Category: gambling

Australian newspapers say Crown Resorts and the New South Wales government are hiding information on the new Barangaroo VIP casino.

James Packer’s plan to build a high-roller casino in Barangaroo has received a lot of scrutiny. There was so much attention surrounding the project that everyone just assumed that all details of the agreement had been revealed, in a perfectly transparent approval process.

As it turns out, this is not entirely true. Word got out that both partners of the deal – the government of New South Wales and Crown Resorts – have been keeping important details away from the public eye, and now online gambling news outlets are raging over it.

The Barangaroo casino has received approval last year and is scheduled to open in November 2019. The venue is targeted exclusively at VIP customers and high-rollers.

Sydney Morning Herald: James Packer casino documents referred to committee after NSW government fights public release

The New South Wales government is refusing to reveal redacted information from an agreement with James Packer, regarding measures to combat organized crime and corruption at his new casino in Sydney. The question of whether the information should be made public was referred to a parliamentary committee, which will discuss the matter soon.

Greens MP John Kaye, who has been pushing for the public release of the information, said: “The Parliament has set up a secret committee to look at secret documents. The public is being kept in the dark about critical anti-corruption and organized crime penetration measures at the casino. Neither the public nor the Parliament can have an informed debate about the adequacy of these measures without knowing what they are.”

According to Labor leader Luke Foley, the opposition is in favor of releasing the documents. “The opposition has a bias in favor of public release of all relevant casino documents. When the expert arbiter recommends release, that confirms our view,” he said.

Packer’s company, Crown Resorts, was recently awarded a license to operate a VIP-only casino at Barangaroo, starting November 2019. Significant parts of the deal, the so-called “VIP gaming management agreement”, were kept hidden from the public eye.

After a motion by Kaye, MPs were allowed to see the full document, but they were forbidden from disclosing its contents. However, it was revealed that the deal between Crown and the gambling regulator talks about measures to prevent organized crime infiltration and corruption at the casino.

Casino.org: Packer Sydney Casino License Docs Kept Secret from Public

Newspapers say certain documents related Packer’s license for a new casino in Sydney were stamped secret by New South Wales’ gambling regulator, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

The documents in question relate to official agreements between Crown Resorts, the NSW government and the authority responsible for overseeing the local casino industry and making sure that companies abide by the state’s gambling laws.

Eight of these were particularly interesting, as they were referring to operations that were to be executed when the license was issued. In seven out of eight documents, the names of all those involved were revealed. However, one of them was fully censored. Even the title of the agreement was kept a secret, along with the names of all parties.

The regulator said it was only allowed to reveal information related to the Casino Control Act, and only if it’s in the public interest. The authority added that it was obligated to hide all information that could cause commercial damage, which is why it hid details in the eighth agreement.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “The information redacted in the VIP Gaming Management Agreement document would, in the view of the authority, not promote the objects of the relevant act and be commercially damaging to the licensee or related entities if released. It was the authority’s view the public interest in its disclosure did not outweigh that potential harm.”

The Greens are planning to subpoena the documents in the NSW Parliament next week. “If this is entirely innocent, then the government should be happy to allow upper house MPs to see the documents,” MP John Kaye said. “If not, then it’s clear that they are running cover for James Packer and Crown.”

Premier Mike Baird added: “There’s no secrets. I know the Greens like to talk about conspiracy and secrets but there is none, as much as they look.”

ABC: High Rollers – High Risk?

Law and security experts claim Australian casinos that target Asian VIP customers risk exposing themselves to organized crime. There is a lot of money to be made in the gambling industry, and a large part of profits come from regular players, but Australian casinos seek to attract more high-rollers, particularly gamblers from China.

Since casino games are illegal on the mainland, these players often choose to spend their money in places like Macau or Australia. They are usually brought to the casino by companies called junkets, which locate, transport and provide credit for gamblers.

Crown Resorts, the Australian casino operator led by James Packer, has recently won approval to develop a six star hotel and VIP gambling venue at Barangaroo, on the shores of Sydney Harbour. According to the media, there is evidence linking junket companies to organized crime syndicates, which is why locals fear Packer’s new business will expose the country to illegal operations.

A gambling expert told reporters that junket companies “turn to organized crime to enforce gambling debts, using violence or threats of violence. It looks like casino operators relying solely on VIP customers for its profits could be facing huge difficulties, leaving the government with a problem too.

Australian newspapers say Crown Resorts and the New South Wales government are hiding information on the new Barangaroo VIP casino.

James Packer’s plan to build a high-roller casino in Barangaroo has received a lot of scrutiny. There was so much attention surrounding the project that everyone just assumed that all details of the agreement had been revealed, in a perfectly transparent approval process.

As it turns out, this is not entirely true. Word got out that both partners of the deal – the government of New South Wales and Crown Resorts – have been keeping important details away from the public eye, and now online gambling news outlets are raging over it.

The Barangaroo casino has received approval last year and is scheduled to open in November 2019. The venue is targeted exclusively at VIP customers and high-rollers.

Sydney Morning Herald: James Packer casino documents referred to committee after NSW government fights public release

The New South Wales government is refusing to reveal redacted information from an agreement with James Packer, regarding measures to combat organized crime and corruption at his new casino in Sydney. The question of whether the information should be made public was referred to a parliamentary committee, which will discuss the matter soon.

Greens MP John Kaye, who has been pushing for the public release of the information, said: “The Parliament has set up a secret committee to look at secret documents. The public is being kept in the dark about critical anti-corruption and organized crime penetration measures at the casino. Neither the public nor the Parliament can have an informed debate about the adequacy of these measures without knowing what they are.”

According to Labor leader Luke Foley, the opposition is in favor of releasing the documents. “The opposition has a bias in favor of public release of all relevant casino documents. When the expert arbiter recommends release, that confirms our view,” he said.

Packer’s company, Crown Resorts, was recently awarded a license to operate a VIP-only casino at Barangaroo, starting November 2019. Significant parts of the deal, the so-called “VIP gaming management agreement”, were kept hidden from the public eye.

After a motion by Kaye, MPs were allowed to see the full document, but they were forbidden from disclosing its contents. However, it was revealed that the deal between Crown and the gambling regulator talks about measures to prevent organized crime infiltration and corruption at the casino.

Casino.org: Packer Sydney Casino License Docs Kept Secret from Public

Newspapers say certain documents related Packer’s license for a new casino in Sydney were stamped secret by New South Wales’ gambling regulator, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

The documents in question relate to official agreements between Crown Resorts, the NSW government and the authority responsible for overseeing the local casino industry and making sure that companies abide by the state’s gambling laws.

Eight of these were particularly interesting, as they were referring to operations that were to be executed when the license was issued. In seven out of eight documents, the names of all those involved were revealed. However, one of them was fully censored. Even the title of the agreement was kept a secret, along with the names of all parties.

The regulator said it was only allowed to reveal information related to the Casino Control Act, and only if it’s in the public interest. The authority added that it was obligated to hide all information that could cause commercial damage, which is why it hid details in the eighth agreement.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “The information redacted in the VIP Gaming Management Agreement document would, in the view of the authority, not promote the objects of the relevant act and be commercially damaging to the licensee or related entities if released. It was the authority’s view the public interest in its disclosure did not outweigh that potential harm.”

The Greens are planning to subpoena the documents in the NSW Parliament next week. “If this is entirely innocent, then the government should be happy to allow upper house MPs to see the documents,” MP John Kaye said. “If not, then it’s clear that they are running cover for James Packer and Crown.”

Premier Mike Baird added: “There’s no secrets. I know the Greens like to talk about conspiracy and secrets but there is none, as much as they look.”

ABC: High Rollers – High Risk?

Law and security experts claim Australian casinos that target Asian VIP customers risk exposing themselves to organized crime. There is a lot of money to be made in the gambling industry, and a large part of profits come from regular players, but Australian casinos seek to attract more high-rollers, particularly gamblers from China.

Since casino games are illegal on the mainland, these players often choose to spend their money in places like Macau or Australia. They are usually brought to the casino by companies called junkets, which locate, transport and provide credit for gamblers.

Crown Resorts, the Australian casino operator led by James Packer, has recently won approval to develop a six star hotel and VIP gambling venue at Barangaroo, on the shores of Sydney Harbour. According to the media, there is evidence linking junket companies to organized crime syndicates, which is why locals fear Packer’s new business will expose the country to illegal operations.

A gambling expert told reporters that junket companies “turn to organized crime to enforce gambling debts, using violence or threats of violence. It looks like casino operators relying solely on VIP customers for its profits could be facing huge difficulties, leaving the government with a problem too.

We take a look at the top five promotions from amongst the ghouls, goblins and ghosts on offer this Halloween around the web.

The witches are taking to the air, the ghosts are practicing their spooky “Wooooo” noises and the goblins are massing for raids that will only be foiled by an oddly carved Jack ‘O Lantern that smells slightly charring and reminds you that your kids are going to need a trip to the dentist after all that candy. Halloween has changed a lot over the centuries but it remains one of the most popular holidays for children and adults alike.

The traditions of dressing up, giving out treats, playing tricks and telling (sometimes quite tall) tales of frightening occurrences of the supernatural variety have all developed over the years into the night of excess we now all enjoy, so if you’ve already stuffed yourself with candy corn, had enough of the roasted pumpkin seeds and want to quietly relax we thought we’d give you the heads up on some of the best promotions on offer this Halloween.

Bet365: Halloween Treat At Bet365

Running throughout the final week of October those fabulous people over at Bet365 have allowed the spirit of the season to haunt their site with a range of games giving a very straight forward offer of free spins. There’s no “opting in” here, just turn up and grab those free spins, plus some of the other little spooky treats that await you within. They’ve even got a video up to explain it all to you and wet your appetite for more than candy.

The free spins are available on a great selection of their games. You can mount up on Frankie Dettori’s Magic 7, pick a winner on the Funky Fruits Farm, find the big money on Halloween Fortune, battle it out on Iron Man 3, let out your inner animal on Kong, get lucky on Mr. Cashback, net yourself something cool on Spider-Man, gain the upper hand on The Avengers, have a slash with Wolverine or get wrapped up on The Mummy. So, something for everyone.

BetVictor: Trick Or Treat At BetVictor

The duality of trick or treating stems from a few different influences ranging from the revelry of Samhain, the Christian religion and the practical jokers of the Victorian age. But whilst soul cakes have given way to candy, and the practical jokers have become far younger than once they were, that two-sided coin still spins in the air each All Hallow’s Eve, and at BetVictor they’re abiding by the spirit of the occasion.

They’ve chosen a good cross section of their superb array of slots and added in both a trick and a treat for you this Halloween. The Trick, as such, is that you get 10% of you net losses back in cash, real cash, up to a value of 20 GBP, and the Treat is they’ll add 10% onto your net winnings on any of the qualifying slots. They’ll total up on November 2nd and simply hand over the appropriate cash to you instantly. Can’t say fairer than that.

MrGreen: 4 Spin Chilling Days at MrGreen

Over at Mr Green Casino they’re taking it to a new level but issuing a challenge to all those who think there’s nothing to be scared of this Halloween. They’re giving you just 96 hours to beat the monsters, wipe out the witches and do away with any zombies you might come across in their 4 days of spookily fabulous gaming. You don’t have long, but if you’re one lucky punter you could well walk away with 4,000 EUR and that’s not to be sniffed at.

There are a number of games to beat at Mr Green Casino, each with their own unique theme and styling rendered in superb graphics with an amazing sound track to keep your Halloween as atmospheric as possible. Tighten your neck bolt in Frankenstein, take possession of your destiny in Voodoo Vibes, make sure you survive the hoard in Zombies and then cast a spell or two to see off the Wild Witches. The games are great and the rewards even greater, so this Thursday isn’t a kick-off to miss.

BetatCasino: Grab Your Bonus At BETAT Casino

BETAT Casino is keeping the magic alive with a great reward for all those that love their games. Just wager 400 EUR on each of seven days throughout the month of October and you’ll get a cool 50 EUR credited to your account as if a wizard waved his wand and thrust the money upon you. Yup, that’s right, just turn up and play on seven days and the cash is yours to collect automatically. Now you can’t get a better deal than that.

Players do have to “opt in” of course but that’s hardly an onerous task and once you have you’re guaranteed to get that bonus if you qualify over the time. The range of games on offer is a great cross section of the genre and of course there’s a few other Halloween treats, and indeed tricks, that one shouldn’t miss out on. So as the candy frenzy approaches and you wonder if that’s roasting pumpkin or the neighbors have set fire to their pool again, check out this great offer.

Unibet: Gold Rush Halloween Special at Unibet

At Unibet they’re making sure they get you both coming and going with a stupendously double edged promotion that sees you rewarded with cash prizes and invitations to their famed free rolls. Once you opt in there’s a great duality to greet you, with both the number of days you play, AND the number of points you earn combining to give you a bigger prize and greater chance to win the superb 3,000 EUR in their special Halloween tournament at 18:00 CET on Halloween.

The number of days are split up into fives, so play five days in October and you’ll get entry to a 2,000 EUR free roll, 10 days a 3,000 EUR and from 15 days play on a 5,000 EUR free roll, and for each one of those categories of time, your points score can win you a larger and larger cash prize. 1400 points over five days gets you 60 EUR, over 15 days it’s 225 EUR, and that continues all the way up to a staggeringly good 3,000 EUR top prize.

We take a look at the top five promotions from amongst the ghouls, goblins and ghosts on offer this Halloween around the web.

The witches are taking to the air, the ghosts are practicing their spooky “Wooooo” noises and the goblins are massing for raids that will only be foiled by an oddly carved Jack ‘O Lantern that smells slightly charring and reminds you that your kids are going to need a trip to the dentist after all that candy. Halloween has changed a lot over the centuries but it remains one of the most popular holidays for children and adults alike.

The traditions of dressing up, giving out treats, playing tricks and telling (sometimes quite tall) tales of frightening occurrences of the supernatural variety have all developed over the years into the night of excess we now all enjoy, so if you’ve already stuffed yourself with candy corn, had enough of the roasted pumpkin seeds and want to quietly relax we thought we’d give you the heads up on some of the best promotions on offer this Halloween.

Bet365: Halloween Treat At Bet365

Running throughout the final week of October those fabulous people over at Bet365 have allowed the spirit of the season to haunt their site with a range of games giving a very straight forward offer of free spins. There’s no “opting in” here, just turn up and grab those free spins, plus some of the other little spooky treats that await you within. They’ve even got a video up to explain it all to you and wet your appetite for more than candy.

The free spins are available on a great selection of their games. You can mount up on Frankie Dettori’s Magic 7, pick a winner on the Funky Fruits Farm, find the big money on Halloween Fortune, battle it out on Iron Man 3, let out your inner animal on Kong, get lucky on Mr. Cashback, net yourself something cool on Spider-Man, gain the upper hand on The Avengers, have a slash with Wolverine or get wrapped up on The Mummy. So, something for everyone.

BetVictor: Trick Or Treat At BetVictor

The duality of trick or treating stems from a few different influences ranging from the revelry of Samhain, the Christian religion and the practical jokers of the Victorian age. But whilst soul cakes have given way to candy, and the practical jokers have become far younger than once they were, that two-sided coin still spins in the air each All Hallow’s Eve, and at BetVictor they’re abiding by the spirit of the occasion.

They’ve chosen a good cross section of their superb array of slots and added in both a trick and a treat for you this Halloween. The Trick, as such, is that you get 10% of you net losses back in cash, real cash, up to a value of 20 GBP, and the Treat is they’ll add 10% onto your net winnings on any of the qualifying slots. They’ll total up on November 2nd and simply hand over the appropriate cash to you instantly. Can’t say fairer than that.

MrGreen: 4 Spin Chilling Days at MrGreen

Over at Mr Green Casino they’re taking it to a new level but issuing a challenge to all those who think there’s nothing to be scared of this Halloween. They’re giving you just 96 hours to beat the monsters, wipe out the witches and do away with any zombies you might come across in their 4 days of spookily fabulous gaming. You don’t have long, but if you’re one lucky punter you could well walk away with 4,000 EUR and that’s not to be sniffed at.

There are a number of games to beat at Mr Green Casino, each with their own unique theme and styling rendered in superb graphics with an amazing sound track to keep your Halloween as atmospheric as possible. Tighten your neck bolt in Frankenstein, take possession of your destiny in Voodoo Vibes, make sure you survive the hoard in Zombies and then cast a spell or two to see off the Wild Witches. The games are great and the rewards even greater, so this Thursday isn’t a kick-off to miss.

BetatCasino: Grab Your Bonus At BETAT Casino

BETAT Casino is keeping the magic alive with a great reward for all those that love their games. Just wager 400 EUR on each of seven days throughout the month of October and you’ll get a cool 50 EUR credited to your account as if a wizard waved his wand and thrust the money upon you. Yup, that’s right, just turn up and play on seven days and the cash is yours to collect automatically. Now you can’t get a better deal than that.

Players do have to “opt in” of course but that’s hardly an onerous task and once you have you’re guaranteed to get that bonus if you qualify over the time. The range of games on offer is a great cross section of the genre and of course there’s a few other Halloween treats, and indeed tricks, that one shouldn’t miss out on. So as the candy frenzy approaches and you wonder if that’s roasting pumpkin or the neighbors have set fire to their pool again, check out this great offer.

Unibet: Gold Rush Halloween Special at Unibet

At Unibet they’re making sure they get you both coming and going with a stupendously double edged promotion that sees you rewarded with cash prizes and invitations to their famed free rolls. Once you opt in there’s a great duality to greet you, with both the number of days you play, AND the number of points you earn combining to give you a bigger prize and greater chance to win the superb 3,000 EUR in their special Halloween tournament at 18:00 CET on Halloween.

The number of days are split up into fives, so play five days in October and you’ll get entry to a 2,000 EUR free roll, 10 days a 3,000 EUR and from 15 days play on a 5,000 EUR free roll, and for each one of those categories of time, your points score can win you a larger and larger cash prize. 1400 points over five days gets you 60 EUR, over 15 days it’s 225 EUR, and that continues all the way up to a staggeringly good 3,000 EUR top prize.

There wasn’t a dull moment last week as big events rolled across the global headlines so lets take a look back and who did what and where

Radicalized Canadian, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, opened fire with an automatic rifle at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Canada, killing one of the ceremonial guards on duty. The self-styled one-man jihad then took possession of a motor vehicle at gunpoint and, pursued by police, drove to the Parliament building where upon he ran inside shooting randomly as he went. He was cornered, rushed, shot and killed by security staff leaving Canada in a state of shock.

Shock didn’t seem to be much in evidence as Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to five years in jail by Judge Thokozile Masipa for the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in their bathroom on February 14th 2013. Found guilty of “culpable homicide” and also of discharging a firearm in public (a separate incident) the para-Olympians faced a suspended 3 year sentence even once his five years are served, although he’s expected to spend only around 10 months in custody.

