In their current form many considers fantasy sports gambling. What is the difference between sports betting and playing fantasy football for money after all?

As the new NFL season started, fantasy sports games appeared and were advertised in a quantity that was unknown before. Is fantasy sports gambling? It is not decided yet, and operators can capitalize on this blurred status for now. However, a congressional hearing will examine the issue after New Jersey representative Frank Pallone called for it on Monday.

He did that on the first working day after the first weekend of the 2015 NFL regular season. Maybe he was shocked by the amount of fantasy football ads during the games, or maybe he was simply pissed that New Jersey legal sportsbooking wasn’t granted for casinos and racetracks located in the state. But that is true that this is a USD 15 billion business and that betting on player’s performance is quite close to bet on live sports results.

Moreover, if he went through the odds of any legal online sportsbook in the US, he might have noticed that sports betting also covers individual performance. You can bet on touchdown passes, interceptions, completions, rushing and receiving yards etc. Considering this, the answer to the question that is fantasy sports gambling seems even closer to a yes than before.

New York Times: An Ad Blitz for Fantasy Sports Games, but Some See Plain Old Gambling

 
Best experts of sports and gambling facts might know that the actual playtime during a three-hour long NFL broadcast is no more than 11 minutes. For most of the time you will see players standing around the field between plays. Though for hardcore fans and experts this is the most interesting part of the game in some aspects.

And still, there is an awful lot of time for advertisements. And in the first weekend of the NFL season, most of the spots were advertising fantasy sports products. The biggest of these are DraftKings and FanDuel, who were even approved by PayPal, the overly popular payment service that is also back in the gambling business after a twelve-year long absence.

Foxboro stadium’s fantasy sports gambling zone lets fans play during games (patriots.com)

DraftKings and FanDuel basically split the field between themselves as now each of them have sponsorship deals with 16 out of 32 teams in the NFL. It is interesting that the National Football League is so favorable towards fantasy sports, while it opposes sports betting so vehemently. Maybe the fact that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft have stakes in DraftKings might help us to understand the picture better.

The league actually distanced itself from daily fantasy sites for long, but the teams agreed with the operators individually. Fantasy sports are legal since 2006 in all but five federal states in the united states. Legislation provided an exemption for them, since they would have been banned according to gambling laws in the US just like online poker.

NFL: Fantasy Football

 
However, fantasy football was a season-long game first, and participators picked their players for the whole regular season. The NFL has been running such leagues long, money is not involved, and usually friends play against each other for fun. This service was implemented to engage viewers for games that would be originally uninteresting for them.

NFL.com helps fantasy players with all the statistics and news they possibly need

But the competition at fantasy football sites goes for large prize pools up to USD 2 million, and participators have to pay an entry fee. There are weekly payouts and the whole concept pretty much resembles to internet gaming. Is fantasy sports gambling then? Some say, yes, definitely, just like Frank Pallone, who initiated the congressional hearing on the matter.

Some see a future with legalized sports betting in the US, with the big daily fantasy sports sites running the show. That is certainly a possibility. However, for the moment, these fantasy operators are driving on the limit. Frankly, they should have an effect on US gambling laws, as some regulations might be needed for this gray area.

They might bring some change in the assessment of online sportsbooks in the US as well. This de facto fantasy sports gambling business, as some say, is not far away from betting on sports at all in its newest form. Actually both kind is in a legislative gray area, and regulations are definitely outdated. It is time to make things clear.

In their current form many considers fantasy sports gambling. What is the difference between sports betting and playing fantasy football for money after all?

As the new NFL season started, fantasy sports games appeared and were advertised in a quantity that was unknown before. Is fantasy sports gambling? It is not decided yet, and operators can capitalize on this blurred status for now. However, a congressional hearing will examine the issue after New Jersey representative Frank Pallone called for it on Monday.

