum of €190,000,000. Prizes are paid out as a lump sum, and in most countries they are free from tax. Some countries have extra layers of prizes, with the UK for example, having a guaranteed £1 million prize, and Ireland running a 'Plus' draw with a €500,000 jackpot. Revenue is shared in slightly different ways in each country, but in the UK players get 50% of all the money, good causes get 28%, and smaller amounts go to the government and the lottery operators. Playing Online Players who purchase tickets through online agents like LottoBooking, The Lotter and Play Huge Lottos will be able to enter the EuroMillions and other major lotteries from around the world without needing to be physically located in the territories where the draws take place. Prizes are paid directly into the winners banks, and major jackpots can even be collected in person. It's important to note the time differences however, as EuroMillions tickets must be bought by 20.00 CET, which is 19.00 in the UK.
The leading Omni-channel gaming software developer Playtech has unveiled its latest slot machine, the first in a series of seven games. The Age of the Gods collection is inspired by the Greek mythology and Zeus is just the first one to be made available. A New Series of Greek Mythology Slots The Age of the Gods series will feature a total of seven games, carrying progressive jackpots, therefore capable of making players rich overnight. The remaining six titles will be released across the Playtech network in 2016, one that already includes more than 70 progressive jackpot games. Hercules, Furious Four, Athena, Age of the Gods and Fate Sisters are the upcoming titles schedule for release this year. Playtech officials have made it clear that Zeus is just the tip of the iceberg and the collection of more than 600 games will be further enhanced this year. The lineup of existing slots includes classic three reel games, but the vast majority is comprised of the five reel variety. The thing they have in common is the high quality graphics and the compatibility with mobile devices, for those who want to stay on the move and gamble on smartphones and tablets. Players can expect to find the new title and the upcoming ones upon release, at leading Playtech powered online casinos the likes of 777 Casino, Winner Casino and EuroGrand Casino. The King of the Gods Comes First It was only natural for Zeus to be the first slot machine released by Playtech and the game has 25 lines and five reels. There are multiple winning combinations and the fancy neon graphics promise to make the gaming experience memorable. When spinning their reels, players have the chance of triggering as many as 10 free spins per game, boost their profits with multipliers and win the coveted mystery jackpots. Look forward for the upcoming releases in the exciting Age of the Gods series.
To say that Wolfsburg's 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final was an upset would be an understatement. It was a miracle. True, the odds were well in favor of Los Blancos in that match, but Wolfsburg was underestimated by all, even their hometown fans. Real Madrid now must win at Bernabeu, which shouldn't be a problem, but they need to win big in order to move on to the semi-final and the possibility of hoisting their 11th Champions League trophy. Zidane is a Winner Zidane was criticized for the loss at Wolfsburg, but he was quick to respond that he has taken a 13 point gap in La Liga behind Barcelona, and shortened it to 4, with a win at Camp Nou (first loss for Barca at home in 39 matches) and the distant chance that they could have a chance at a league trophy. It is unlikely, but it is possible. If Real cannot beat Barca in La Liga, the Champions League would be the only chance for Los Blancos to win some hardware this year. Hopefully, the soccer Gods will be looking down upon Real's trifecta of attackers, as last week, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale had plenty of chances but the ball just wouldn't go in the net. Wolfsburg's defense had obvious holes in the first game, and if they are to have a chance at stopping the Real attack, they will need to stich those holes tight. If Wolfsburg is able to score one goal, Real will need to score four in order to win on aggregate. 2-0 was such a terrible first-leg outcome, but it shouldn't be a problem for the team that has proven time and time again that they can win important games. Champions League Odds Heavily in favor of Real once again especially now that the game is back in Spain, bet365 Sports has Los Blancos to win at 1.20, while Wolfsburg is at 15.00. There will be live in play lines at bet365 Sports all match, which is a great time for punters to maximize profits.
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