Kaci Hickox, on the other hand, will have to spend three weeks in custody of the state of New Jersey after the Ebola hysteria reached new heights of stupidity in the US. The nurse who had been treating victims in West Africa is the first to suffer the human rights abuse that is the mandatory quarantine isolation period despite testing negative for the virus and displaying no symptoms whatsoever because in America freedom isn’t a right unless you’re rich.

And talking of rich, the Queen of England decided to get with the program and sent her first tweet. Despite having had an account for some time this was the first time she, instead of palace staff, had sent one out, in this case noting the opening of a new exhibition at London’s Science Museum that focuses on the information age and the changes it has wrought upon us all. She was a little overly polite and verbose but she’ll get the hang of it.

In sport, of course, it was a week of high drama with Serena Williams beating Simona Halep to win her fifth WTA finals and end the year as world number one for the fourth time, will the Men’s WTA Finals be as superb a competition to watch and wager on? Keep track on our daily news pages, but whilst we wait for them to sort that out lets take a look back at some of the pictures and stories that made our headlines last week.

1. Two distinguished ladies at the top of South Africa’s National Gaming Board have been suspended due to accusations of corruption, abuse of power and an impressive number of illegalities, which they rewarded themselves for with a 46% pay rise.

Dr. Rob Davies has temporarily removed the NGB (Photo: African Business Review)

2. Battle of the attorneys – the fate of sports betting in New Jersey is now in the hands of Judge Michael A. Shipp, and it looks like this boat is sinking.

Hold your bets, NJ residents! (Photo: Glenn Pinkerton/Las Vegas News Bureau)

3. Sheldon Adelson has bought a lot of political influence over the years, but some still see through his attempts to fight for the “moral good” by banning online gambling.

Sheldon Adelson continues crusade against online gambling (Photo: Jeff Scheid/Reuters/Pool)

4. The illegal betting bomb dropped on the Indian Premier League in 2013 is about to explode, as the police will soon present its findings. The next court hearing is scheduled for November 10.

Fixing bets affects cricket as well… (Photo: Parth Sanyal/Reuters)

5. Some of you still think that wearing a lucky hat to the next baseball game will help you win a bet; but experts have facts, information and math on their side.

Betting looks a lot like science (Photo: Sam Huston State University)

6. Two casino operators have opened gambling venues in the center of Madrid, and now visitors have a chance to play in fancy new Spanish poker rooms. Olé!

La bienvenida al casino (Photo: Gonzalo Arroyo)

7. Warren Buffett has placed his bet on the 2016 US Presidential Elections: Hillary Clinton will run and win.

Buffets puts his money on Hillary (Photo: Carlo Allegri/Reuters)

Meanwhile Nazi war criminals have been living on US social security benefits in Europe having been bribed to leave US jurisdiction, and a Google Executive, one Alan Eustace, plummeted to the ground from 135,000ft leaving only some critics of the internet giant disappointed because he was wearing a parachute and setting a new world skydiving record. Will anything else drop out of the sky unexpectedly? You better read our GamblingResults’ news pages, just in case.

There wasn’t a dull moment last week as big events rolled across the global headlines so lets take a look back and who did what and where

Radicalized Canadian, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, opened fire with an automatic rifle at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Canada, killing one of the ceremonial guards on duty. The self-styled one-man jihad then took possession of a motor vehicle at gunpoint and, pursued by police, drove to the Parliament building where upon he ran inside shooting randomly as he went. He was cornered, rushed, shot and killed by security staff leaving Canada in a state of shock.

Shock didn’t seem to be much in evidence as Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to five years in jail by Judge Thokozile Masipa for the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in their bathroom on February 14th 2013. Found guilty of “culpable homicide” and also of discharging a firearm in public (a separate incident) the para-Olympians faced a suspended 3 year sentence even once his five years are served, although he’s expected to spend only around 10 months in custody.

Kaci Hickox, on the other hand, will have to spend three weeks in custody of the state of New Jersey after the Ebola hysteria reached new heights of stupidity in the US. The nurse who had been treating victims in West Africa is the first to suffer the human rights abuse that is the mandatory quarantine isolation period despite testing negative for the virus and displaying no symptoms whatsoever because in America freedom isn’t a right unless you’re rich.

And talking of rich, the Queen of England decided to get with the program and sent her first tweet. Despite having had an account for some time this was the first time she, instead of palace staff, had sent one out, in this case noting the opening of a new exhibition at London’s Science Museum that focuses on the information age and the changes it has wrought upon us all. She was a little overly polite and verbose but she’ll get the hang of it.

In sport, of course, it was a week of high drama with Serena Williams beating Simona Halep to win her fifth WTA finals and end the year as world number one for the fourth time, will the Men’s WTA Finals be as superb a competition to watch and wager on? Keep track on our daily news pages, but whilst we wait for them to sort that out lets take a look back at some of the pictures and stories that made our headlines last week.

1. Two distinguished ladies at the top of South Africa’s National Gaming Board have been suspended due to accusations of corruption, abuse of power and an impressive number of illegalities, which they rewarded themselves for with a 46% pay rise.

Dr. Rob Davies has temporarily removed the NGB (Photo: African Business Review)

2. Battle of the attorneys – the fate of sports betting in New Jersey is now in the hands of Judge Michael A. Shipp, and it looks like this boat is sinking.

Hold your bets, NJ residents! (Photo: Glenn Pinkerton/Las Vegas News Bureau)

3. Sheldon Adelson has bought a lot of political influence over the years, but some still see through his attempts to fight for the “moral good” by banning online gambling.

Sheldon Adelson continues crusade against online gambling (Photo: Jeff Scheid/Reuters/Pool)

4. The illegal betting bomb dropped on the Indian Premier League in 2013 is about to explode, as the police will soon present its findings. The next court hearing is scheduled for November 10.

Fixing bets affects cricket as well… (Photo: Parth Sanyal/Reuters)

5. Some of you still think that wearing a lucky hat to the next baseball game will help you win a bet; but experts have facts, information and math on their side.

Betting looks a lot like science (Photo: Sam Huston State University)

6. Two casino operators have opened gambling venues in the center of Madrid, and now visitors have a chance to play in fancy new Spanish poker rooms. Olé!

La bienvenida al casino (Photo: Gonzalo Arroyo)

7. Warren Buffett has placed his bet on the 2016 US Presidential Elections: Hillary Clinton will run and win.

Buffets puts his money on Hillary (Photo: Carlo Allegri/Reuters)

Meanwhile Nazi war criminals have been living on US social security benefits in Europe having been bribed to leave US jurisdiction, and a Google Executive, one Alan Eustace, plummeted to the ground from 135,000ft leaving only some critics of the internet giant disappointed because he was wearing a parachute and setting a new world skydiving record. Will anything else drop out of the sky unexpectedly? You better read our GamblingResults’ news pages, just in case.

A federal judge intervened to temporarily block New Jersey’s plans to allow sports betting at the state’s racetrack and casinos.

State lawmakers have been trying to find ways to bring sports betting to New Jersey for years, but it looks like all attempts are destined to fail. A few weeks ago, officials passed a bill allowing licensed casinos and racetracks to accept wagers.

After Governor Chris Christie signed the document into law and Monmouth Park said it was ready to start taking bets last Sunday, professional sports leagues challenged the decision in court, asking the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent this from happening.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp decided to grant the request made by the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other sports groups, but did not rule on the merits of the issue yet. A full hearing will be scheduled in the future.

A spokesman for Christie emphasized that the restraining order is temporary and added: “We continue to have full confidence in the strength and appropriateness of our position as we move forward in the litigation.”

USA Today: Judge: New Jersey can’t launch sports betting

Latest gambling news announce that a federal judge decided not to allow casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to start taking sports bets. In his ruling late Friday, US District Court Judge Michael Shipp put in place a temporary restraining order to prevent state operators from offering such services last week.

Monmouth Park was planning on giving its bookmaking operations a test run on Sunday, when it would have accepted bets on NFL games, but the court said Governor Chris Christie can’t launch sports betting in the state for now.

Monmouth Park officials were expecting about 10,000 people to rush to the track this Sunday to bet on Jets-Bills, Eagles-Cardinals, as well as on other NFL games. The track was going to open as early as 7 am, in order to allow visitors to place wagers on the Lions-Falcons game played in London at 9:30 am E.T.

But the NFL and other American sports leagues have filed a complaint asking the judge to stop state operators from taking bets immediately, invoking a 1992 federal law restricting sports betting to Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.

A final decision will be made only after a full hearing, but for now the judge has issued a restraining order stopping Monmouth Park from going ahead with its plans. Attorneys representing the racetrack have argued that the business won’t survive without this new source of revenue.

NESN: Judge Grants Leagues’ Request, Stops N.J. Sports Betting Temporarily

Following a request from four major professional sports leagues and the NCAA, a federal judge issued a restraining order preventing New Jersey operators from taking sports bets for now. The request was made by the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, who went to court over a new bill signed by Governor Chris Christie, allowing casinos and racetracks in the state to offer betting services.

Under current gambling laws, Nevada is the only state allowed to offer betting on individual games at local bookmakers. Delaware also offers multi-game parlay pools, requiring players to pick several games correctly before winning any money.

“More legal gambling leads to more total gambling, which in turns leads to an increased incentive to fix plaintiffs’ matches,” Shipp said in court last Friday, adding that sports betting in New Jersey “would engender the same ills” that lawmakers sought to combat when they came up with the 1992 federal law.

Attorneys representing the sports organizations have argued that the leagues would suffer irreparable harm if such offers were available in the state. The lawsuit will proceed and the court will schedule a full hearing, but Shipp said a temporary restraining order was necessary to make sure that the matter is properly debated in court first.

Wall Street Journal: Judge Blocks Bid to Legalize Sports Betting in New Jersey

A previous attempt to overturn the sports betting ban and allow New Jersey players to bet on sports failed, and officials are not sure what will happen next. For now, Nevada continues to remain the only state where sports betting is fully legal. Delaware has a few similar operations, but the state only offers multi-game parlay pools.

While Atlantic City casinos said they would wait for the judge’s decision before starting any bookmaking operations, Monmouth Park Racetrack had originally planned to begin sports betting this weekend. The venue’s plans were put on hold by the restraining order.

Dennis Drazin, the operator of Monmouth Park, wrote in a recent statement: “While we are disappointed not to be able to start this Sunday, we are confident that sports betting will be coming to New Jersey in the very near future.”

While preventing the racetrack from starting its new operations, Judge Shipp also requested the five plaintiffs to put up a $1.7 million bond, to cover New Jersey’s potential revenue losses should the state eventually win the argument. The judge also said the temporary restraining order only applies to sports scores at events run by the four leagues and the NCAA.

A federal judge intervened to temporarily block New Jersey’s plans to allow sports betting at the state’s racetrack and casinos.

State lawmakers have been trying to find ways to bring sports betting to New Jersey for years, but it looks like all attempts are destined to fail. A few weeks ago, officials passed a bill allowing licensed casinos and racetracks to accept wagers.

After Governor Chris Christie signed the document into law and Monmouth Park said it was ready to start taking bets last Sunday, professional sports leagues challenged the decision in court, asking the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent this from happening.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp decided to grant the request made by the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other sports groups, but did not rule on the merits of the issue yet. A full hearing will be scheduled in the future.

A spokesman for Christie emphasized that the restraining order is temporary and added: “We continue to have full confidence in the strength and appropriateness of our position as we move forward in the litigation.”

USA Today: Judge: New Jersey can’t launch sports betting

Latest gambling news announce that a federal judge decided not to allow casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to start taking sports bets. In his ruling late Friday, US District Court Judge Michael Shipp put in place a temporary restraining order to prevent state operators from offering such services last week.

Monmouth Park was planning on giving its bookmaking operations a test run on Sunday, when it would have accepted bets on NFL games, but the court said Governor Chris Christie can’t launch sports betting in the state for now.

Monmouth Park officials were expecting about 10,000 people to rush to the track this Sunday to bet on Jets-Bills, Eagles-Cardinals, as well as on other NFL games. The track was going to open as early as 7 am, in order to allow visitors to place wagers on the Lions-Falcons game played in London at 9:30 am E.T.

But the NFL and other American sports leagues have filed a complaint asking the judge to stop state operators from taking bets immediately, invoking a 1992 federal law restricting sports betting to Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.

A final decision will be made only after a full hearing, but for now the judge has issued a restraining order stopping Monmouth Park from going ahead with its plans. Attorneys representing the racetrack have argued that the business won’t survive without this new source of revenue.

NESN: Judge Grants Leagues’ Request, Stops N.J. Sports Betting Temporarily

Following a request from four major professional sports leagues and the NCAA, a federal judge issued a restraining order preventing New Jersey operators from taking sports bets for now. The request was made by the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, who went to court over a new bill signed by Governor Chris Christie, allowing casinos and racetracks in the state to offer betting services.

Under current gambling laws, Nevada is the only state allowed to offer betting on individual games at local bookmakers. Delaware also offers multi-game parlay pools, requiring players to pick several games correctly before winning any money.

“More legal gambling leads to more total gambling, which in turns leads to an increased incentive to fix plaintiffs’ matches,” Shipp said in court last Friday, adding that sports betting in New Jersey “would engender the same ills” that lawmakers sought to combat when they came up with the 1992 federal law.

Attorneys representing the sports organizations have argued that the leagues would suffer irreparable harm if such offers were available in the state. The lawsuit will proceed and the court will schedule a full hearing, but Shipp said a temporary restraining order was necessary to make sure that the matter is properly debated in court first.

Wall Street Journal: Judge Blocks Bid to Legalize Sports Betting in New Jersey

A previous attempt to overturn the sports betting ban and allow New Jersey players to bet on sports failed, and officials are not sure what will happen next. For now, Nevada continues to remain the only state where sports betting is fully legal. Delaware has a few similar operations, but the state only offers multi-game parlay pools.

While Atlantic City casinos said they would wait for the judge’s decision before starting any bookmaking operations, Monmouth Park Racetrack had originally planned to begin sports betting this weekend. The venue’s plans were put on hold by the restraining order.

Dennis Drazin, the operator of Monmouth Park, wrote in a recent statement: “While we are disappointed not to be able to start this Sunday, we are confident that sports betting will be coming to New Jersey in the very near future.”

While preventing the racetrack from starting its new operations, Judge Shipp also requested the five plaintiffs to put up a $1.7 million bond, to cover New Jersey’s potential revenue losses should the state eventually win the argument. The judge also said the temporary restraining order only applies to sports scores at events run by the four leagues and the NCAA.

Adelson has managed to turn many politicians against online gambling, but supporters of the virtual industry are not giving up.

The battle over internet gambling in the US continues. While opponents of online casinos are becoming louder and more aggressive, Erik Telford, senior vice president at the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity in the United States, has expressed concerns about the influence industry representatives seem to have on politicians.

A few days ago, Telford made his voice heard too and came out strongly against casino mogul Sheldon Adelson’s political influence, in his bid to put an end to most forms of online gambling in the US. “When powerful gaming interests are spearheading the fight to ban online gambling, it should give you pause,” he wrote in an opinion piece published in the political newspaper The Hill.

CEO of Sands Vegas, Sheldon Adelson is one of the largest campaign contributors in America. With elections being held this year, several politicians have withdrawn their support for the online casino industry just to get on the billionaire’s good side.

“Their main policy objective is focused on federal legislation to ban online gambling outright – stifling their competition before it ever reaches the market. It is a glimpse of crony capitalism in its most naked form, and represents a very troubling assault on Internet freedom, giving government a foot in the door for a broader regulatory regime and usurping our federalist system,” Telford warned.

The Hill: Ending the cycle of casino cronyism

Online gambling news revealed that, in his campaign to restore the 2011 Wire Act, the casino mogul has drawn Sen. Lindsey Graham and Representative Jason Chaffetz on his side. But Telford characterized this as “a pretense to advance a moral good”, adding that “this policy would undermine the free market, encourage crime, and erode the constitutional concept of states’ rights.”

Telford quoted free market advocates, who believe that a regulated market would help protect players from fraud and concluded: “Just like Prohibition in the 1920’s, banning this vice would actually incentivize criminal behavior. Those fearful of fraud, child participation, and profits diverted to gangs or terrorists should push for legalization in every state to make the industry as transparent as possible.”

In a letter sent to US congressmen, representatives of the Institute For Policy Innovation wrote: “In this black market, where virtually all sites are operated from abroad, consumers have little to no protection from predatory behavior.”

At the end of his article, Telford reminded readers that legalizing this “multibillion dollar business” would make things more transparent, allowing authorities to verify industry revenues, as well as to profit from tax revenue.

Vegas Inc: At G2E, Sheldon Adelson reiterates disdain for Internet gambling

Billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson continued his crusade against online gambling at this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E), telling those present at the trade show that internet casinos make it easy for underage users to play because “when you’re on the Internet, you cannot know your customer.”

Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business, defended the online gambling industry, claiming that the internet allows operators to authenticate players’ identities. When hearing the argument that internet gambling should be legal because it already happens, Sheldon replied: “Then why don’t we legalize prostitution? Why don’t we legalize cocaine and heroin? That’s not a good reason, to say that they’re doing it anyway.”

Soon after Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware legalized online casino games, other states started to talk about doing the same thing. Adelson then set up the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, a nonprofit organization dedicated to outlawing the business once and for all.

The casino mogul wants US gambling laws to completely ban online casino games and often argues that he fears online gaming will exploit the poor by making gambling too accessible.

“I don’t want those people to get abused because when I look at people like that I see the faces of my parents,” he said in his speech. “I just don’t see that there is any compelling reason to put an electronic casino in 318 million hands.”

iGamingPlayer: New Jersey Assembly Committee Opposes Federal Online Gaming Ban

As one of the three states that have already legalized online gambling, New Jersey is trying to send out a message to Congress, urging officials to reject a federal ban on internet casinos. The industry is already established in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, and other states have announced their intentions to join them in opening the market.

A resolution from Assemblyman Vincent Mazzeo, who represents Atlantic City, says such a ban would not only damage New Jersey’s casino industry, but also infringe on its state’s rights.

“A federal prohibition against internet gaming would directly and negatively impact New Jersey by dismantling the investments that the state and Atlantic City casinos have already made to implement and regulate Internet gaming, taking away the economic and employment opportunities already realized by the state and its residents, and foreclosing the future potential of internet gaming to generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, create high-tech software jobs, and foster valuable business ventures for Atlantic City casinos in this State,” it said.

“Internet gaming has begun to yield benefits for our state’s economy, over $80 million has been wagered, and that’s generating sorely needed tax revenue that’s serving as a stimulus for Atlantic City at this critical time,” Mazzeo explained in his statement.

While fully aware that the industry hasn’t reached its full potential, officials believe a federal ban would have a negative impact, rendering a number of investments useless and taking away millions of dollars in tax revenue.