He did that on the first working day after the first weekend of the 2015 NFL regular season. Maybe he was shocked by the amount of fantasy football ads during the games, or maybe he was simply pissed that New Jersey legal sportsbooking wasn’t granted for casinos and racetracks located in the state. But that is true that this is a USD 15 billion business and that betting on player’s performance is quite close to bet on live sports results.

Moreover, if he went through the odds of any legal online sportsbook in the US, he might have noticed that sports betting also covers individual performance. You can bet on touchdown passes, interceptions, completions, rushing and receiving yards etc. Considering this, the answer to the question that is fantasy sports gambling seems even closer to a yes than before.

New York Times: An Ad Blitz for Fantasy Sports Games, but Some See Plain Old Gambling

 
Best experts of sports and gambling facts might know that the actual playtime during a three-hour long NFL broadcast is no more than 11 minutes. For most of the time you will see players standing around the field between plays. Though for hardcore fans and experts this is the most interesting part of the game in some aspects.

And still, there is an awful lot of time for advertisements. And in the first weekend of the NFL season, most of the spots were advertising fantasy sports products. The biggest of these are DraftKings and FanDuel, who were even approved by PayPal, the overly popular payment service that is also back in the gambling business after a twelve-year long absence.

Foxboro stadium’s fantasy sports gambling zone lets fans play during games (patriots.com)

DraftKings and FanDuel basically split the field between themselves as now each of them have sponsorship deals with 16 out of 32 teams in the NFL. It is interesting that the National Football League is so favorable towards fantasy sports, while it opposes sports betting so vehemently. Maybe the fact that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft have stakes in DraftKings might help us to understand the picture better.

The league actually distanced itself from daily fantasy sites for long, but the teams agreed with the operators individually. Fantasy sports are legal since 2006 in all but five federal states in the united states. Legislation provided an exemption for them, since they would have been banned according to gambling laws in the US just like online poker.

NFL: Fantasy Football

 
However, fantasy football was a season-long game first, and participators picked their players for the whole regular season. The NFL has been running such leagues long, money is not involved, and usually friends play against each other for fun. This service was implemented to engage viewers for games that would be originally uninteresting for them.

NFL.com helps fantasy players with all the statistics and news they possibly need

But the competition at fantasy football sites goes for large prize pools up to USD 2 million, and participators have to pay an entry fee. There are weekly payouts and the whole concept pretty much resembles to internet gaming. Is fantasy sports gambling then? Some say, yes, definitely, just like Frank Pallone, who initiated the congressional hearing on the matter.

Some see a future with legalized sports betting in the US, with the big daily fantasy sports sites running the show. That is certainly a possibility. However, for the moment, these fantasy operators are driving on the limit. Frankly, they should have an effect on US gambling laws, as some regulations might be needed for this gray area.

They might bring some change in the assessment of online sportsbooks in the US as well. This de facto fantasy sports gambling business, as some say, is not far away from betting on sports at all in its newest form. Actually both kind is in a legislative gray area, and regulations are definitely outdated. It is time to make things clear.

 
Though Steven Gerrard left Liverpool for the LA Galaxy after 17 years, he was able to retain his famous jersey number.
 

He wore the Eight while playing for the Reds, as he was presented with the no. 8 shirt by Los Angeles Galaxy. His new club introduced the former England international to the media on Tuesday, and he will make his debut for Galaxy on this weekend against a Mexican side. His first Major League Soccer game is also coming next week, so it is no surprise that Gerrard compared his first days at his new employer in California to a whirlwind. By moving to Los Angeles, Gerrard followed a path that was paved by his former England teammate David Beckham, who spent five years at Galaxy.

BBC.com: Steven Gerrard: David Beckham a factor in LA Galaxy move

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who exited Merseyside after 17 years as an Anfield Road pro, revealed that the five years David Beckham, his former England international teammate, spent at Los Angeles Galaxy was crucial in his decision. Gerrard is preparing to play his first game for Galaxy against Mexican outfit Club America on Saturday.