The resolution opposes the “Restoration of America’s Wire Act” bill strongly backed by Sheldon Adelson, which is now before both houses of Congress.

Adelson has managed to turn many politicians against online gambling, but supporters of the virtual industry are not giving up.

The battle over internet gambling in the US continues. While opponents of online casinos are becoming louder and more aggressive, Erik Telford, senior vice president at the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity in the United States, has expressed concerns about the influence industry representatives seem to have on politicians.

A few days ago, Telford made his voice heard too and came out strongly against casino mogul Sheldon Adelson’s political influence, in his bid to put an end to most forms of online gambling in the US. “When powerful gaming interests are spearheading the fight to ban online gambling, it should give you pause,” he wrote in an opinion piece published in the political newspaper The Hill.

CEO of Sands Vegas, Sheldon Adelson is one of the largest campaign contributors in America. With elections being held this year, several politicians have withdrawn their support for the online casino industry just to get on the billionaire’s good side.

“Their main policy objective is focused on federal legislation to ban online gambling outright – stifling their competition before it ever reaches the market. It is a glimpse of crony capitalism in its most naked form, and represents a very troubling assault on Internet freedom, giving government a foot in the door for a broader regulatory regime and usurping our federalist system,” Telford warned.

The Hill: Ending the cycle of casino cronyism

Online gambling news revealed that, in his campaign to restore the 2011 Wire Act, the casino mogul has drawn Sen. Lindsey Graham and Representative Jason Chaffetz on his side. But Telford characterized this as “a pretense to advance a moral good”, adding that “this policy would undermine the free market, encourage crime, and erode the constitutional concept of states’ rights.”

Telford quoted free market advocates, who believe that a regulated market would help protect players from fraud and concluded: “Just like Prohibition in the 1920’s, banning this vice would actually incentivize criminal behavior. Those fearful of fraud, child participation, and profits diverted to gangs or terrorists should push for legalization in every state to make the industry as transparent as possible.”

In a letter sent to US congressmen, representatives of the Institute For Policy Innovation wrote: “In this black market, where virtually all sites are operated from abroad, consumers have little to no protection from predatory behavior.”

At the end of his article, Telford reminded readers that legalizing this “multibillion dollar business” would make things more transparent, allowing authorities to verify industry revenues, as well as to profit from tax revenue.

Vegas Inc: At G2E, Sheldon Adelson reiterates disdain for Internet gambling

Billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson continued his crusade against online gambling at this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E), telling those present at the trade show that internet casinos make it easy for underage users to play because “when you’re on the Internet, you cannot know your customer.”

Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business, defended the online gambling industry, claiming that the internet allows operators to authenticate players’ identities. When hearing the argument that internet gambling should be legal because it already happens, Sheldon replied: “Then why don’t we legalize prostitution? Why don’t we legalize cocaine and heroin? That’s not a good reason, to say that they’re doing it anyway.”

Soon after Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware legalized online casino games, other states started to talk about doing the same thing. Adelson then set up the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, a nonprofit organization dedicated to outlawing the business once and for all.

The casino mogul wants US gambling laws to completely ban online casino games and often argues that he fears online gaming will exploit the poor by making gambling too accessible.

“I don’t want those people to get abused because when I look at people like that I see the faces of my parents,” he said in his speech. “I just don’t see that there is any compelling reason to put an electronic casino in 318 million hands.”

iGamingPlayer: New Jersey Assembly Committee Opposes Federal Online Gaming Ban

As one of the three states that have already legalized online gambling, New Jersey is trying to send out a message to Congress, urging officials to reject a federal ban on internet casinos. The industry is already established in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, and other states have announced their intentions to join them in opening the market.

A resolution from Assemblyman Vincent Mazzeo, who represents Atlantic City, says such a ban would not only damage New Jersey’s casino industry, but also infringe on its state’s rights.

“A federal prohibition against internet gaming would directly and negatively impact New Jersey by dismantling the investments that the state and Atlantic City casinos have already made to implement and regulate Internet gaming, taking away the economic and employment opportunities already realized by the state and its residents, and foreclosing the future potential of internet gaming to generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, create high-tech software jobs, and foster valuable business ventures for Atlantic City casinos in this State,” it said.

“Internet gaming has begun to yield benefits for our state’s economy, over $80 million has been wagered, and that’s generating sorely needed tax revenue that’s serving as a stimulus for Atlantic City at this critical time,” Mazzeo explained in his statement.

While fully aware that the industry hasn’t reached its full potential, officials believe a federal ban would have a negative impact, rendering a number of investments useless and taking away millions of dollars in tax revenue.

The resolution opposes the “Restoration of America’s Wire Act” bill strongly backed by Sheldon Adelson, which is now before both houses of Congress.

The world last week wobbled between the tragic and the blessed, the diseased and the drunken, so lets look back at what went on

The tragedy of the numerous avalanche that struck Nepal last week has left 39 people dead so far and more are likely to be recovered in time. A mammoth rescue effort was swung into action as trekkers and climbers were slowly rescued by locals, guides, the emergency services and military. Over 400 people were taken to safety as the search continued throughout the weekend in this remote mountainous kingdom which is a favorite with altitude junkies.The successful negotiations in Nigeria, on the other hand, have been hailed as a major diplomatic victory for both sides with the upshot being that the schoolgirls so alarmingly kidnapped from their schools in the summer may well be back with their friends and families in the very near future ending their months of captivity. The negotiations had been rumored but were only confirmed after the successful arrangement of the truce last week.

There’s no sign of a truce on the street of the Mong Kok district of the modern metropolis that is Hong Kong with the authorities having sent in police to remove barricades and protestors from blocking major streets within the city. However successful they were initially by the end of the day many of the protestors and their obstructions had returned leaving the Chinese-run government with an ever decreasing number of options.

Which is probably true of the crew of the Russian submarine the Russians are strenuously denying has got itself into trouble off the coast of Sweden. The denial rang a bit hollow when the Swedes claimed to have picked up a Russian distress signal and launched a search and rescue operation involving hundreds of troops, boats and aircraft to find the submarine Moscow refused to admit ownership of perhaps gambling that it will yet slip away.

Here are some pictures of the gambling events that made the news last week, on GamblingResults.

1. Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino was shut down due to an armed altercation involving different groups of Indian tribes.

Whats the Chukchansi word for ‘goodbye’? (Photo: Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino)

2. Taj Mahal Casino’s Fate was the subject of another round of discussions. In order to save the gambling venue and more than a thousand jobs, owners and union members are analyzing all the options.

Unite-HERE union wants to save Taj Mahal Casino (Photo: Wayne Parry)

3. Can’t stand to be looked at while you’re receiving an over-sized check? A Chinese lottery winner used a disguise to make the handing out ceremony more… bearable.

Here’s the prize… Handshake or bear hug? (Photo: CCTV)

4. Japan might get its casinos before the Tokyo Olympics, but the government remains committed to its mission: stopping locals from having any fun in there.

Casinos are only for the quests (Photo: Japan Daily Press)

5. Swedish politicians took too long to ponder on what the country’s new gambling laws should look like – apart from… you know… liberal – so the EC is dragging them to European court.

The European Commission doesn’t like the Swedish monopolistic gambling laws (Photo: Reuters)

6. Former WSOP champion Darren Woods is accused of opening 13 fake accounts on a poker site. Now there’s no need to jump to conclusions here, this doesn’t necessarily make him a fraudster; he could just be suffering from multiple personality disorder.

13 different poker faces is not easy to pull (Photo: Grimsby Telegraph via Facebook)

7. Researchers have picked the brains of problem gamblers, only to find that they don’t get much of a kick out of a normal day at the casino. Apparently, their brains are only satisfied once they’ve spent way too much money!

Scientists found some mind-blowing information about gamblers (Photo: Matthias Kulka/Corbis)

Meanwhile President Obama has appointed an Ebola Tsar to assist in combating the hysteria sweeping his country that might well explain why New Hampshire had a pumpkin festival turn into a full scale riot. Will this week be as crazy? Take a look at the daily news on GamblingResults and stay up to date.

The world last week wobbled between the tragic and the blessed, the diseased and the drunken, so lets look back at what went on

The tragedy of the numerous avalanche that struck Nepal last week has left 39 people dead so far and more are likely to be recovered in time. A mammoth rescue effort was swung into action as trekkers and climbers were slowly rescued by locals, guides, the emergency services and military. Over 400 people were taken to safety as the search continued throughout the weekend in this remote mountainous kingdom which is a favorite with altitude junkies.The successful negotiations in Nigeria, on the other hand, have been hailed as a major diplomatic victory for both sides with the upshot being that the schoolgirls so alarmingly kidnapped from their schools in the summer may well be back with their friends and families in the very near future ending their months of captivity. The negotiations had been rumored but were only confirmed after the successful arrangement of the truce last week.

There’s no sign of a truce on the street of the Mong Kok district of the modern metropolis that is Hong Kong with the authorities having sent in police to remove barricades and protestors from blocking major streets within the city. However successful they were initially by the end of the day many of the protestors and their obstructions had returned leaving the Chinese-run government with an ever decreasing number of options.

Which is probably true of the crew of the Russian submarine the Russians are strenuously denying has got itself into trouble off the coast of Sweden. The denial rang a bit hollow when the Swedes claimed to have picked up a Russian distress signal and launched a search and rescue operation involving hundreds of troops, boats and aircraft to find the submarine Moscow refused to admit ownership of perhaps gambling that it will yet slip away.

Here are some pictures of the gambling events that made the news last week, on GamblingResults.

1. Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino was shut down due to an armed altercation involving different groups of Indian tribes.

Whats the Chukchansi word for ‘goodbye’? (Photo: Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino)

2. Taj Mahal Casino’s Fate was the subject of another round of discussions. In order to save the gambling venue and more than a thousand jobs, owners and union members are analyzing all the options.

Unite-HERE union wants to save Taj Mahal Casino (Photo: Wayne Parry)

3. Can’t stand to be looked at while you’re receiving an over-sized check? A Chinese lottery winner used a disguise to make the handing out ceremony more… bearable.

Here’s the prize… Handshake or bear hug? (Photo: CCTV)

4. Japan might get its casinos before the Tokyo Olympics, but the government remains committed to its mission: stopping locals from having any fun in there.

Casinos are only for the quests (Photo: Japan Daily Press)

5. Swedish politicians took too long to ponder on what the country’s new gambling laws should look like – apart from… you know… liberal – so the EC is dragging them to European court.

The European Commission doesn’t like the Swedish monopolistic gambling laws (Photo: Reuters)

6. Former WSOP champion Darren Woods is accused of opening 13 fake accounts on a poker site. Now there’s no need to jump to conclusions here, this doesn’t necessarily make him a fraudster; he could just be suffering from multiple personality disorder.

13 different poker faces is not easy to pull (Photo: Grimsby Telegraph via Facebook)

7. Researchers have picked the brains of problem gamblers, only to find that they don’t get much of a kick out of a normal day at the casino. Apparently, their brains are only satisfied once they’ve spent way too much money!

Scientists found some mind-blowing information about gamblers (Photo: Matthias Kulka/Corbis)

Meanwhile President Obama has appointed an Ebola Tsar to assist in combating the hysteria sweeping his country that might well explain why New Hampshire had a pumpkin festival turn into a full scale riot. Will this week be as crazy? Take a look at the daily news on GamblingResults and stay up to date.

The Trade and Industry department wrote an angry letter detailing the Gambling Board’s alleged graft and financial mismanagement.

Last month, South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies suspended the entire Gambling Board, accusing its members of corruption, intimidation of staff, theft of evidence, wasteful spending of funds, as well as other illegalities.

The department’s oversight committee asked the minister to provide his reasons by Friday, and chairwoman Joan Fubbs received a letter detailing the accusations. Lionel October, the department’s director, said the suspension had been a “precautionary” measure. He spoke on behalf of Davies, who was traveling abroad.

Another letter written by the two administrators appointed by Davies after the suspension and addressed to Fubbs said the former board’s problems went even deeper.

IOL Independent: Call for probe into graft at gambling board

The reasons behind Davies’ decision to suspend the board include corruption, intimidation and bullying of employees, running up an overdraft on the board’s bank account, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Former members of the board have also been accused of theft of evidence and illegally designating a member whose term had expired to serve as a consultant.

According to online gambling news, a whistleblower also revealed that chairwoman Linda de Vries and deputy chairwoman Nana Magomola were both members and executive director, respectively, of the National Responsible Gambling Foundation.

The two had never disclosed this information to the minister, as required by law. Members of the board have allegedly run up an overdraft without asking the finance minister for permission, and failed to audit the trust fund or to disclose this.

Further investigations revealed that the board had signed a 9-year lease for an office space, although it only had 16 employees and was already occupying premises in the trade and industry department’s building, at a cost of R23.2 million over 15 years. The new space was leased at an additional cost of R58.4 million, which could not be justified.

The board reported a loss of R4 million in 2013-2014, and a deficit of R4.8 million during the previous year. At present, its liabilities exceed its assets by R8.1 million.

Casinos-Online: South African Minister Opens Up On Gambling Board Scandal (Update)

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies belatedly briefed the parliamentary committee on the reasons why he chose to suspend the entire South African National Gambling Board six weeks ago.

Joan Fubbs, chair of the parliamentary trade and industry portfolio committee, demanded details on the scandal, describing the government’s actions as lacking transparency.
Allegations of maladministration, wasteful spending and corrupt activities were included in a written brief put together by the minister and presented by the DTI director general.

As a first step, Davies ordered an investigation into the board’s conduct and appointed two temporary administrators to run the organization until investigators shed some light on the issue.

In his brief, the minister described the suspensions as a “precautionary”. A report by the auditor-general indicated possible contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act, claiming that the board had “…failed to prevent irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and made overdraft on the entity’s bank account without the approval of the minister of finance”.

Other allegations include breaking the state’s laws by “allowing members whose term of office had expired to continue participating in the board’s activities and representing the NGB”, unlawful staff appointments, corrupt activity, tyrannical behavior toward staff and the theft of evidential material.

Spokesman Dean Macpherson MP added that members of the board had increased their own salaries by a “staggering” 46% over the past year, spending an additional R2.7 million on international travel. Macpherson said his party would propose that criminal charges be laid against any illegal behavior that can be proved.

The NGB is responsible for overseeing South Africa’s entire gambling industry, which made a total profit of R21.8 billion in 2013 and generated R2.2 billion in tax revenues. Most of it came from land based casinos.

MailandGuardian: NEF boss stays put as auditors probe graft claims

The chief executive of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) appeared in the newspapers after being accused of corruption, fraud and breaking the country’s gambling laws. An investigation is under way, probing the allegations.

Following instructions given by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, the board of the NEF has appointed an auditing firm to “determine the veracity of the allegations”. Deloitte is now looking into the matter to find out if the accusations brought against Philisiwe Mthethwa and two senior officials are true.

An anonymous whistleblower claimed the organization’s senior manager has committed fraud and was guilty of corruption. It was speculated that Mthethwa would be suspended during the investigation, but the board then decided against it.

“After having taken independent legal advice, after a considered deliberation and pending the results of Deloitte’s report on the veracity of the allegations, the board of trustees decided not to suspend any of the individuals who are the subject of the allegations,” a statement said.

“We are confident that no member of the NEF will do anything to ­compromise the integrity of the investigation, and have received commitments from the affected individuals to that effect.”

The Trade and Industry department wrote an angry letter detailing the Gambling Board’s alleged graft and financial mismanagement.

Last month, South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies suspended the entire Gambling Board, accusing its members of corruption, intimidation of staff, theft of evidence, wasteful spending of funds, as well as other illegalities.

The department’s oversight committee asked the minister to provide his reasons by Friday, and chairwoman Joan Fubbs received a letter detailing the accusations. Lionel October, the department’s director, said the suspension had been a “precautionary” measure. He spoke on behalf of Davies, who was traveling abroad.

Another letter written by the two administrators appointed by Davies after the suspension and addressed to Fubbs said the former board’s problems went even deeper.

IOL Independent: Call for probe into graft at gambling board

The reasons behind Davies’ decision to suspend the board include corruption, intimidation and bullying of employees, running up an overdraft on the board’s bank account, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Former members of the board have also been accused of theft of evidence and illegally designating a member whose term had expired to serve as a consultant.

According to online gambling news, a whistleblower also revealed that chairwoman Linda de Vries and deputy chairwoman Nana Magomola were both members and executive director, respectively, of the National Responsible Gambling Foundation.

The two had never disclosed this information to the minister, as required by law. Members of the board have allegedly run up an overdraft without asking the finance minister for permission, and failed to audit the trust fund or to disclose this.

Further investigations revealed that the board had signed a 9-year lease for an office space, although it only had 16 employees and was already occupying premises in the trade and industry department’s building, at a cost of R23.2 million over 15 years. The new space was leased at an additional cost of R58.4 million, which could not be justified.

The board reported a loss of R4 million in 2013-2014, and a deficit of R4.8 million during the previous year. At present, its liabilities exceed its assets by R8.1 million.

Casinos-Online: South African Minister Opens Up On Gambling Board Scandal (Update)

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies belatedly briefed the parliamentary committee on the reasons why he chose to suspend the entire South African National Gambling Board six weeks ago.

Joan Fubbs, chair of the parliamentary trade and industry portfolio committee, demanded details on the scandal, describing the government’s actions as lacking transparency.
Allegations of maladministration, wasteful spending and corrupt activities were included in a written brief put together by the minister and presented by the DTI director general.

As a first step, Davies ordered an investigation into the board’s conduct and appointed two temporary administrators to run the organization until investigators shed some light on the issue.

In his brief, the minister described the suspensions as a “precautionary”. A report by the auditor-general indicated possible contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act, claiming that the board had “…failed to prevent irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and made overdraft on the entity’s bank account without the approval of the minister of finance”.

Other allegations include breaking the state’s laws by “allowing members whose term of office had expired to continue participating in the board’s activities and representing the NGB”, unlawful staff appointments, corrupt activity, tyrannical behavior toward staff and the theft of evidential material.

Spokesman Dean Macpherson MP added that members of the board had increased their own salaries by a “staggering” 46% over the past year, spending an additional R2.7 million on international travel. Macpherson said his party would propose that criminal charges be laid against any illegal behavior that can be proved.

The NGB is responsible for overseeing South Africa’s entire gambling industry, which made a total profit of R21.8 billion in 2013 and generated R2.2 billion in tax revenues. Most of it came from land based casinos.

MailandGuardian: NEF boss stays put as auditors probe graft claims

The chief executive of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) appeared in the newspapers after being accused of corruption, fraud and breaking the country’s gambling laws. An investigation is under way, probing the allegations.

Following instructions given by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, the board of the NEF has appointed an auditing firm to “determine the veracity of the allegations”. Deloitte is now looking into the matter to find out if the accusations brought against Philisiwe Mthethwa and two senior officials are true.

An anonymous whistleblower claimed the organization’s senior manager has committed fraud and was guilty of corruption. It was speculated that Mthethwa would be suspended during the investigation, but the board then decided against it.

“After having taken independent legal advice, after a considered deliberation and pending the results of Deloitte’s report on the veracity of the allegations, the board of trustees decided not to suspend any of the individuals who are the subject of the allegations,” a statement said.

“We are confident that no member of the NEF will do anything to ­compromise the integrity of the investigation, and have received commitments from the affected individuals to that effect.”

The European Commission started legal action against Sweden, for failing to comply with European gambling laws.

Sweden is in trouble. After issuing a number of warnings, the European Commission (EC) is finally fed up and is dragging Swedish legislators to court over the country’s conservative and monopolistic gambling laws, which fail to comply with the European requirement of free movement of services.

The EC has referred the Nordic member state to the highest European court in two separate cases related to the restrictions imposed on the licensing process. Under the current legislation, Swedish authorities only welcome domestic and state-owned operators.

The Commission released a statement explaining its decision: “Sweden is referred to the Court of Justice for imposing restrictions on the organization and promotion of online betting services in a way which is inconsistent with EU law. Changes to the Swedish gambling law in order to make it compliant with EU law have long been envisaged but never implemented.”

Daily Mail: EU Commission sues Sweden over online betting, poker laws

According to the latest gambling news, the two cases concern licensing for online betting and poker sites. European laws require all 28 member states to allow cross-border supply of such services. They may however impose restrictions to protect local players from the harmful effects of online gambling, but only if they prove that these measures are necessary and applied in a suitable and consistent manner.

In its first case against Sweden, the EC has criticized the country’s licensing system for online betting, claiming that it was not applied in a systematic way. Upon analyzing the current legislation, as well as reports and other documents, the Commission found that Swedish authorities don’t supervise the exclusive betting provider adequately.

Sweden’s government has responded to these accusations on Thursday, saying that its intentions were “to speed up the work that has been carried out for a long time in order to find a licensing system that could be introduced in Sweden”.

The second case is about the Nordic country’s regulation of online poker sites. To be more precise, the EC has suggested that Swedish authorities had turned a blind eye to the unauthorized offer and promotion of poker games on the local market.

The European Gaming and Betting Association is happy with the Commission’s move and has calling it “a breakthrough decision”. The two cases marked the first time when Brussels took a member state to court over gambling laws. The EC had previously asked Sweden to change its laws in 2007, giving it a final warning in November last year.

Europa.eu: Commission requests Member States to comply with EU law when regulating gambling services

In a press release issued on November 20, 2013, the European Commission has called on a number of Member States to adapt their national laws on gambling to ensure compliance with the fundamental freedoms granted by the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

While Member States are free to set certain restrictions and limitations on cross-border supply of gambling services to protect the public and prevent fraud, these measures need to be objective and sustained with arguments. The necessity and suitability of these restrictions has to be demonstrated, and all laws have to be consistent with this mission.

In a Communication dating from October 2012, the EC announced that it would complete an assessment of national provisions in the pending infringements cases. As a consequence of the assessment, the Commission has requested Sweden to comply with European rules on the free movement of services and get rid of the state monopoly on gambling services.

Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland and Romania have also been asked to provide further information on national legislation restricting the supply of gambling services.

GamingZion: EGBA Says Swedish Gambling Laws are not in Compliance with European Regulations

A report issued by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) shows that Sweden needs to change its current monopolistic gambling laws. Over the past few years, European officials have sent out several written warnings to authorities in Sweden, asking them to ensure compliance with Europe’s rules on free movement of services.

If the country fails to comply with these requests, it will be referred to the European Court of Justice.

“Evidently the best option for all concerned, and especially for Swedish consumers is that Sweden will commit to re-regulate its market and allow online operators to apply for online licenses,” EGBA secretary general Maarten Haijer told reporters.

The EGBA officials added that a change in legislation is “inevitably the future”, as there is a rising demand for online and land-based gambling services in Sweden.

“If the status quo remains, it is clear that the European Commission (EC) will have no other option than to refer Sweden to the European Court… The commission is clearly convinced that Sweden’s gambling monopoly is not in conformity with EU law,” Haijer said.

Poker News: Sweden’s Gambling Law to Change in 2014: “We Hope the Commission Will Not Sue Us”

Even though the European Commission has warned Sweden about its monopolistic gambling laws a long time ago, authorities are asking for more time and said that “changes are imminent”. Decision-makers promised to draw up a new set of norms, adding that they could be ready as early as next November.

EGBA secretary general Maarten Haijer rejected the proposal and said “immediate sanctions” would be imposed. Erik Thedéen, Sweden’s Treasury Undersecretary admitted in an interview that the government is trying to buy some time, hoping to avoid being sanctioned.

Olivier Guersent, Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Michel Barnier, met with Thedéen to talk about the issue. Officials said new regulations could be drawn up by the end of 2014, provided there are no unnecessary delays caused by the EC.

Thedéen added that he “explained Mr. Guersent that with the current schedule Sweden aims to be ready by November or December” and added: “The European Commission gave no indication about their future behavior. Parties agreed to hold a dialogue at the official level. We hope they will not sue us.”

The European Commission started legal action against Sweden, for failing to comply with European gambling laws.

Sweden is in trouble. After issuing a number of warnings, the European Commission (EC) is finally fed up and is dragging Swedish legislators to court over the country’s conservative and monopolistic gambling laws, which fail to comply with the European requirement of free movement of services.

The EC has referred the Nordic member state to the highest European court in two separate cases related to the restrictions imposed on the licensing process. Under the current legislation, Swedish authorities only welcome domestic and state-owned operators.

The Commission released a statement explaining its decision: “Sweden is referred to the Court of Justice for imposing restrictions on the organization and promotion of online betting services in a way which is inconsistent with EU law. Changes to the Swedish gambling law in order to make it compliant with EU law have long been envisaged but never implemented.”

Daily Mail: EU Commission sues Sweden over online betting, poker laws

According to the latest gambling news, the two cases concern licensing for online betting and poker sites. European laws require all 28 member states to allow cross-border supply of such services. They may however impose restrictions to protect local players from the harmful effects of online gambling, but only if they prove that these measures are necessary and applied in a suitable and consistent manner.

In its first case against Sweden, the EC has criticized the country’s licensing system for online betting, claiming that it was not applied in a systematic way. Upon analyzing the current legislation, as well as reports and other documents, the Commission found that Swedish authorities don’t supervise the exclusive betting provider adequately.

Sweden’s government has responded to these accusations on Thursday, saying that its intentions were “to speed up the work that has been carried out for a long time in order to find a licensing system that could be introduced in Sweden”.

The second case is about the Nordic country’s regulation of online poker sites. To be more precise, the EC has suggested that Swedish authorities had turned a blind eye to the unauthorized offer and promotion of poker games on the local market.

The European Gaming and Betting Association is happy with the Commission’s move and has calling it “a breakthrough decision”. The two cases marked the first time when Brussels took a member state to court over gambling laws. The EC had previously asked Sweden to change its laws in 2007, giving it a final warning in November last year.

Europa.eu: Commission requests Member States to comply with EU law when regulating gambling services

In a press release issued on November 20, 2013, the European Commission has called on a number of Member States to adapt their national laws on gambling to ensure compliance with the fundamental freedoms granted by the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

While Member States are free to set certain restrictions and limitations on cross-border supply of gambling services to protect the public and prevent fraud, these measures need to be objective and sustained with arguments. The necessity and suitability of these restrictions has to be demonstrated, and all laws have to be consistent with this mission.

In a Communication dating from October 2012, the EC announced that it would complete an assessment of national provisions in the pending infringements cases. As a consequence of the assessment, the Commission has requested Sweden to comply with European rules on the free movement of services and get rid of the state monopoly on gambling services.

Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland and Romania have also been asked to provide further information on national legislation restricting the supply of gambling services.

GamingZion: EGBA Says Swedish Gambling Laws are not in Compliance with European Regulations

A report issued by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) shows that Sweden needs to change its current monopolistic gambling laws. Over the past few years, European officials have sent out several written warnings to authorities in Sweden, asking them to ensure compliance with Europe’s rules on free movement of services.

If the country fails to comply with these requests, it will be referred to the European Court of Justice.

“Evidently the best option for all concerned, and especially for Swedish consumers is that Sweden will commit to re-regulate its market and allow online operators to apply for online licenses,” EGBA secretary general Maarten Haijer told reporters.

The EGBA officials added that a change in legislation is “inevitably the future”, as there is a rising demand for online and land-based gambling services in Sweden.

“If the status quo remains, it is clear that the European Commission (EC) will have no other option than to refer Sweden to the European Court… The commission is clearly convinced that Sweden’s gambling monopoly is not in conformity with EU law,” Haijer said.

Poker News: Sweden’s Gambling Law to Change in 2014: “We Hope the Commission Will Not Sue Us”

Even though the European Commission has warned Sweden about its monopolistic gambling laws a long time ago, authorities are asking for more time and said that “changes are imminent”. Decision-makers promised to draw up a new set of norms, adding that they could be ready as early as next November.

EGBA secretary general Maarten Haijer rejected the proposal and said “immediate sanctions” would be imposed. Erik Thedéen, Sweden’s Treasury Undersecretary admitted in an interview that the government is trying to buy some time, hoping to avoid being sanctioned.

Olivier Guersent, Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Michel Barnier, met with Thedéen to talk about the issue. Officials said new regulations could be drawn up by the end of 2014, provided there are no unnecessary delays caused by the EC.

Thedéen added that he “explained Mr. Guersent that with the current schedule Sweden aims to be ready by November or December” and added: “The European Commission gave no indication about their future behavior. Parties agreed to hold a dialogue at the official level. We hope they will not sue us.”

The fate of the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City will be decided later this week. The venue’s management claims the casino still has a chance to survive if the court allows the withdrawal of workers’ health care and pensions.

According to online gambling news, the Taj Mahal will close by November 13 if Trump Entertainment doesn’t get the union concessions. The Atlantic City gambling operator shut its other casino – the Trump Plaza – in September. Another three gambling venues closed this year, as Atlantic City has become less appealing to visitors over the past few years.

US Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross said he would rule on the issue by October 17, and added that the issue needs “a lot of analysis” and that it’s “going to take a while” until he makes a decision.

Bloomberg: Trump Casinos Fate, Union Fight to Be Decided This Week

Lawyers representing Trump Entertainment have argued that the union contract includes an unsustainable cost of about $20 million a year. Given its current financial situation, the company cannot afford to pay that, which is why it asked to cut employee benefits.

If the case succeeds, the casino operator has better chances of getting businessman Carl Icahn’s $100-million support, which could help save the casino from closure. The lenders also want to convert part of Trump Entertainment’s $292 million debt into equity.

In addition to cutting employee pensions and health care, investors also asked for $175 million in tax relief from New Jersey and Atlantic City. The program would be deferred over 5 years and the local administration might have to pass new gambling laws.

The management of the casino is seeking to transfer workers from a traditional pension plan to a 401(k) program, and to move them from to a new health care program under Affordable Care Act sponsorship. To help pay for coverage, workers would receive a $2,000 stipend.

According to lawyer Kathy L. Krieger, the law doesn’t allow a union accord to be rejected unless it is “essential” to a company’s survival.

ABC News: Icahn Aide: Taj Has to Close If Union Pact Remains

Allan Brilliant, a lawyer for business investor Carl Icahn, told US Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross that the casino company needs the financial relief in order to survive. Trump Entertainment has threatened to close the Taj Mahal by November 13 unless it can shed pension and health care obligations to its 3,000 employees.

“If you don’t grant the motion, it’s just not viable as a business,” Brilliant argued in front of the court. “Ultimately very quickly the casino will close. This is the window here; the window is open.”

Kris Hansen, who represented Trump Entertainment, added: “If you do grant it, we have a chance to stay alive. The cost structure of this casino doesn’t work, and it needs to be fixed. If we’re successful, employees get to keep their jobs, even though they made some concessions. Having a job is better than not having a job.”

In addition to union concessions, the company needs massive tax breaks from Atlantic City and New Jersey. Both administrations have already rejected the demand. The casino initially sought to have property taxes lowered by almost 80%. But Kathy Krieger, a lawyer for Local 54 of the Unite-HERE union, believes the investors are trying to profit on the backs of the low-wage casino employees.

“Let’s look at the poorest of the stakeholders here and make sure they give up everything permanently before we’re even willing to move. That’s absolute nonsense,” she said, adding that the businessman is “asking for major concessions that will give him a huge competitive advantage over every other casino in Atlantic City.”

After a negative response from Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian and state Senate President Steve Sweeney, the company came forward with a different request, seeking $175 million in tax relief.

GamingZion: Union Members Make Strong Proposals to Keep Taj Mahal Open

Union members are also making efforts to stop the famous Atlantic City from closing and have proposed counteroffers to the company’s management.

While Trump Entertainment officials want to cut costs by getting rid of health care and pension plans, Local 54 of the Unite-HERE union has proposed an alternative solution: they said they would agree to smaller pension contributions, but they’re not willing to cancel pension funds altogether.

The two parties will be discussing details in a meeting, and Trump Entertainment CEO Robert Griffin did not want to comment on the union’s counteroffer. However, he added that the company “will remain committed to negotiating in good faith”.

“We hope to make the most of the three hours we will be meeting for on Friday,” he told reporters.

The fate of the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City will be decided later this week. The venue’s management claims the casino still has a chance to survive if the court allows the withdrawal of workers’ health care and pensions.

According to online gambling news, the Taj Mahal will close by November 13 if Trump Entertainment doesn’t get the union concessions. The Atlantic City gambling operator shut its other casino – the Trump Plaza – in September. Another three gambling venues closed this year, as Atlantic City has become less appealing to visitors over the past few years.

US Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross said he would rule on the issue by October 17, and added that the issue needs “a lot of analysis” and that it’s “going to take a while” until he makes a decision.

Bloomberg: Trump Casinos Fate, Union Fight to Be Decided This Week

Lawyers representing Trump Entertainment have argued that the union contract includes an unsustainable cost of about $20 million a year. Given its current financial situation, the company cannot afford to pay that, which is why it asked to cut employee benefits.

If the case succeeds, the casino operator has better chances of getting businessman Carl Icahn’s $100-million support, which could help save the casino from closure. The lenders also want to convert part of Trump Entertainment’s $292 million debt into equity.

In addition to cutting employee pensions and health care, investors also asked for $175 million in tax relief from New Jersey and Atlantic City. The program would be deferred over 5 years and the local administration might have to pass new gambling laws.

The management of the casino is seeking to transfer workers from a traditional pension plan to a 401(k) program, and to move them from to a new health care program under Affordable Care Act sponsorship. To help pay for coverage, workers would receive a $2,000 stipend.

According to lawyer Kathy L. Krieger, the law doesn’t allow a union accord to be rejected unless it is “essential” to a company’s survival.

ABC News: Icahn Aide: Taj Has to Close If Union Pact Remains

Allan Brilliant, a lawyer for business investor Carl Icahn, told US Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross that the casino company needs the financial relief in order to survive. Trump Entertainment has threatened to close the Taj Mahal by November 13 unless it can shed pension and health care obligations to its 3,000 employees.

“If you don’t grant the motion, it’s just not viable as a business,” Brilliant argued in front of the court. “Ultimately very quickly the casino will close. This is the window here; the window is open.”

Kris Hansen, who represented Trump Entertainment, added: “If you do grant it, we have a chance to stay alive. The cost structure of this casino doesn’t work, and it needs to be fixed. If we’re successful, employees get to keep their jobs, even though they made some concessions. Having a job is better than not having a job.”

In addition to union concessions, the company needs massive tax breaks from Atlantic City and New Jersey. Both administrations have already rejected the demand. The casino initially sought to have property taxes lowered by almost 80%. But Kathy Krieger, a lawyer for Local 54 of the Unite-HERE union, believes the investors are trying to profit on the backs of the low-wage casino employees.

“Let’s look at the poorest of the stakeholders here and make sure they give up everything permanently before we’re even willing to move. That’s absolute nonsense,” she said, adding that the businessman is “asking for major concessions that will give him a huge competitive advantage over every other casino in Atlantic City.”

After a negative response from Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian and state Senate President Steve Sweeney, the company came forward with a different request, seeking $175 million in tax relief.

GamingZion: Union Members Make Strong Proposals to Keep Taj Mahal Open

Union members are also making efforts to stop the famous Atlantic City from closing and have proposed counteroffers to the company’s management.

While Trump Entertainment officials want to cut costs by getting rid of health care and pension plans, Local 54 of the Unite-HERE union has proposed an alternative solution: they said they would agree to smaller pension contributions, but they’re not willing to cancel pension funds altogether.

The two parties will be discussing details in a meeting, and Trump Entertainment CEO Robert Griffin did not want to comment on the union’s counteroffer. However, he added that the company “will remain committed to negotiating in good faith”.

“We hope to make the most of the three hours we will be meeting for on Friday,” he told reporters.

The week between October 7th and 13th was another busy week around the globe, therefore plenty of news. Good news first:

Formula 1 made a comeback in Russia after 100 years. The Nobel Prize for peace was awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai and the Honorary Dame Grand Cross was awarded to Angelina Jolie by the Queen Elisabeth II of Great Britain.

Moving onto the bad news, another country leader made the news by simply ‘showing up’; Kim Jong Un has made his first public appearance in 40 days. Awful news came from the health sector: a patient diagnosed with Ebola died in the US and another one just got infected in Spain. In Africa, hundreds are still dying. People have died in India as well due to Cyclone Hudhud and in Hong Kong, protesters were still marching for democracy.

The gambling news were interesting as well. Let’s take a look at the pics, first!

1. Singapore failed at choosing words in the campaign against gambling but succeed in banning gambling activities.

Clearly, the campaigners were not bettors… or football fans (Photo: Reuters)

2. The Trump name shall only be associated with ‘high standards of luxury’. It was decided in court that the famous surname will be removed from Trump Plaza and Trump Taj Mahal, now tapped out casinos.

Donald Trump maintains successful reputation (Photo: Timothy A. Clary/Getty)

3. Phil Ivey’s case of edge-sorting and exploiting casino’s failures was declared cheating, in court. The poker player will not have access to his winnings.

Phil Ivey lost GBP 7.7 million (Photo: ESPN)

4. Floyd Mayweather showed everybody that he is not only a good sportsman, but also a good sports bettor. And a very, very rich man.

That’s how a ‘long count’ looks like outside the boxing ring (Photo: Daily Mail)

5. New and stricter gambling laws are expected in the Czech Republic. Foreign gambling operators are welcomed as well in a hope to boost tax revenues.

Czech Finance Minister, Andrej Babiš announced new gambling laws (Photo: Jan Zatorsky)

6. New gambling laws, new taxes in the UK as well. The Court granted ‘green light’ for implementing the anticipated legal amendments, despite Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association objections.