Gerrard named Beckham as one of his heroes and an influence on him moving to Los Angeles (Photo: thefa.com)

Gerrard said, “David is a hero of mine, a fantastic guy, a wonderful footballer, certainly someone I leaned on for advice before I decided to come here.” At Galaxy, Stevie G will team up with Robbie Keane, who spent half a season with Gerrard at Liverpool in 2008-2009, as followers of live sports results might remember.
For Gerrard it was important to meet Keane, who solved his new teammate’s first big problem, online gambling news report. Gerrard said, “It was very nice to have Robbie around, he introduced me to the players and he also lent me some factor 50 as well so I didn’t burn. It felt like I was coming to a new school but thanks to my team-mates for making me feel welcome.”

The Guardian: Steven Gerrard excited to be following ‘legend’ Landon Donovan at LA Galaxy

Steven Gerrard expressed that he was impressed by Los Angeles Galaxy before he signed for them, as the California outfit wanted him badly throughout the process. Galaxy introduced him to the media after training on Tuesday, and his first Major League Soccer game is scheduled to July 17, gambling news report.

Gerrard is expected to replace Landon Donovan, another one of his heroes, as an experienced leader and playmaker (Photo: dailymail)

Gerrard said, “First and foremost I’d like to thank the club for getting me here. The club and [head coach] Bruce [Arena] were very aggressive in making me come here and I’m very excited to be here.” Gerrard is not the first player who arrives from Liverpool to LA, as US legend Landon Donovan spent two loan spells at Everton while representing Galaxy.

He spoke about the former US international to the media. He said, “Landon, who I played against at Everton, he was the enemy for short periods of time and who I’m sure I’ll bump into around the place and it’ll be good to bounce some feedback off him as well – he’s a legend here, he’s a hero.”

SkySports.com: Steven Gerrard raring to go ahead of LA Galaxy debut

Former Liverpool superstar Steven Gerrard is about to make his debut for his new team Los Angeles Galaxy. The squad is preparing for an International Champions Cup game that will be played in Carson on Saturday, where they are facing Club America from Mexico, as many of those who follow sports scores might know.

Gerrard will be expected to lead his new teammates at LA Galaxy as early as Saturday at the International Champions Cup game against Mexican side Club America (Photo: express.co.uk)

The ex-England international stated that the last week was very intense for him. He said, “The last seven days have been a whirlwind. I have had time, though, to do a lot of thinking and preparation. I have had a bit of jet-lag, but now I am very excited. There will be a few minor stops and starts, but I am now looking to fire from the off.”
Gerrard also spoke about the upcoming game. He said, “I’m very excited to be here. The game on Saturday can’t come quick enough. The level is very good here and I am here to help the other players. It is not much difference from Liverpool and it is time for me to do my talking on the pitch.”

 
Though Steven Gerrard left Liverpool for the LA Galaxy after 17 years, he was able to retain his famous jersey number.
 

He wore the Eight while playing for the Reds, as he was presented with the no. 8 shirt by Los Angeles Galaxy. His new club introduced the former England international to the media on Tuesday, and he will make his debut for Galaxy on this weekend against a Mexican side. His first Major League Soccer game is also coming next week, so it is no surprise that Gerrard compared his first days at his new employer in California to a whirlwind. By moving to Los Angeles, Gerrard followed a path that was paved by his former England teammate David Beckham, who spent five years at Galaxy.

BBC.com: Steven Gerrard: David Beckham a factor in LA Galaxy move

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who exited Merseyside after 17 years as an Anfield Road pro, revealed that the five years David Beckham, his former England international teammate, spent at Los Angeles Galaxy was crucial in his decision. Gerrard is preparing to play his first game for Galaxy against Mexican outfit Club America on Saturday.