UK judges denied Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association’s appeal (Photo: UPPA Ltd)

7. Ka-Ching! 350 people bought vintage gambling machines worth $2,381,700 at the Victorian Casino Antiques auction. The unique gambling items once belonged to the iconic Las Vegas Harrah’s Hotel and Casino.

When in doubt, go vintage! (Photo: VCA Auction)

That was it for the past seven days. If you want to stay informed with the latest gambling news, read the Gambling Results’ top stories section!

The week between October 7th and 13th was another busy week around the globe, therefore plenty of news. Good news first:

Formula 1 made a comeback in Russia after 100 years. The Nobel Prize for peace was awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai and the Honorary Dame Grand Cross was awarded to Angelina Jolie by the Queen Elisabeth II of Great Britain.

Moving onto the bad news, another country leader made the news by simply ‘showing up’; Kim Jong Un has made his first public appearance in 40 days. Awful news came from the health sector: a patient diagnosed with Ebola died in the US and another one just got infected in Spain. In Africa, hundreds are still dying. People have died in India as well due to Cyclone Hudhud and in Hong Kong, protesters were still marching for democracy.

The gambling news were interesting as well. Let’s take a look at the pics, first!

1. Singapore failed at choosing words in the campaign against gambling but succeed in banning gambling activities.

Clearly, the campaigners were not bettors… or football fans (Photo: Reuters)

2. The Trump name shall only be associated with ‘high standards of luxury’. It was decided in court that the famous surname will be removed from Trump Plaza and Trump Taj Mahal, now tapped out casinos.

Donald Trump maintains successful reputation (Photo: Timothy A. Clary/Getty)

3. Phil Ivey’s case of edge-sorting and exploiting casino’s failures was declared cheating, in court. The poker player will not have access to his winnings.

Phil Ivey lost GBP 7.7 million (Photo: ESPN)

4. Floyd Mayweather showed everybody that he is not only a good sportsman, but also a good sports bettor. And a very, very rich man.

That’s how a ‘long count’ looks like outside the boxing ring (Photo: Daily Mail)

5. New and stricter gambling laws are expected in the Czech Republic. Foreign gambling operators are welcomed as well in a hope to boost tax revenues.

Czech Finance Minister, Andrej Babiš announced new gambling laws (Photo: Jan Zatorsky)

6. New gambling laws, new taxes in the UK as well. The Court granted ‘green light’ for implementing the anticipated legal amendments, despite Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association objections.

UK judges denied Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association’s appeal (Photo: UPPA Ltd)

7. Ka-Ching! 350 people bought vintage gambling machines worth $2,381,700 at the Victorian Casino Antiques auction. The unique gambling items once belonged to the iconic Las Vegas Harrah’s Hotel and Casino.

When in doubt, go vintage! (Photo: VCA Auction)

That was it for the past seven days. If you want to stay informed with the latest gambling news, read the Gambling Results’ top stories section!

Police are still investigating the details of the explosion that shook Kuala Lumpur last week.

Authorities are now looking for a man who goes by the name Ah Hai, a gambling kingpin said to be the leader of one of the biggest illegal gambling syndicates in Malaysia. Police officers indicated the incident was linked to “an underworld tussle”, and they believe Ah Hai was the main target of the blast.

Police said the 53-year-old man was involved in another incident earlier in August, when he was arrested for threatening an officer with a gun. Ah Hai is also known to be a gangster, a former drug dealer and assistant to a secret society leader.

Online gambling news have reported that investigators have spoken to some of the victims, as well as other witnesses, but haven’t made any arrests yet.

The Star: Six Bukit Bintang nightspots raided as hunt for ‘Ah Hai’ continues

Six nightclubs in Bukit Bintang have been raided as police officers continue their search for “Ah Hai”, the suspected target in the grenade attack at Sun Complex. According to CID chief Senior Asst Comm Gan Kong Meng, police conducted raids on six outlets over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday.

“We raided three outlets and checked a total of 405 people and arrested two people for allowing underaged individuals into an entertainment outlet and opening an entertainment outlet past the stipulated closing time,” he told reporters.

“Bukit Aman personnel including a Special Task Force on Organized Crime (STAFOC) team raided three other outlets and checked 215 people and rescued three Vietnamese women under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act.

“The three are believed to have been exploited for sex,” he added.

The Straits Times: Bukit Bintang blast: Kuala Lumpur police on the hunt for gambling kingpin

Malaysian police are looking for “Ah Hai”, the gambling kingpin and reported target of the grenade attack that took place in a shopping district in Kuala Lumpur. One man died and 12 were injured in the hit attempt at the center.

Investigators heard statements from the victims and believe the attack was carried out by two men. No arrests have been made so far. Police chief Tajuddin Md Isa said “Ah Hai” could be a crucial witness. The man was allegedly involved in a case in Sentul, in August, when he was charged with aiming a gun at a policeman.

“Ah Hai” is a gang leader who broke gambling laws by running an illegal online casino. His business grew to become one of the largest underground betting syndicates in Malaysia, and the media wrote he was even working with a former police officer as his right-hand man.

“He may have angered rival gangs as he encroached into their territory when expanding his business ventures,” a source told The Star newspaper.

The blast took place in an area popular with tourists, and locals believe it came as a result of gangland turf wars. Two grenades were thrown at cars in front of the Cherry Blossom nightclub, a place “Ah Hai” visits at least twice a month. Newspapers reported he is part of Gang 21, one of the country’s largest organized groups of criminals.

Yahoo News: Cops on hunt for ‘Ah Hai’, target of Bukit Bintang bomb blast

The hunt for gambling overlord Ah Hai continues. Police disclosed that the 53-year-old man had pointed a gun at a police officer earlier in August, after being asked to provide his personal documents during a routine check in Sentul.

Ah Hai was arrested after the incident, but later he was released on police bail. A police source said the man was a “bold gangster”, who was once the personal assistant to Lik Gor, a notorious secret society leader known as The Boss of Golden Palace.

“We don’t think he has fled the country. I think he is laying low and we are exhausting all our sources to find him as he will be able to shed light into investigations,” city police chief DCP Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa told reporters.

Back in 2006, Ah Hai was suspected of being involved in one of the country’s largest illegal betting operations and was high on the wanted list. Police had previously arrested him under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 for drug trafficking and possession.

The Malaysian Insider: Car jockey killed, 13 hurt in Jalan Bukit Bintang blast

A car jockey was killed and 13 others were injured in a blast in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. A hand grenade exploded in front of a pub and police said Tiong Kwang Yie, a 36-year-old car jockey died in the incident.

“Police received a complaint at 4.25 am and sent a dispatch to the Cherry Blossom nightclub to ascertain the damage. Initial reports indicate that two hand grenades had been thrown from the second floor of a building,” Kuala Lumpur CID chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Gan Kong Meng told reporters.

Nine men and four women aged between 20 and 42, including nationals from Thailand, China and Singapore, were sent to the hospital after being injured in the blast.

“Initial investigations reveal that two hand grenades were thrown but only one exploded. Shrapnel from the hand grenade caused injuries to passers-by,” Gan explained.

Four vehicles were also damaged in the blast. The second hand grenade, which failed to explode, was found under one of the cars.

Police are still investigating the details of the explosion that shook Kuala Lumpur last week.

Authorities are now looking for a man who goes by the name Ah Hai, a gambling kingpin said to be the leader of one of the biggest illegal gambling syndicates in Malaysia. Police officers indicated the incident was linked to “an underworld tussle”, and they believe Ah Hai was the main target of the blast.

Police said the 53-year-old man was involved in another incident earlier in August, when he was arrested for threatening an officer with a gun. Ah Hai is also known to be a gangster, a former drug dealer and assistant to a secret society leader.

Online gambling news have reported that investigators have spoken to some of the victims, as well as other witnesses, but haven’t made any arrests yet.

The Star: Six Bukit Bintang nightspots raided as hunt for ‘Ah Hai’ continues

Six nightclubs in Bukit Bintang have been raided as police officers continue their search for “Ah Hai”, the suspected target in the grenade attack at Sun Complex. According to CID chief Senior Asst Comm Gan Kong Meng, police conducted raids on six outlets over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday.

“We raided three outlets and checked a total of 405 people and arrested two people for allowing underaged individuals into an entertainment outlet and opening an entertainment outlet past the stipulated closing time,” he told reporters.

“Bukit Aman personnel including a Special Task Force on Organized Crime (STAFOC) team raided three other outlets and checked 215 people and rescued three Vietnamese women under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act.

“The three are believed to have been exploited for sex,” he added.

The Straits Times: Bukit Bintang blast: Kuala Lumpur police on the hunt for gambling kingpin

Malaysian police are looking for “Ah Hai”, the gambling kingpin and reported target of the grenade attack that took place in a shopping district in Kuala Lumpur. One man died and 12 were injured in the hit attempt at the center.

Investigators heard statements from the victims and believe the attack was carried out by two men. No arrests have been made so far. Police chief Tajuddin Md Isa said “Ah Hai” could be a crucial witness. The man was allegedly involved in a case in Sentul, in August, when he was charged with aiming a gun at a policeman.

“Ah Hai” is a gang leader who broke gambling laws by running an illegal online casino. His business grew to become one of the largest underground betting syndicates in Malaysia, and the media wrote he was even working with a former police officer as his right-hand man.

“He may have angered rival gangs as he encroached into their territory when expanding his business ventures,” a source told The Star newspaper.

The blast took place in an area popular with tourists, and locals believe it came as a result of gangland turf wars. Two grenades were thrown at cars in front of the Cherry Blossom nightclub, a place “Ah Hai” visits at least twice a month. Newspapers reported he is part of Gang 21, one of the country’s largest organized groups of criminals.

Yahoo News: Cops on hunt for ‘Ah Hai’, target of Bukit Bintang bomb blast

The hunt for gambling overlord Ah Hai continues. Police disclosed that the 53-year-old man had pointed a gun at a police officer earlier in August, after being asked to provide his personal documents during a routine check in Sentul.

Ah Hai was arrested after the incident, but later he was released on police bail. A police source said the man was a “bold gangster”, who was once the personal assistant to Lik Gor, a notorious secret society leader known as The Boss of Golden Palace.

“We don’t think he has fled the country. I think he is laying low and we are exhausting all our sources to find him as he will be able to shed light into investigations,” city police chief DCP Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa told reporters.

Back in 2006, Ah Hai was suspected of being involved in one of the country’s largest illegal betting operations and was high on the wanted list. Police had previously arrested him under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 for drug trafficking and possession.

The Malaysian Insider: Car jockey killed, 13 hurt in Jalan Bukit Bintang blast

A car jockey was killed and 13 others were injured in a blast in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. A hand grenade exploded in front of a pub and police said Tiong Kwang Yie, a 36-year-old car jockey died in the incident.

“Police received a complaint at 4.25 am and sent a dispatch to the Cherry Blossom nightclub to ascertain the damage. Initial reports indicate that two hand grenades had been thrown from the second floor of a building,” Kuala Lumpur CID chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Gan Kong Meng told reporters.

Nine men and four women aged between 20 and 42, including nationals from Thailand, China and Singapore, were sent to the hospital after being injured in the blast.

“Initial investigations reveal that two hand grenades were thrown but only one exploded. Shrapnel from the hand grenade caused injuries to passers-by,” Gan explained.

Four vehicles were also damaged in the blast. The second hand grenade, which failed to explode, was found under one of the cars.

The UK Government will move forward with its plan to tax remote gambling companies who cater to British players.

The court has given the British Government the green light to implement its new gambling laws. The decision comes after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association challenged the government’s new licensing and taxation policies in court, hoping to receive approval to continue catering to British players remotely, without actually paying taxes in the UK.

For several years now, top gambling operators – including big names like William Hill, Ladbrokes or bet365 – have been running their online casinos and betting services from places like Gibraltar, Malta or Isle of Man. These offshore jurisdictions have much lower taxes than the UK, allowing gambling companies to pocket millions of pounds that would normally go to the British government.

The industry has been preparing for the big tax change, which is expected to cost it around GBP300 million a year, but the move has also caused share prices to drop. British bookmaker William Hill saw its shares fall 3.3%, while Ladbrokes shares dropped more than 4% following the court’s decision.

Reuters: RPT- Court clears Britain to take tighter control of online gambling

In order to tighten controls on the online betting industry, the British Government will require all internet gambling companies to obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission before providing their services on the local market.

With the new license comes an additional 15% tax on online profits made from bets placed by UK-based customers, which is scheduled to come into force on December 1. As of March 2015, bookmakers will also pay 20 to 25% more on lucrative high stakes gambling machines. It is estimated that this tax increase will cost betting companies around GBP75 million a year.

As for the new gambling act, officials had initially set the deadline for October 1, but were forced to postpone the measures until November 1 after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) challenged them in court, claiming they contravened European laws guaranteeing free movement of services.

Judge Nicholas Green dismissed the appeal on Friday, saying: “Parliament was clearly within its rights to act as it did.”

“We remain concerned the UK regulator will find it difficult to hold companies to account in jurisdictions outside of the EU where it has no legal powers and common legal framework or culture,” the GBGA wrote in a statement.

Critics argue that the new regulations will result in unlicensed operators offering better odds on sports scores, thus encouraging gamblers to turn to illegal websites, which offer no consumer protection.

GBGA: “Unlawful’” Gambling Law Poses “New Danger” for Consumers

Earlier in June, the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) raised a few issues regarding the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, labeling it as “unlawful”, and claiming that it “threatens the safety of consumers online.”

The new regime will require the UK Gambling Commission to police the online industry worldwide, which will be very difficult. GBGA chief Peter Howitt believes that the new law, combined with planned tax changes, will cause local players to migrate to the unregulated market.

“This is bad for UK consumers, bad for the regulated industry, bad for Gibraltar and is in breach of European law, but fantastic news for operators who choose to avoid proper regulation,” he said in a statement.

“We know of no precedent where any regulator in any industry will be granted the role of licensing and regulating operators all over the world in this way, threatening to criminalize companies and people who fail to submit to its regime. This is plainly unworkable.”

In addition to being “unlawful” and “unworkable”, the new law is also “unnecessary”, the association said. Gibraltar has one of the world’s most effective regulatory regimes and would continue to be responsible for its gambling industry, but it would also have to share information with the UK regulator on a formal basis.

In a statement released by the GBGA, the association’s lawyers added: “All this Act achieves is a wholly unjustified, disproportionate and discriminatory interference with the right to free movement of services, a right enshrined in European Law.”

Gaming Intelligence: Pinnacle Sports to shut down UK operations

Curaçao-licensed betting operator Pinnacle Sports announced that it will withdraw from the UK market. The company decided to stop catering to British players after the Government announced it was introducing tighter regulations under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.

At the beginning of September, the company sent a notification to all its customers, announcing it will shut down its UK operations from September 30th. Apart from withdrawals, all account functions have been disabled starting September 30. The restriction applies to subscribers who have listed UK as their place of residence, in their account details.

“Amendments to the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act come into force on October 1st, 2014 requiring all companies that advertise or provide gambling services to British residents to obtain a license from the British Gambling Commission,” the betting operator explained in a statement.

Pinnacle is just one of the many online gambling operators who chose to withdraw from the British market due to the 15% point of consumption tax. The list also includes SBOBet and 12BET, both licensed in Isle of Man, and Gibraltar-based Mansion casino.

The UK Government will move forward with its plan to tax remote gambling companies who cater to British players.

The court has given the British Government the green light to implement its new gambling laws. The decision comes after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association challenged the government’s new licensing and taxation policies in court, hoping to receive approval to continue catering to British players remotely, without actually paying taxes in the UK.

For several years now, top gambling operators – including big names like William Hill, Ladbrokes or bet365 – have been running their online casinos and betting services from places like Gibraltar, Malta or Isle of Man. These offshore jurisdictions have much lower taxes than the UK, allowing gambling companies to pocket millions of pounds that would normally go to the British government.

The industry has been preparing for the big tax change, which is expected to cost it around GBP300 million a year, but the move has also caused share prices to drop. British bookmaker William Hill saw its shares fall 3.3%, while Ladbrokes shares dropped more than 4% following the court’s decision.

Reuters: RPT- Court clears Britain to take tighter control of online gambling

In order to tighten controls on the online betting industry, the British Government will require all internet gambling companies to obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission before providing their services on the local market.

With the new license comes an additional 15% tax on online profits made from bets placed by UK-based customers, which is scheduled to come into force on December 1. As of March 2015, bookmakers will also pay 20 to 25% more on lucrative high stakes gambling machines. It is estimated that this tax increase will cost betting companies around GBP75 million a year.

As for the new gambling act, officials had initially set the deadline for October 1, but were forced to postpone the measures until November 1 after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) challenged them in court, claiming they contravened European laws guaranteeing free movement of services.

Judge Nicholas Green dismissed the appeal on Friday, saying: “Parliament was clearly within its rights to act as it did.”

“We remain concerned the UK regulator will find it difficult to hold companies to account in jurisdictions outside of the EU where it has no legal powers and common legal framework or culture,” the GBGA wrote in a statement.

Critics argue that the new regulations will result in unlicensed operators offering better odds on sports scores, thus encouraging gamblers to turn to illegal websites, which offer no consumer protection.

GBGA: “Unlawful’” Gambling Law Poses “New Danger” for Consumers

Earlier in June, the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) raised a few issues regarding the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, labeling it as “unlawful”, and claiming that it “threatens the safety of consumers online.”

The new regime will require the UK Gambling Commission to police the online industry worldwide, which will be very difficult. GBGA chief Peter Howitt believes that the new law, combined with planned tax changes, will cause local players to migrate to the unregulated market.

“This is bad for UK consumers, bad for the regulated industry, bad for Gibraltar and is in breach of European law, but fantastic news for operators who choose to avoid proper regulation,” he said in a statement.

“We know of no precedent where any regulator in any industry will be granted the role of licensing and regulating operators all over the world in this way, threatening to criminalize companies and people who fail to submit to its regime. This is plainly unworkable.”

In addition to being “unlawful” and “unworkable”, the new law is also “unnecessary”, the association said. Gibraltar has one of the world’s most effective regulatory regimes and would continue to be responsible for its gambling industry, but it would also have to share information with the UK regulator on a formal basis.

In a statement released by the GBGA, the association’s lawyers added: “All this Act achieves is a wholly unjustified, disproportionate and discriminatory interference with the right to free movement of services, a right enshrined in European Law.”

Gaming Intelligence: Pinnacle Sports to shut down UK operations

Curaçao-licensed betting operator Pinnacle Sports announced that it will withdraw from the UK market. The company decided to stop catering to British players after the Government announced it was introducing tighter regulations under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.

At the beginning of September, the company sent a notification to all its customers, announcing it will shut down its UK operations from September 30th. Apart from withdrawals, all account functions have been disabled starting September 30. The restriction applies to subscribers who have listed UK as their place of residence, in their account details.