Gerrard named Beckham as one of his heroes and an influence on him moving to Los Angeles (Photo: thefa.com)

Gerrard said, “David is a hero of mine, a fantastic guy, a wonderful footballer, certainly someone I leaned on for advice before I decided to come here.” At Galaxy, Stevie G will team up with Robbie Keane, who spent half a season with Gerrard at Liverpool in 2008-2009, as followers of live sports results might remember.
For Gerrard it was important to meet Keane, who solved his new teammate’s first big problem, online gambling news report. Gerrard said, “It was very nice to have Robbie around, he introduced me to the players and he also lent me some factor 50 as well so I didn’t burn. It felt like I was coming to a new school but thanks to my team-mates for making me feel welcome.”

The Guardian: Steven Gerrard excited to be following ‘legend’ Landon Donovan at LA Galaxy

Steven Gerrard expressed that he was impressed by Los Angeles Galaxy before he signed for them, as the California outfit wanted him badly throughout the process. Galaxy introduced him to the media after training on Tuesday, and his first Major League Soccer game is scheduled to July 17, gambling news report.

Gerrard is expected to replace Landon Donovan, another one of his heroes, as an experienced leader and playmaker (Photo: dailymail)

Gerrard said, “First and foremost I’d like to thank the club for getting me here. The club and [head coach] Bruce [Arena] were very aggressive in making me come here and I’m very excited to be here.” Gerrard is not the first player who arrives from Liverpool to LA, as US legend Landon Donovan spent two loan spells at Everton while representing Galaxy.

He spoke about the former US international to the media. He said, “Landon, who I played against at Everton, he was the enemy for short periods of time and who I’m sure I’ll bump into around the place and it’ll be good to bounce some feedback off him as well – he’s a legend here, he’s a hero.”

SkySports.com: Steven Gerrard raring to go ahead of LA Galaxy debut

Former Liverpool superstar Steven Gerrard is about to make his debut for his new team Los Angeles Galaxy. The squad is preparing for an International Champions Cup game that will be played in Carson on Saturday, where they are facing Club America from Mexico, as many of those who follow sports scores might know.

Gerrard will be expected to lead his new teammates at LA Galaxy as early as Saturday at the International Champions Cup game against Mexican side Club America (Photo: express.co.uk)

The ex-England international stated that the last week was very intense for him. He said, “The last seven days have been a whirlwind. I have had time, though, to do a lot of thinking and preparation. I have had a bit of jet-lag, but now I am very excited. There will be a few minor stops and starts, but I am now looking to fire from the off.”
Gerrard also spoke about the upcoming game. He said, “I’m very excited to be here. The game on Saturday can’t come quick enough. The level is very good here and I am here to help the other players. It is not much difference from Liverpool and it is time for me to do my talking on the pitch.”

Caroline Wozniacki thinks that those who arrange tennis schedules in Wimbledon, tend to prefer male players to female colleagues, as women have hardly any opportunity to show themselves on the Centre Court. After he crashed out on a smaller court, the major venue saw a Roger Federer, who looked ten years younger than his actual age, taking Roberto Bautista Agut apart at ease. The Swiss, who is on his way to his record eight Wimbledon title, might have terrified his rivals with that outstanding performance. The second week also saw another special moment, when the Williams sisters faced each other on the Centre Court.

The Guardian: Caroline Wozniacki accuses Wimbledon of a bias to men on show courts

Danish professional tennis player Carolin Wozniacki accused the Wimbledon organizers with some sort of sexism as he thinks that female players don’t get as much playing time at the major courts like their male colleagues. Wozniacki slapped the Wimbledon directors after she crashed out in the round of 16.

Wozniacki accuses WImbledon as of being sexist (Photo: The Guardian)

The 6-4, 6-4 loss against Garbiñe Muguruza was the fifth exit from the tournament at that stage in Wozniacki’s career, as she never reached the quarter-finals in Southwest London. She suggested angrily that women tennis players should get exactly the number of matches on the show courts like men do, gambling news report.

She said, “I would love to play on a big court. I think that’s what it’s all about; you work hard and practice to play on the big courts. The women really haven’t gotten the opportunity here to play on the big courts. You only get one women’s match on Court One and Centre Court.”