“Amendments to the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act come into force on October 1st, 2014 requiring all companies that advertise or provide gambling services to British residents to obtain a license from the British Gambling Commission,” the betting operator explained in a statement.

Pinnacle is just one of the many online gambling operators who chose to withdraw from the British market due to the 15% point of consumption tax. The list also includes SBOBet and 12BET, both licensed in Isle of Man, and Gibraltar-based Mansion casino.

Czech authorities want to introduce a new ruled for the gambling industry, seeking to tighten regulations and lift tax revenue.

Gamblers living in the Czech Republic spend more than $6 billion every year, making the local market profitable enough to spark the interest of some of the largest online gambling firms out there.

There are currently five companies dominating the Czech betting market, including Prague-listed Fortuna Entertainment, but the industry has grown over the past few years and officials believe the country is ready to open itself to foreign operators.

Under the current regulations, foreign-based online betting firms cannot provide services in the Czech Republic unless they have a physical presence in the country. In other words, they would need to obtain a license and open land-based betting shops before going live.

But now the Finance Ministry said they should be allowed to operate in the country under new gambling laws, and of course taxed accordingly.

Reuters: Czechs look to boost tax revenue with revamped gambling law

Under the current regulations, gamblers who access foreign websites risk steep fines. Betting companies that don’t hold a license in the country are not allowed to advertise their products here. But the Czech Republic has a population of 10.5 million, and the local gambling market has a lot of potential for growth.

For a while now, betting companies have been complaining about all the inconsistencies in regulation and tax policies practiced across different states of the European Union. Many operators prefer to avoid countries where regulations aren’t clearly defined, and the Czech Republic was certainly not a main hub for foreign-based operators.

But the new proposal would change the current laws to allow remote betting groups, provided that they register their operations and pay taxes to the local government. The new tax rates are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

“Users currently bet abroad, which several foreign companies make easier by introducing sites in Czech. According to our estimates, the state misses out on more than 1 billion crowns a year in this segment,” Deputy Finance Minister Ondrej Zavodsky said.

Before going into effect, the ministry’s proposal would have to go through government consultations. The law would most likely be applicable in 2016.

Prague Post: Ministry wants to ban gambling machines in pubs, gas stations

Authorities intend to ban gambling machines from pubs, bars and gas stations located across the Czech Republic. Deputy Finance Minister Ondřej Závodský told reporters that betting offices, casinos and gambling rooms will still be legal, but a registry of gamblers and a central monitoring system will be established, to track their activity.

According to online gambling news, these gambling machines are the most harmful for problem gamblers and vulnerable players. When the new regulations come into force, the customs administration will be the new authority responsible for giving permission for new machines, instead of the Finance Ministry.

Ultimately, municipalities will have the final say when establishing the locations where operators will be allowed to open new businesses. They will also have the authority to ban this type of gambling in the area. The ministry’s only role will be to supervise the gambling industry in general.

Another measure proposed in the bill requires that the number of gambling rooms and casinos be decided according to the number of inhabitants in each region. For example, municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants will only be allowed to have one gambling room. Casinos will only be allowed to open in areas with more than 40,000 inhabitants.

The new bill is expected to be presented by the end of the year. It will also include information on new gambling fees and taxes.

Czech.cz: New bill to introduce strict gambling regulation

Finance Minister Andrej Babiš has unveiled details about the new gambling regulations proposed in the Czech Republic. Under the new laws, slot machines would be banned from pubs and bars, and moved to casinos or specialized venues. They would also have betting limits.

There are around 100,000 gambling addicts in the country; the government spends an estimated 15 billion crowns per year in health care and welfare. Several municipalities have already taken steps to ban or restrict gambling on a local level.

“The draft legislation addresses all negative impacts of gambling on the society which have been estimated at 15 billion crowns every year,” Finance Minister Andrej Babiš told reporters. “But there is more – hundreds of suicides, broken-up families, and so on. The draft should enter into force in January 2016 which gives us enough time for a proper debate and I firmly believe the bill will be approved.”

The ministry also intends to set up a central monitoring system to control gambling operations in real time. Additionally, gamblers and punters would have to register in a database, which will then be connected to other registries, such as the databases showing welfare recipients.

“We would also like to introduce principles of responsible gambling, establishing maximum hourly and monthly bet limits. On top of that, we want to prevent certain groups of people from gambling. These include gambling addicts undergoing treatment or those who owe money either to their families or to the state,” Babiš added.

The draft legislation will most likely go into force in January 2016.

Czech authorities want to introduce a new ruled for the gambling industry, seeking to tighten regulations and lift tax revenue.

Gamblers living in the Czech Republic spend more than $6 billion every year, making the local market profitable enough to spark the interest of some of the largest online gambling firms out there.

There are currently five companies dominating the Czech betting market, including Prague-listed Fortuna Entertainment, but the industry has grown over the past few years and officials believe the country is ready to open itself to foreign operators.

Under the current regulations, foreign-based online betting firms cannot provide services in the Czech Republic unless they have a physical presence in the country. In other words, they would need to obtain a license and open land-based betting shops before going live.

But now the Finance Ministry said they should be allowed to operate in the country under new gambling laws, and of course taxed accordingly.

Reuters: Czechs look to boost tax revenue with revamped gambling law

Under the current regulations, gamblers who access foreign websites risk steep fines. Betting companies that don’t hold a license in the country are not allowed to advertise their products here. But the Czech Republic has a population of 10.5 million, and the local gambling market has a lot of potential for growth.

For a while now, betting companies have been complaining about all the inconsistencies in regulation and tax policies practiced across different states of the European Union. Many operators prefer to avoid countries where regulations aren’t clearly defined, and the Czech Republic was certainly not a main hub for foreign-based operators.

But the new proposal would change the current laws to allow remote betting groups, provided that they register their operations and pay taxes to the local government. The new tax rates are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

“Users currently bet abroad, which several foreign companies make easier by introducing sites in Czech. According to our estimates, the state misses out on more than 1 billion crowns a year in this segment,” Deputy Finance Minister Ondrej Zavodsky said.

Before going into effect, the ministry’s proposal would have to go through government consultations. The law would most likely be applicable in 2016.

Prague Post: Ministry wants to ban gambling machines in pubs, gas stations

Authorities intend to ban gambling machines from pubs, bars and gas stations located across the Czech Republic. Deputy Finance Minister Ondřej Závodský told reporters that betting offices, casinos and gambling rooms will still be legal, but a registry of gamblers and a central monitoring system will be established, to track their activity.

According to online gambling news, these gambling machines are the most harmful for problem gamblers and vulnerable players. When the new regulations come into force, the customs administration will be the new authority responsible for giving permission for new machines, instead of the Finance Ministry.

Ultimately, municipalities will have the final say when establishing the locations where operators will be allowed to open new businesses. They will also have the authority to ban this type of gambling in the area. The ministry’s only role will be to supervise the gambling industry in general.

Another measure proposed in the bill requires that the number of gambling rooms and casinos be decided according to the number of inhabitants in each region. For example, municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants will only be allowed to have one gambling room. Casinos will only be allowed to open in areas with more than 40,000 inhabitants.

The new bill is expected to be presented by the end of the year. It will also include information on new gambling fees and taxes.

Czech.cz: New bill to introduce strict gambling regulation

Finance Minister Andrej Babiš has unveiled details about the new gambling regulations proposed in the Czech Republic. Under the new laws, slot machines would be banned from pubs and bars, and moved to casinos or specialized venues. They would also have betting limits.

There are around 100,000 gambling addicts in the country; the government spends an estimated 15 billion crowns per year in health care and welfare. Several municipalities have already taken steps to ban or restrict gambling on a local level.

“The draft legislation addresses all negative impacts of gambling on the society which have been estimated at 15 billion crowns every year,” Finance Minister Andrej Babiš told reporters. “But there is more – hundreds of suicides, broken-up families, and so on. The draft should enter into force in January 2016 which gives us enough time for a proper debate and I firmly believe the bill will be approved.”

The ministry also intends to set up a central monitoring system to control gambling operations in real time. Additionally, gamblers and punters would have to register in a database, which will then be connected to other registries, such as the databases showing welfare recipients.

“We would also like to introduce principles of responsible gambling, establishing maximum hourly and monthly bet limits. On top of that, we want to prevent certain groups of people from gambling. These include gambling addicts undergoing treatment or those who owe money either to their families or to the state,” Babiš added.

The draft legislation will most likely go into force in January 2016.

Pro boxer Floyd Mayweather flaunts his winnings on Instagram, after betting large amounts of money on the Seahawks and the Colts.

Floyd Mayweather is certainly one of the luckiest punters out there. The man has won $105 million over the past year by betting on sports scores. He began the week by adding almost $1 million to his total winnings, after placing a lot of money on the Seahawks and on the Colts.

The professional boxer took the opportunity to show off his latest winnings on social media after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins 27-17 in a messy game with a total of 16 penalties. A photo of Mayweathear’s lucky betting ticket was posted on Instagram.

“I bet $220,000.00 on the World Champion Seattle Seahawks (Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman) and walked away with $420,000.00,” the boxer wrote.

CBS Sports: Floyd Mayweather wins $200K betting Seahawks on Monday night

Mayweather came dangerously close to losing this wager. If it hadn’t been for Russell Wilson’s ridiculous play, the boxer’s bet would have most likely ended up in a push, where he wouldn’t have won (nor lost) anything.

A late move pushed the score to 27-17 instead of 24-17, which wouldn’t have turned out so great for Mayweather. And the Seahawks got a late field goal after Wilson passed to Marshawn Lynch. This was the pass that helped the boxer win the wager.

A notorious punter well-known for betting huge amounts of money – and scoring even larger prizes – had also posted a betting slip proving that he won $685,714 by putting money on the Colts in Week 3. That wager happened three weeks ago, when the Colts played against the Jaguars.

Washington Post: Redskins-Seahawks best and worst

The Washington Post has compiled a “best and worst moments” article from the game on Monday night, where the Redskins lost 27-17 to the Seahawks at FedEx Field.

Among the best moments of the game, the newspaper highlighted the game-clincher in the fourth quarter, when Russell Wilson was pursued by three defenders and Washington’s running backs carried 15 times for 28 yards. Ryan Kerrigan is mentioned as best defender, and Kirk Cousins’ 60-yard pass to DeSean Jackson is said to be the best long pass play.

The worst record in prime time goes to the Redskins. Since Joe Gibbs retired the second time, the Redskins are 3-17 in prime-time games, the newspaper argues. It also mentions the team’s four losses as “worst stats”. That’s how many losses the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants have, combined.

There’s a “worst challenge success rate” award too, which goes out to Jay Gruden who is now 0 for 5 in challenges as an NFL head coach.

Daily News: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. earns $1.8 million betting on Colts, Seahawks

In other recent gambling news, Floyd Mayweather added another $1.8 million to his fortune, which is estimated at $280 million. The boxing champion placed a wager on the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks to win by more than seven points and won.

“I bet $720,000.00 and I walked away with $1,405,714.28. When you’re betting on Andrew, it’s never Luck,” he wrote on Instagram, where he attached a photo of a ticket stub dated 9-21-14. That was the day when the Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars by 44-17.

Mayweather was recently mentioned among the top-earning athletes, on a list put together by Forbes Magazine. He made $105 million in his last two fights alone. The boxer never misses a chance to flaunt his wealthy lifestyle in public, and he usually does it through Instagram.

Those who follow him know that he frequently posts pictures of cash, although his favorite “prizes” often include expensive watches, cars or even women.

Independent: Super Bowl 2014: Floyd Mayweather denies placing $10.4m bet on the Denver Broncos after Seattle Seahawks crushing win

Back in February, it was rumored that Floyd Mayweather Jr had lost $10.4 million by betting on the Denver Broncos in an NFL match where the team was crushed by the Seattle Seahawks. The boxer later denied these rumors, claiming that ne never even put money on the Super Bowl match.

“For the record, I did not bet $10 million on the Broncos. As a matter of fact, I didn’t bet all,” he wrote on Instagram. “I can’t control what rumors that are put out there. Good or bad publicity keeps me relevant. The only thing I would bet $10 million on is myself. From the looks of my record, I’m a guaranteed win.”

During the previous week, pictures had emerged on social media websites showing that the athlete had placed a staggering amount of money on the Broncos. It was said that he had bet on the Peyton Manning-led team to win the season showcase.

It was then revealed that the picture had been originally posted in 2012. This information only supported Mayweather’s claims that no bet was ever made.

Pro boxer Floyd Mayweather flaunts his winnings on Instagram, after betting large amounts of money on the Seahawks and the Colts.

Floyd Mayweather is certainly one of the luckiest punters out there. The man has won $105 million over the past year by betting on sports scores. He began the week by adding almost $1 million to his total winnings, after placing a lot of money on the Seahawks and on the Colts.

The professional boxer took the opportunity to show off his latest winnings on social media after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins 27-17 in a messy game with a total of 16 penalties. A photo of Mayweathear’s lucky betting ticket was posted on Instagram.

“I bet $220,000.00 on the World Champion Seattle Seahawks (Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman) and walked away with $420,000.00,” the boxer wrote.

CBS Sports: Floyd Mayweather wins $200K betting Seahawks on Monday night

Mayweather came dangerously close to losing this wager. If it hadn’t been for Russell Wilson’s ridiculous play, the boxer’s bet would have most likely ended up in a push, where he wouldn’t have won (nor lost) anything.

A late move pushed the score to 27-17 instead of 24-17, which wouldn’t have turned out so great for Mayweather. And the Seahawks got a late field goal after Wilson passed to Marshawn Lynch. This was the pass that helped the boxer win the wager.

A notorious punter well-known for betting huge amounts of money – and scoring even larger prizes – had also posted a betting slip proving that he won $685,714 by putting money on the Colts in Week 3. That wager happened three weeks ago, when the Colts played against the Jaguars.

Washington Post: Redskins-Seahawks best and worst

The Washington Post has compiled a “best and worst moments” article from the game on Monday night, where the Redskins lost 27-17 to the Seahawks at FedEx Field.

Among the best moments of the game, the newspaper highlighted the game-clincher in the fourth quarter, when Russell Wilson was pursued by three defenders and Washington’s running backs carried 15 times for 28 yards. Ryan Kerrigan is mentioned as best defender, and Kirk Cousins’ 60-yard pass to DeSean Jackson is said to be the best long pass play.

The worst record in prime time goes to the Redskins. Since Joe Gibbs retired the second time, the Redskins are 3-17 in prime-time games, the newspaper argues. It also mentions the team’s four losses as “worst stats”. That’s how many losses the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants have, combined.

There’s a “worst challenge success rate” award too, which goes out to Jay Gruden who is now 0 for 5 in challenges as an NFL head coach.

Daily News: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. earns $1.8 million betting on Colts, Seahawks

In other recent gambling news, Floyd Mayweather added another $1.8 million to his fortune, which is estimated at $280 million. The boxing champion placed a wager on the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks to win by more than seven points and won.

“I bet $720,000.00 and I walked away with $1,405,714.28. When you’re betting on Andrew, it’s never Luck,” he wrote on Instagram, where he attached a photo of a ticket stub dated 9-21-14. That was the day when the Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars by 44-17.

Mayweather was recently mentioned among the top-earning athletes, on a list put together by Forbes Magazine. He made $105 million in his last two fights alone. The boxer never misses a chance to flaunt his wealthy lifestyle in public, and he usually does it through Instagram.

Those who follow him know that he frequently posts pictures of cash, although his favorite “prizes” often include expensive watches, cars or even women.

Independent: Super Bowl 2014: Floyd Mayweather denies placing $10.4m bet on the Denver Broncos after Seattle Seahawks crushing win

Back in February, it was rumored that Floyd Mayweather Jr had lost $10.4 million by betting on the Denver Broncos in an NFL match where the team was crushed by the Seattle Seahawks. The boxer later denied these rumors, claiming that ne never even put money on the Super Bowl match.

“For the record, I did not bet $10 million on the Broncos. As a matter of fact, I didn’t bet all,” he wrote on Instagram. “I can’t control what rumors that are put out there. Good or bad publicity keeps me relevant. The only thing I would bet $10 million on is myself. From the looks of my record, I’m a guaranteed win.”

During the previous week, pictures had emerged on social media websites showing that the athlete had placed a staggering amount of money on the Broncos. It was said that he had bet on the Peyton Manning-led team to win the season showcase.

It was then revealed that the picture had been originally posted in 2012. This information only supported Mayweather’s claims that no bet was ever made.

Only non-profit entities based in Singapore, who contribute to a social cause and have a good track record will be able to apply for a remote gambling license.

While other jurisdictions like Hong Kong and Norway may allow exemptions, Singapore took a strict approach when adopting its new remote gambling laws. Officials have decided that casino-style games and poker should be banned.

In fact, the rules set for the online gambling industry will be in line with those applicable to land-based casinos. Strict measures are needed in order to prevent underground operations, officials argued, citing a recent Interpol operation across six Asian countries – including Singapore – that ended in 1,400 arrests. These crime syndicates had handled about $2.2 billion in illegal wagers during the FIFA World Cup.

“We prohibit gambling, unless it is specifically allowed for by way of a stringently regulated exemption or license. We will adopt a similar approach to remote gambling,” Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran explained.

The Straits Times: Parliament: Remote Gambling Bill passed; but some MPs express concern over exemptions

This Tuesday, the Parliament passed its new Remote Gambling Bill after a debate that lasted for more than three hours. Ten Members of Parliament participated in the discussion and many of them expressed reservations against the allowance for exemptions.

Three Workers’ Party MPs spoke up – Png Eng Huat (Hougang), Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) and Non-Constitutency MP Yee Jenn Jong – proposing that the new rules be analyzed by a select committee before being approved. Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran rejected the idea, adding that the bill has already undergone public consultation.

“When you look at our experience in terrestrial gambling environment we seek to maintain law and order, criminalize range of activities and allowed for tight controls not because we wish to promote it or condone it,” he explained.

MP Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) wondered if the exemptions send a mixed signal, by “legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators”, but Iswaran said they were granted to allow the Singapore Pools and Turf Club to be set up.

Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added: “We have to stay alert to the challenges that emerge every day and to stay abreast of the technological changes and to stay abreast of the evolving challenges.”

Channel New Asia: Approach to remote gambling will mirror that of regular gambling: S Iswaran

Singapore’s new gambling bill criminalizes placing wagers through the Internet, mobile phones and all other types of technology used for communication. According to the latest online gambling news, authorities have imposed additional measures like blocking websites, advertisements as well as payments.

Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said the new laws won’t affect social games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, and other online games that use virtual currency and in-game credits. In other words, only real-money gambling is forbidden.

Players will be allowed to buy credits to play social games, for instance, but they cannot convert these credits or tokens for money or real merchandise.

“However, it is essential that the Bill is comprehensive in scope in order to stay relevant over time against the backdrop of a dynamic industry that continues to evolve,” Iswaran said.

“A complete ban on remote gambling might appear straightforward but would likely drive these activities underground, and exacerbate the associated law and order and social concerns. The provision of a strictly regulated exempt operator can help to mitigate these concerns. This has been our experience with, and approach to, terrestrial gambling,” he added.

The official described the new law as “a regime which is prohibitive with a comprehensive set of measures”, and added that only a few organizations are expected to meet the criteria for exemption.

Today Online: Remote gambling laws to take effect next year

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that new Singaporean laws restricting gambling via the phone or Internet will take effect next year, after the Parliament passed the new Remote Gambling Bill on Tuesday.

MPs showed a great deal of interest in the matter and ten of them spoke up to ask for details, make suggestions or raise certain concerns, but by the end of the debate most of them approved of the new regulations.

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Christopher De Souza said: “On one hand, you have enforcement and punishment which rightly say remote gambling should be deterred. Yet, we are also saying there can be a medium through which remote gambling is legitimate.”

Other MPs thought a total ban on remote gambling would have been more appropriate, fearing that gambling addiction cannot be eliminated if exempt operators enter the scene.

Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP Denise Phua asked: “If, indeed, we so strongly believe remote gambling is harmful and does no good to either the people or nation, then are we legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators in (the Remote Gambling Bill)?”

Exempt operators must be non-profit entities in order to obtain a license, and even they might be forced to impose social safeguards such as minimum age requirements, having a preregistered list of users and not allowing wagering on credit.

Only non-profit entities based in Singapore, who contribute to a social cause and have a good track record will be able to apply for a remote gambling license.

While other jurisdictions like Hong Kong and Norway may allow exemptions, Singapore took a strict approach when adopting its new remote gambling laws. Officials have decided that casino-style games and poker should be banned.

In fact, the rules set for the online gambling industry will be in line with those applicable to land-based casinos. Strict measures are needed in order to prevent underground operations, officials argued, citing a recent Interpol operation across six Asian countries – including Singapore – that ended in 1,400 arrests. These crime syndicates had handled about $2.2 billion in illegal wagers during the FIFA World Cup.

“We prohibit gambling, unless it is specifically allowed for by way of a stringently regulated exemption or license. We will adopt a similar approach to remote gambling,” Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran explained.

The Straits Times: Parliament: Remote Gambling Bill passed; but some MPs express concern over exemptions

This Tuesday, the Parliament passed its new Remote Gambling Bill after a debate that lasted for more than three hours. Ten Members of Parliament participated in the discussion and many of them expressed reservations against the allowance for exemptions.

Three Workers’ Party MPs spoke up – Png Eng Huat (Hougang), Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) and Non-Constitutency MP Yee Jenn Jong – proposing that the new rules be analyzed by a select committee before being approved. Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran rejected the idea, adding that the bill has already undergone public consultation.

“When you look at our experience in terrestrial gambling environment we seek to maintain law and order, criminalize range of activities and allowed for tight controls not because we wish to promote it or condone it,” he explained.

MP Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) wondered if the exemptions send a mixed signal, by “legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators”, but Iswaran said they were granted to allow the Singapore Pools and Turf Club to be set up.

Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added: “We have to stay alert to the challenges that emerge every day and to stay abreast of the technological changes and to stay abreast of the evolving challenges.”

Channel New Asia: Approach to remote gambling will mirror that of regular gambling: S Iswaran

Singapore’s new gambling bill criminalizes placing wagers through the Internet, mobile phones and all other types of technology used for communication. According to the latest online gambling news, authorities have imposed additional measures like blocking websites, advertisements as well as payments.

Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said the new laws won’t affect social games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, and other online games that use virtual currency and in-game credits. In other words, only real-money gambling is forbidden.

Players will be allowed to buy credits to play social games, for instance, but they cannot convert these credits or tokens for money or real merchandise.

“However, it is essential that the Bill is comprehensive in scope in order to stay relevant over time against the backdrop of a dynamic industry that continues to evolve,” Iswaran said.

“A complete ban on remote gambling might appear straightforward but would likely drive these activities underground, and exacerbate the associated law and order and social concerns. The provision of a strictly regulated exempt operator can help to mitigate these concerns. This has been our experience with, and approach to, terrestrial gambling,” he added.

The official described the new law as “a regime which is prohibitive with a comprehensive set of measures”, and added that only a few organizations are expected to meet the criteria for exemption.

Today Online: Remote gambling laws to take effect next year

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that new Singaporean laws restricting gambling via the phone or Internet will take effect next year, after the Parliament passed the new Remote Gambling Bill on Tuesday.

MPs showed a great deal of interest in the matter and ten of them spoke up to ask for details, make suggestions or raise certain concerns, but by the end of the debate most of them approved of the new regulations.

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Christopher De Souza said: “On one hand, you have enforcement and punishment which rightly say remote gambling should be deterred. Yet, we are also saying there can be a medium through which remote gambling is legitimate.”

Other MPs thought a total ban on remote gambling would have been more appropriate, fearing that gambling addiction cannot be eliminated if exempt operators enter the scene.

Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP Denise Phua asked: “If, indeed, we so strongly believe remote gambling is harmful and does no good to either the people or nation, then are we legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators in (the Remote Gambling Bill)?”

Exempt operators must be non-profit entities in order to obtain a license, and even they might be forced to impose social safeguards such as minimum age requirements, having a preregistered list of users and not allowing wagering on credit.

After rumors that Kate might be carrying twins, UK betting companies found themselves forced to change their strategy.

Less than a month after gambling news announced that bookmakers were taking bets on the name, gender and weight of the second royal baby, some companies are starting to fear they might be cleared out due to inside knowledge.

Bookmakers have become suspicious after a large number of newly opened accounts where users have placed a lot of money on Kate being pregnant with twins. While some of them have slashed the odds, but kept the option, others have suspended betting on it altogether.

On September 8, when it was confirmed that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child, odds for twins were at 20/1. But once the media spread the rumor that Kate is having twins and people rushed to the bookies to place money on it, most companies adjusted the odds in their favor.

At most online sportsbooks, wagering on two new royal babies could pay out a modest 5/2, while William Hill has decided to suspend bets entirely.

Daily Mail: All bets are orf! Insider info fears see bookmakers suspend betting on Kate giving birth to twins after surge in wagers from new accounts

The surge in baby bets started on Monday night, when William Hill initially slashed the odds on Royal twins from 20/1 to 9/1. After that, the company suspended wagers entirely. Rupert Adams, a spokesman for the company explained: “We have had a load of unexpected bets including a large number of new accounts. With any other market I would say that people know.”

Another major betting company, Coral, changed its odds from 20/1 to 10/1 and then to 8/1, in just a few weeks. The bookmaker claims it was the first one to make the change, after one customer placed a GBP1,000 bet on royal twins, at odds of 20/1.

Coral spokesman Nicola McGeady told reporters: “Since Will and Kate announced their news, all the big money has come for twins. With the gamble picking up pace overnight, we fear someone knows something we don’t.”

Ladbrokes was recently offering 8/1 and Paddy Power adjusted its offer to as low as 5/2. The odds for triplets remain at 100/1.

ParentDish: Duchess of Cambridge pregnant with twins? Betting suspended on royal baby

Newspapers have reported that the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with twins. What first sounded like unsupported gossip has started to seem highly probable, after bookmakers said they were suspecting that the large number of royal twins’ bets could mean the rumors are true.

Clarence House announced Kate’s second pregnancy on September 8, adding that she is suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme morning sickness. Bookmakers quickly added baby names to their regular sports scores offers.

Meanwhile, the internet started to spread the information that Kate must be pregnant with twins, because the medical condition is more common in multiple pregnancies. The truth is that the Duchess suffered of the same extreme morning sickness with her first baby. It is unlikely that the Palace will release any more details about whether Kate is carrying twins or not. When she was expecting Prince George, all they did was confirm the month she is due.

But just to be on the safe side, top UK bookmaker William Hill suspended wagering on the couple expecting twins on Monday, and Coral followed its example putting all royal baby betting options on hold for now.

International Business Times: Kate Middleton, Prince William To Name Royal Baby Girl After Princess Diana: Report

Newspaper have already reported that Kate Middleton and Prince William received permission to name their new child after Queen Elizabeth, but royal biographer Andrew Morton claims the pair told friends they also want to honor William’s late mother, Princess Diana.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have yet to learn the gender of their second child, but if female, she will be named Elizabeth Diana Windsor, British newspapers wrote. Morton says the couple is hoping for a girl to join their 14-month-old son, Prince George.

Morton, who is best known for his 1992 biography on Princess Diana, told reporters: “They discussed girls’ names before George was born and now they’re hoping the next one is a girl so they can carry out their wish to honor William’s mother. They’re not too thrilled at the thought it would be shortened to Princess Di but it won’t change their minds.”

The Globe cited an “inside source” saying: “They’ve already told the ailing queen that they believe it’s a girl. Like many of us, William and Kate fear the queen doesn’t have long left and want to honor her while she is still alive.”

After rumors that Kate might be carrying twins, UK betting companies found themselves forced to change their strategy.

Less than a month after gambling news announced that bookmakers were taking bets on the name, gender and weight of the second royal baby, some companies are starting to fear they might be cleared out due to inside knowledge.

Bookmakers have become suspicious after a large number of newly opened accounts where users have placed a lot of money on Kate being pregnant with twins. While some of them have slashed the odds, but kept the option, others have suspended betting on it altogether.

On September 8, when it was confirmed that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child, odds for twins were at 20/1. But once the media spread the rumor that Kate is having twins and people rushed to the bookies to place money on it, most companies adjusted the odds in their favor.

At most online sportsbooks, wagering on two new royal babies could pay out a modest 5/2, while William Hill has decided to suspend bets entirely.

Daily Mail: All bets are orf! Insider info fears see bookmakers suspend betting on Kate giving birth to twins after surge in wagers from new accounts

The surge in baby bets started on Monday night, when William Hill initially slashed the odds on Royal twins from 20/1 to 9/1. After that, the company suspended wagers entirely. Rupert Adams, a spokesman for the company explained: “We have had a load of unexpected bets including a large number of new accounts. With any other market I would say that people know.”

Another major betting company, Coral, changed its odds from 20/1 to 10/1 and then to 8/1, in just a few weeks. The bookmaker claims it was the first one to make the change, after one customer placed a GBP1,000 bet on royal twins, at odds of 20/1.

Coral spokesman Nicola McGeady told reporters: “Since Will and Kate announced their news, all the big money has come for twins. With the gamble picking up pace overnight, we fear someone knows something we don’t.”

Ladbrokes was recently offering 8/1 and Paddy Power adjusted its offer to as low as 5/2. The odds for triplets remain at 100/1.

ParentDish: Duchess of Cambridge pregnant with twins? Betting suspended on royal baby

Newspapers have reported that the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with twins. What first sounded like unsupported gossip has started to seem highly probable, after bookmakers said they were suspecting that the large number of royal twins’ bets could mean the rumors are true.

Clarence House announced Kate’s second pregnancy on September 8, adding that she is suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme morning sickness. Bookmakers quickly added baby names to their regular sports scores offers.

Meanwhile, the internet started to spread the information that Kate must be pregnant with twins, because the medical condition is more common in multiple pregnancies. The truth is that the Duchess suffered of the same extreme morning sickness with her first baby. It is unlikely that the Palace will release any more details about whether Kate is carrying twins or not. When she was expecting Prince George, all they did was confirm the month she is due.

But just to be on the safe side, top UK bookmaker William Hill suspended wagering on the couple expecting twins on Monday, and Coral followed its example putting all royal baby betting options on hold for now.

International Business Times: Kate Middleton, Prince William To Name Royal Baby Girl After Princess Diana: Report

Newspaper have already reported that Kate Middleton and Prince William received permission to name their new child after Queen Elizabeth, but royal biographer Andrew Morton claims the pair told friends they also want to honor William’s late mother, Princess Diana.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have yet to learn the gender of their second child, but if female, she will be named Elizabeth Diana Windsor, British newspapers wrote. Morton says the couple is hoping for a girl to join their 14-month-old son, Prince George.

Morton, who is best known for his 1992 biography on Princess Diana, told reporters: “They discussed girls’ names before George was born and now they’re hoping the next one is a girl so they can carry out their wish to honor William’s mother. They’re not too thrilled at the thought it would be shortened to Princess Di but it won’t change their minds.”

The Globe cited an “inside source” saying: “They’ve already told the ailing queen that they believe it’s a girl. Like many of us, William and Kate fear the queen doesn’t have long left and want to honor her while she is still alive.”

While focusing on how to increase taxes on remote gambling, officials seem to have forgotten about the more pressing issue of FOBTs.

UK’s problems with fixed-odds betting terminals are at the center of attention again. The latest gambling news have brought the issue up again, by publishing the story of a former gambling addict who revealed how he spent GBP200,000 on betting machines, over the past ten years.

Meanwhile, the government is having difficulty implementing its changes to the current remote gambling laws after online operators have challenged the decision in court, but the FOBT issue has not been handled yet. Politicians have talked about reducing the maximum stake from GBP100 to GBP50, but for now online casinos and sportsbooks seem to be a priority.

Other amendments granting local councils the power to deny betting shop applications were announced earlier this year, but they haven’t been implemented yet.

The Mirror: Gambling addict blew £200,000 in ten years after becoming hooked on fixed odds betting terminals

In an interview with The Mirror, a former gambling addict tells reporters how he blew GBP200,000 on FOBTs. Simon Perfitt had a good job, but in ten years he went from a GBP50,000 salary to living on benefits after becoming hooked on the controversial machines. He blew up to GBP3,000 per day, he told reporters.

Simon says he didn’t start betting until de has 45, but it only took him ten years to lose all that money. In 2001, the businessman from Dudley was living a lavish lifestyle. He could afford it, thanks to his well-paid in e-commerce. He had also just moved in with his girlfriend. But after becoming addicted to gambling machines – he liked to play roulette – he lost all of his hard-earned money.

“These fixed odds betting terminals destroy you. I became addicted instantly after a friend who played the machines asked me to pop into a bookies one day and have a go. After that, all I thought about all day was gambling.”

“I worked to go on these machines and could spend up to 12 hours a day in there. I used to get up early and go in to the bookies before I went to work, at lunchtime and would go straight into one after work. Within 10 years I had lost GBP200,000, a relationship and my home as well. My whole personality changed. I became very introverted, made excuses not to see family and friends,” he told reporters.

FOBTs have been dubbed the crack cocaine of gambling and have been causing players to lose fortunes. These betting machines bring bookmakers GBP1.5 billion in profits every year.

The Telegraph: Councils to get power to ban new betting shops in blow for gaming industry

The Government said it would give local councils the power to stop new betting shops from opening in their towns. The administration intends to create a new planning class for betting shops, which would allow councils to monitor new applications more closely, as well as to veto them.

The measure is designed to limit concerns over the damaging effects of gambling machines, especially fixed-odds betting terminals, found inside most betting shops. Critics refer to them as “crack cocaine” gambling machines because of their addictive nature.

The industry is expected to oppose resistance to such measures. William Hill has already announced its intentions to close more than 100 betting shops, blaming it in the increased taxes on FOBTs. But even so, the gambling machines are the highly profitable and account for a large part of the land-based betting sector’s profits.

Sources cited by the Telegraph said the new gambling laws would also force companies to comply with protection measures, including promotions and window displays.

The Guardian: Maximum cash stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to be restricted

After anti-betting groups have voiced complaints over the damaging effect of FOBTs, the government said it would impose a GBP50 limit on the maximum wager allowed on these machines, instead of the higher GBP100 stake allowed at present.

The new rules would require anyone who wants to bet more than GBP50 at a time to inform staff. Gamblers would be given the alternative to open an online account, where their spending history can be tracked. Campaigners are still unsatisfied with the announced measures, claiming that ministers have “ducked the big issue” by not cutting the maximum bet in all circumstances.

Matt Zarb-Cousin of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling told reporters: “Staff intervention does not mean player protection. We know from academic studies that employee training is the most commonly tried method to control problem gambling and the least effective. Why would staff stop people from putting money into FOBTs when their pay depends on it?”

On the other hand, the Association of British Bookmakers said new measures would “restrict growth for the sector and mean hundreds of shops and thousands of jobs are now at risk”.

In an assessment released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, officials argued that “account-based play allows players access to up-to-date information which can reduce biased or irrational gambling… and help people maintain control.”

“Making payments over the counter rather than on to the machine directly can provide opportunities for intervention which may give players a reality check,” it added.

While focusing on how to increase taxes on remote gambling, officials seem to have forgotten about the more pressing issue of FOBTs.

UK’s problems with fixed-odds betting terminals are at the center of attention again. The latest gambling news have brought the issue up again, by publishing the story of a former gambling addict who revealed how he spent GBP200,000 on betting machines, over the past ten years.

Meanwhile, the government is having difficulty implementing its changes to the current remote gambling laws after online operators have challenged the decision in court, but the FOBT issue has not been handled yet. Politicians have talked about reducing the maximum stake from GBP100 to GBP50, but for now online casinos and sportsbooks seem to be a priority.

Other amendments granting local councils the power to deny betting shop applications were announced earlier this year, but they haven’t been implemented yet.

The Mirror: Gambling addict blew £200,000 in ten years after becoming hooked on fixed odds betting terminals

In an interview with The Mirror, a former gambling addict tells reporters how he blew GBP200,000 on FOBTs. Simon Perfitt had a good job, but in ten years he went from a GBP50,000 salary to living on benefits after becoming hooked on the controversial machines. He blew up to GBP3,000 per day, he told reporters.

Simon says he didn’t start betting until de has 45, but it only took him ten years to lose all that money. In 2001, the businessman from Dudley was living a lavish lifestyle. He could afford it, thanks to his well-paid in e-commerce. He had also just moved in with his girlfriend. But after becoming addicted to gambling machines – he liked to play roulette – he lost all of his hard-earned money.

“These fixed odds betting terminals destroy you. I became addicted instantly after a friend who played the machines asked me to pop into a bookies one day and have a go. After that, all I thought about all day was gambling.”

“I worked to go on these machines and could spend up to 12 hours a day in there. I used to get up early and go in to the bookies before I went to work, at lunchtime and would go straight into one after work. Within 10 years I had lost GBP200,000, a relationship and my home as well. My whole personality changed. I became very introverted, made excuses not to see family and friends,” he told reporters.

FOBTs have been dubbed the crack cocaine of gambling and have been causing players to lose fortunes. These betting machines bring bookmakers GBP1.5 billion in profits every year.

The Telegraph: Councils to get power to ban new betting shops in blow for gaming industry

The Government said it would give local councils the power to stop new betting shops from opening in their towns. The administration intends to create a new planning class for betting shops, which would allow councils to monitor new applications more closely, as well as to veto them.