BBC.com: Wimbledon 2015: Roger Federer breezes into quarter-finals

Swiss icon Roger Federer was on fire against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 16 at the Wimbledon Championships. Federer displayed top class tennis as he dispatched Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarter-final where he will meet France’s Gilles Simon, online gambling news report.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion holds the record of the most Grand Slam wins in London together with Pete Sampras and Willie Renshaw. He said after the match, “I don’t think I made a statement. I did a nice job making the transition. It was a good match. I got off to a good start and kept rolling. Obviously maybe Roberto wasn’t at his very best.”

Butista Agut had no answer for the wide range of shots Federer used in their respective match. It seems that the Swiss is back to his best days, though keen followers of live sports results might have noticed that he also uses a serve-and-volley game under the coaching of Stefan Edberg. The Spaniard suffered an ankle injury in the third set, but he finished the match after a quick medical treatment.

NYTimes.com: Serena and Venus Williams Are Siblings Forever, but Rivals for Not Much Longer

American tennis superstar Serena Williams defeated her older sister in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships. She said after the game, “It definitely doesn’t get easier. But today I was out there, and I thought: ‘Wow. I’m 33, and she just turned 35. I don’t know how many more moments like this we’ll have.’ ”

Serena defeats her sister Venus in the 4th round of Wimbledon. (Photo: New York Times)

Serena Williams expressed that she wanted to keep on playing for a few years, but maybe that was the last time she had the opportunity to play against her sister on the Wimbledon Centre Court, where each of them won five singles titles. She added, “I just wanted to take the moment in. I remember when we were 8 years old. We dreamed of these moments. It was kind of surreal there.”

Actually, Venus was who paved the way for her younger sister, as followers of sports scores might remember, since she was who first won a Grand Slam title for the Williams family, and she was the first who reached number one in the WTA rankings.

Caroline Wozniacki thinks that those who arrange tennis schedules in Wimbledon, tend to prefer male players to female colleagues, as women have hardly any opportunity to show themselves on the Centre Court. After he crashed out on a smaller court, the major venue saw a Roger Federer, who looked ten years younger than his actual age, taking Roberto Bautista Agut apart at ease. The Swiss, who is on his way to his record eight Wimbledon title, might have terrified his rivals with that outstanding performance. The second week also saw another special moment, when the Williams sisters faced each other on the Centre Court.

The Guardian: Caroline Wozniacki accuses Wimbledon of a bias to men on show courts

Danish professional tennis player Carolin Wozniacki accused the Wimbledon organizers with some sort of sexism as he thinks that female players don’t get as much playing time at the major courts like their male colleagues. Wozniacki slapped the Wimbledon directors after she crashed out in the round of 16.

Wozniacki accuses WImbledon as of being sexist (Photo: The Guardian)

The 6-4, 6-4 loss against Garbiñe Muguruza was the fifth exit from the tournament at that stage in Wozniacki’s career, as she never reached the quarter-finals in Southwest London. She suggested angrily that women tennis players should get exactly the number of matches on the show courts like men do, gambling news report.

She said, “I would love to play on a big court. I think that’s what it’s all about; you work hard and practice to play on the big courts. The women really haven’t gotten the opportunity here to play on the big courts. You only get one women’s match on Court One and Centre Court.”

BBC.com: Wimbledon 2015: Roger Federer breezes into quarter-finals

Swiss icon Roger Federer was on fire against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 16 at the Wimbledon Championships. Federer displayed top class tennis as he dispatched Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarter-final where he will meet France’s Gilles Simon, online gambling news report.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion holds the record of the most Grand Slam wins in London together with Pete Sampras and Willie Renshaw. He said after the match, “I don’t think I made a statement. I did a nice job making the transition. It was a good match. I got off to a good start and kept rolling. Obviously maybe Roberto wasn’t at his very best.”