The measure is designed to limit concerns over the damaging effects of gambling machines, especially fixed-odds betting terminals, found inside most betting shops. Critics refer to them as “crack cocaine” gambling machines because of their addictive nature.

The industry is expected to oppose resistance to such measures. William Hill has already announced its intentions to close more than 100 betting shops, blaming it in the increased taxes on FOBTs. But even so, the gambling machines are the highly profitable and account for a large part of the land-based betting sector’s profits.

Sources cited by the Telegraph said the new gambling laws would also force companies to comply with protection measures, including promotions and window displays.

The Guardian: Maximum cash stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to be restricted

After anti-betting groups have voiced complaints over the damaging effect of FOBTs, the government said it would impose a GBP50 limit on the maximum wager allowed on these machines, instead of the higher GBP100 stake allowed at present.

The new rules would require anyone who wants to bet more than GBP50 at a time to inform staff. Gamblers would be given the alternative to open an online account, where their spending history can be tracked. Campaigners are still unsatisfied with the announced measures, claiming that ministers have “ducked the big issue” by not cutting the maximum bet in all circumstances.

Matt Zarb-Cousin of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling told reporters: “Staff intervention does not mean player protection. We know from academic studies that employee training is the most commonly tried method to control problem gambling and the least effective. Why would staff stop people from putting money into FOBTs when their pay depends on it?”

On the other hand, the Association of British Bookmakers said new measures would “restrict growth for the sector and mean hundreds of shops and thousands of jobs are now at risk”.

In an assessment released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, officials argued that “account-based play allows players access to up-to-date information which can reduce biased or irrational gambling… and help people maintain control.”

“Making payments over the counter rather than on to the machine directly can provide opportunities for intervention which may give players a reality check,” it added.

So, let’s starts with the good news first. Paris Fashion Week took place and it was, as always, extravagant: extravagant models, extravagant designers. Speaking of which, ex Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham had a speech at the UN at the same time her new fashion shop opened in London. A new social network, “Ello”, popped-up and apparently wants to be serious competition for Facebook. India has put a satellite on orbit around Mars and they are the first country in Asia that managed to do that on first attempt. For the first time a woman played prince Hamlet of Denmark in Manchester and congratulations are in order for actor George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin since they are now husband and wife.
On a not so happy side of the rainbow, The Shellshock bug made us change passwords again and iPhone 6 has an… unexpected bendable headcase.

Good and bad news for gambling too, I guess, but you can check that yourselves, in the pics below.

1.They keep saying that gambling is an art… The owner of the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania reinforces the saying by planning to build a casino on the island.

You’re invited to try your luck… here (Photo: 365tasmania)

2. Poker player Achilleas Kallakis thought he can play bankers as well but the game isn’t over and he’s looking at another seven years in jail unless he returns GBP 3 million within six months.

3 million pounds or 7 years in jail? (Photo: Irish Times)

3. Steve Wynn won the licence for building a casino in the Boston area and started rubbing his victory in competition’s face because that’s just what some winners do.

In your face, Mohegan Sun! (Photo: HeraldSun)

4. All week-long, football fans and punters checked the odds for matches taking place on Wednesday in Champions League. Online bookmakers are waiting you to place your bets.

Don’t forget to bet on Wednesday! (Photo: UEFA)

5. UK bookies had their share of problems in 2014. But sunnier days have to arrive because as long as there is Britons and football, there will be UK betting.

Betting companies don’t have it easy in the UK (Photo: DailyMail)

6. A drug smuggler was finally captured and the, now safer, world owes it all to poker. Robert Knight, one of UK’s most-wanted couldn’t stay away from the game and police just had to exploit his weak spot.

We’re wondering if Mr. Knight had any luck at poker that day… (Photo: ukwirednews.com)

7. Campaign managers most definitely should start visiting online betting sites more often because, apparently, political oddsmakers are the best sources for predictions on the 2016 Presidential Election.

Odds are never wrong (Photo: CBS)

So, that was last week but gambling news are always fresh. Check our top stories section!

So, let’s starts with the good news first. Paris Fashion Week took place and it was, as always, extravagant: extravagant models, extravagant designers. Speaking of which, ex Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham had a speech at the UN at the same time her new fashion shop opened in London. A new social network, “Ello”, popped-up and apparently wants to be serious competition for Facebook. India has put a satellite on orbit around Mars and they are the first country in Asia that managed to do that on first attempt. For the first time a woman played prince Hamlet of Denmark in Manchester and congratulations are in order for actor George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin since they are now husband and wife.
On a not so happy side of the rainbow, The Shellshock bug made us change passwords again and iPhone 6 has an… unexpected bendable headcase.

Good and bad news for gambling too, I guess, but you can check that yourselves, in the pics below.

1.They keep saying that gambling is an art… The owner of the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania reinforces the saying by planning to build a casino on the island.

You’re invited to try your luck… here (Photo: 365tasmania)

2. Poker player Achilleas Kallakis thought he can play bankers as well but the game isn’t over and he’s looking at another seven years in jail unless he returns GBP 3 million within six months.

3 million pounds or 7 years in jail? (Photo: Irish Times)

3. Steve Wynn won the licence for building a casino in the Boston area and started rubbing his victory in competition’s face because that’s just what some winners do.

In your face, Mohegan Sun! (Photo: HeraldSun)

4. All week-long, football fans and punters checked the odds for matches taking place on Wednesday in Champions League. Online bookmakers are waiting you to place your bets.

Don’t forget to bet on Wednesday! (Photo: UEFA)

5. UK bookies had their share of problems in 2014. But sunnier days have to arrive because as long as there is Britons and football, there will be UK betting.

Betting companies don’t have it easy in the UK (Photo: DailyMail)

6. A drug smuggler was finally captured and the, now safer, world owes it all to poker. Robert Knight, one of UK’s most-wanted couldn’t stay away from the game and police just had to exploit his weak spot.

We’re wondering if Mr. Knight had any luck at poker that day… (Photo: ukwirednews.com)

7. Campaign managers most definitely should start visiting online betting sites more often because, apparently, political oddsmakers are the best sources for predictions on the 2016 Presidential Election.

Odds are never wrong (Photo: CBS)

So, that was last week but gambling news are always fresh. Check our top stories section!

17th to the 23rd of the month went fast and full: Scotland said ‘no’, choosing to stay in the UK, New York said ‘green’, marching for climate in record numbers, Milan said ‘wow’ hosting the Fashion Week. Europa League and Ryder Cup made fans say ‘I bet’ and Nintendo turned 125. What’s your saying on that?

Meanwhile, in the gambling sector we spotted great pieces of news as well. Check the week out in the following pictures!

Olympics are paying off… debt (Photo: The Telegraph)

A letter sent to the Directory of Social Change (DSC) announced that the UK Government refunded part of the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund, GBP69 million to be more precise.

Gov. Chris Christie gives gambling a chance (Photo: Mel Evans)

Before New Jersey players can legally enjoy the delights of betting, there are few more legal snags to take care of.

Good at playing parts, good at playing cards (Photo: Photo: Susan Walsh)

Ben Affleck admitted counting cards. The gambling tycoon from ‘Runner, runner’ either did a thorough research for the movie or he was ‘a natural’ for the part to begin with.

Senet Group will be watching… (Photo: The Senet Group)

The Senet Group has become the watchdog of bookmakers in the UK, pledging to promote responsible gambling standards.

Europa League is a League you can bet on (Photo: Europa League)

Europa League made its début with great matches and even greater betting opportunities, keeping fans connected for all the right reasons.

‘No, thanks’ for now (Photo: Stuart Forster/REX/Stuart Forster/REX)

The ‘No, thanks’ campaign prevailed! After more than 300 years as part of United Kingdom, Scots vote ‘No’ in independence referendum, proving betting odds right.

Keep calm, place a bet and watch the game! (Photo: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian)

Waiting for a ‘blue Sunday’ in Premier League! Odds and stats are keeping fans busy until then, when real football is set to steal the scene.

17th to the 23rd of the month went fast and full: Scotland said ‘no’, choosing to stay in the UK, New York said ‘green’, marching for climate in record numbers, Milan said ‘wow’ hosting the Fashion Week. Europa League and Ryder Cup made fans say ‘I bet’ and Nintendo turned 125. What’s your saying on that?

Meanwhile, in the gambling sector we spotted great pieces of news as well. Check the week out in the following pictures!

Olympics are paying off… debt (Photo: The Telegraph)

A letter sent to the Directory of Social Change (DSC) announced that the UK Government refunded part of the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund, GBP69 million to be more precise.

Gov. Chris Christie gives gambling a chance (Photo: Mel Evans)

Before New Jersey players can legally enjoy the delights of betting, there are few more legal snags to take care of.

Good at playing parts, good at playing cards (Photo: Photo: Susan Walsh)

Ben Affleck admitted counting cards. The gambling tycoon from ‘Runner, runner’ either did a thorough research for the movie or he was ‘a natural’ for the part to begin with.

Senet Group will be watching… (Photo: The Senet Group)

The Senet Group has become the watchdog of bookmakers in the UK, pledging to promote responsible gambling standards.

Europa League is a League you can bet on (Photo: Europa League)

Europa League made its début with great matches and even greater betting opportunities, keeping fans connected for all the right reasons.

‘No, thanks’ for now (Photo: Stuart Forster/REX/Stuart Forster/REX)

The ‘No, thanks’ campaign prevailed! After more than 300 years as part of United Kingdom, Scots vote ‘No’ in independence referendum, proving betting odds right.

Keep calm, place a bet and watch the game! (Photo: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian)

Waiting for a ‘blue Sunday’ in Premier League! Odds and stats are keeping fans busy until then, when real football is set to steal the scene.

The second royal baby is on its way, and thousands of punters have already rushed to the bookies to place wagers on its name.

This week started off with great news for fans of the Royal Family, as a statement from Clarence House announced Prince George is going to be a big brother. As Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child, online gambling news sites predict a new betting bonanza.

When Kate and William got married in April 2011, 24.5 million watched their wedding on TV. Soon after the news got out that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, bookmakers started offering odds on the royal baby’s name, hair color and even his future job, with bettors placing over $2.4 million in wagers.

Betting companies are expecting even bigger profits this time around, as the second royal baby has started to draw new clients just after the announcement was made. Next to the usual sports scores listed at bookmakers, players can already place wagers on the name, weight and hair color of the new royal baby.

The Wire: People Are Already Betting on the Royal Baby

British newspapers have announced the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child. Kate will not be accompanying Prince William on a previous engagement in Oxford, as she is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a severe form of morning sickness – and is under medical observation.

Meanwhile, punters are already placing bets on the baby’s name, hair color, weight, and even whether Kate is having twins or triplets. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has released a statement saying players have already spent more than GBP10,000 by Monday midnight.

“If there’s one thing that baby George taught us it’s that the British public love a punt on a Royal offspring and we’re bracing ourselves for another baby betting bonanza. Money is already pouring in by the pramload and we expect this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year,” Paddy Power said in a statement.

According to the company’s latest odds, the safest bet is on Kate and William having a brown-haired baby at birth. Odds on hair color are: brown (6/4), blonde (5/2), red (3/1) and black (5/1). Odds for multiple birth are 33/1 for twins and 250/1 for triplets. As for the weight of the baby, Paddy Power is going with 5/1 for less than 6lbs, 6lbs to 6lbs 15oz, or 9lbs to 9lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 7lbs to 7lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz; and 8/1 for the baby weighing 10lbs or more.

As far as names go, Elizabeth, Henry and Victoria are top favorites with odds of 10/1, followed by Charlotte, Arthur, William, Alice, Philip, Alexandra, Catherine or Kate, and Charles, all given 12/1 odds; James, Mary and Frances are at 16/1, while Albert, Alex/Alexander, Diana and Spencer are at 20/1. The last option – Macbeth – is a long-shot with odds of 500/1.

E! News: Royal Baby No. 2 Names and Gender Already Sparking Major Betting Frenzy — Check Out the Odds!

Merely hours after Clarence House revealed the good news that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child, bookmakers have started taking wagers on the baby’s gender and name.

“The royal baby betting frenzy is back in full swing. With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told E! News.

James, the duchess’ brother’s name, is at the top of the list with 6:1 odds, followed by Elizabeth, Arthur and Victoria at 8:1. Ladbrokes has posted 4:5 odds that the duke and duchess will have another boy, and it seems highly unlikely that Kate is carrying more than one child, with odds being at 20:1 for twins and 100:1 for triplets.

Either way, punters will have to wait until next spring to meet the second royal baby and find out if they won.

People: Royal Baby’s Name and Sex: Bookmakers Taking Bets

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting their second child and all bets are on, as bookmakers are already taking wagers on the baby’s name and sex.

“The Royal Baby betting frenzy is back in full swing,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told reporters. “With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” she added.

Ladbrokes is offering 4:5 odds on the new child being a boy, and James (Kate’s brother’s name) is the top favorite for a first name, with odds at 6:1.

NBC News: Royal Baby Boom a Bonanza for British Economy

The British economy is getting a boost from the second royal baby. Money has already started pouring into the betting industry, and economy experts are expecting tourism and souvenir sales to increase.

When Prince George was born last July, it was predicted that the food, drink, tourism and media industry would make an extra $400 million in sales. The birth of the second baby is expected to reach the same level, but economist Howard Archer warns: “There may be a small feel-good factor when it is born and some buying of souvenirs but that is as far as it will go.”

Gamblers have already started to place wagers on the baby’s name, gender and weight, which can only mean good news for the betting industry.

CNN: Betting gets a bump from Royal Baby #2

Gambling companies are preparing for another betting bonanza. Paddy Power said it was expecting this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year, and Ladbrokes has also announced it was taking bets on the new baby’s name, with James being favorite at odds of 6:1. Betfair is going with Victoria as top choice for the second child’s name.

Players from all over the world have placed more than GBP1.5 million ($2.4 million) in wagers on the birth of the first royal baby, trying to guess its name, hair color and future career. Bets started pouring after the palace announced that Kate had gone into labor.

Wagers on a sibling for Prince George have been open for some time, and betting companies said hundreds of people have already won thousands of pounds.

“587 people have correctly predicted that the couple would announce they are expecting a second child in 2014, all of those punters have now collected [their] winnings,” Ladbrokes announced.

The second royal baby is on its way, and thousands of punters have already rushed to the bookies to place wagers on its name.

This week started off with great news for fans of the Royal Family, as a statement from Clarence House announced Prince George is going to be a big brother. As Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child, online gambling news sites predict a new betting bonanza.

When Kate and William got married in April 2011, 24.5 million watched their wedding on TV. Soon after the news got out that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, bookmakers started offering odds on the royal baby’s name, hair color and even his future job, with bettors placing over $2.4 million in wagers.

Betting companies are expecting even bigger profits this time around, as the second royal baby has started to draw new clients just after the announcement was made. Next to the usual sports scores listed at bookmakers, players can already place wagers on the name, weight and hair color of the new royal baby.

The Wire: People Are Already Betting on the Royal Baby

British newspapers have announced the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child. Kate will not be accompanying Prince William on a previous engagement in Oxford, as she is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a severe form of morning sickness – and is under medical observation.

Meanwhile, punters are already placing bets on the baby’s name, hair color, weight, and even whether Kate is having twins or triplets. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has released a statement saying players have already spent more than GBP10,000 by Monday midnight.

“If there’s one thing that baby George taught us it’s that the British public love a punt on a Royal offspring and we’re bracing ourselves for another baby betting bonanza. Money is already pouring in by the pramload and we expect this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year,” Paddy Power said in a statement.

According to the company’s latest odds, the safest bet is on Kate and William having a brown-haired baby at birth. Odds on hair color are: brown (6/4), blonde (5/2), red (3/1) and black (5/1). Odds for multiple birth are 33/1 for twins and 250/1 for triplets. As for the weight of the baby, Paddy Power is going with 5/1 for less than 6lbs, 6lbs to 6lbs 15oz, or 9lbs to 9lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 7lbs to 7lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz; and 8/1 for the baby weighing 10lbs or more.

As far as names go, Elizabeth, Henry and Victoria are top favorites with odds of 10/1, followed by Charlotte, Arthur, William, Alice, Philip, Alexandra, Catherine or Kate, and Charles, all given 12/1 odds; James, Mary and Frances are at 16/1, while Albert, Alex/Alexander, Diana and Spencer are at 20/1. The last option – Macbeth – is a long-shot with odds of 500/1.

E! News: Royal Baby No. 2 Names and Gender Already Sparking Major Betting Frenzy — Check Out the Odds!

Merely hours after Clarence House revealed the good news that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child, bookmakers have started taking wagers on the baby’s gender and name.

“The royal baby betting frenzy is back in full swing. With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told E! News.

James, the duchess’ brother’s name, is at the top of the list with 6:1 odds, followed by Elizabeth, Arthur and Victoria at 8:1. Ladbrokes has posted 4:5 odds that the duke and duchess will have another boy, and it seems highly unlikely that Kate is carrying more than one child, with odds being at 20:1 for twins and 100:1 for triplets.

Either way, punters will have to wait until next spring to meet the second royal baby and find out if they won.

People: Royal Baby’s Name and Sex: Bookmakers Taking Bets

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting their second child and all bets are on, as bookmakers are already taking wagers on the baby’s name and sex.

“The Royal Baby betting frenzy is back in full swing,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told reporters. “With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” she added.

Ladbrokes is offering 4:5 odds on the new child being a boy, and James (Kate’s brother’s name) is the top favorite for a first name, with odds at 6:1.

NBC News: Royal Baby Boom a Bonanza for British Economy

The British economy is getting a boost from the second royal baby. Money has already started pouring into the betting industry, and economy experts are expecting tourism and souvenir sales to increase.

When Prince George was born last July, it was predicted that the food, drink, tourism and media industry would make an extra $400 million in sales. The birth of the second baby is expected to reach the same level, but economist Howard Archer warns: “There may be a small feel-good factor when it is born and some buying of souvenirs but that is as far as it will go.”

Gamblers have already started to place wagers on the baby’s name, gender and weight, which can only mean good news for the betting industry.

CNN: Betting gets a bump from Royal Baby #2

Gambling companies are preparing for another betting bonanza. Paddy Power said it was expecting this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year, and Ladbrokes has also announced it was taking bets on the new baby’s name, with James being favorite at odds of 6:1. Betfair is going with Victoria as top choice for the second child’s name.

Players from all over the world have placed more than GBP1.5 million ($2.4 million) in wagers on the birth of the first royal baby, trying to guess its name, hair color and future career. Bets started pouring after the palace announced that Kate had gone into labor.

Wagers on a sibling for Prince George have been open for some time, and betting companies said hundreds of people have already won thousands of pounds.

“587 people have correctly predicted that the couple would announce they are expecting a second child in 2014, all of those punters have now collected [their] winnings,” Ladbrokes announced.