Butista Agut had no answer for the wide range of shots Federer used in their respective match. It seems that the Swiss is back to his best days, though keen followers of live sports results might have noticed that he also uses a serve-and-volley game under the coaching of Stefan Edberg. The Spaniard suffered an ankle injury in the third set, but he finished the match after a quick medical treatment.

NYTimes.com: Serena and Venus Williams Are Siblings Forever, but Rivals for Not Much Longer

American tennis superstar Serena Williams defeated her older sister in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships. She said after the game, “It definitely doesn’t get easier. But today I was out there, and I thought: ‘Wow. I’m 33, and she just turned 35. I don’t know how many more moments like this we’ll have.’ ”

Serena defeats her sister Venus in the 4th round of Wimbledon. (Photo: New York Times)

Serena Williams expressed that she wanted to keep on playing for a few years, but maybe that was the last time she had the opportunity to play against her sister on the Wimbledon Centre Court, where each of them won five singles titles. She added, “I just wanted to take the moment in. I remember when we were 8 years old. We dreamed of these moments. It was kind of surreal there.”

Actually, Venus was who paved the way for her younger sister, as followers of sports scores might remember, since she was who first won a Grand Slam title for the Williams family, and she was the first who reached number one in the WTA rankings.

From a financial point of view, South Africa’s casinos are doing very well. As the most popular form of gambling in the country, these businesses are raking in as much as R17 billion every year. But while the land-based casino industry is still the most profitable, competition is getting heated as other forms of gambling are growing at a rapid rate.

This week, accounting firm PwC released a detailed report on how the gambling industry could evolve in the following few years. The document takes a closer look at casinos in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya and speculates on the trends the industry could follow between this year and 2018.

PwC’s predictions are not too optimistic. As the country’s economy is slowing down, its gambling market will face the same slowdown, the accounting firm said.

BusinessDay: Bingo and sports betting make inroads into casinos

In its report, PwC studied the growth prospects for casinos, as well as limited payout machines, bingo, sports betting and lottery games in South Africa. The country has 37 land-based casinos, which made a total of R16.5 billion profits last year. The industry has grown on a year-to-year basis, but only by a modest 0.6%.

Last year turnover increased 4%, a drop from the 7.6% growth in the previous year and the smallest profit made since 2009.

“We expect continued slow growth in SA over the next two years,” the accounting company said. “We then look for a pick-up in growth in each country as economic conditions improve. Some casino operators in certain locations believe that the slowdown in 2013 was due in part to growing competition from electronic bingo terminals, limited payout machines and sports betting shops, which are becoming more prevalent,” said the report.

Meanwhile, bingo operations have generated 67.5% increased revenue last year, while limited payout machines grew 17.8% and sports betting by 9.1%. According to online gambling news, bingo is the smallest category, with revenue of just R732 million, but the industry is constantly growing. Sports betting went up 18.5% and horse racing grew 4.6%, and PwC expects sports wagering to overtake horse racing in the next five years.

Charl Faurie, a spokesperson for SA’s Casino Association, said the association does not see alternative forms of legal gambling as a threat. However, illegal gambling operations are having a negative impact on the industry.

“The rapid increase of illegal online gambling is of particular concern to us as we estimate billions of rands are lost in tax revenue per year which has an obvious negative economic effect on the country. Casa is taking specific actions to address this threat beginning with a mass-media awareness campaign which will launch in the next few months,” Faurie said.

GamingZion: Online Gambling Sites in South Africa Could Be Banned

For years, politicians have been discussing changing the country’s gambling laws, as the industry expected them to regulate the online casino market. But recent news said authorities were considering doing the exact opposite: banning internet gambling in South Africa.

In addition to this, the media said lawmakers are also talking about setting limits on the number of electronic bingo machines and forbidding dog races. While these measures are just in the form of a proposal at the moment, if the draft becomes law all hope of having legal online casinos in the country will be lost.

Of course, not all officials agree with the proposal. Geordin Hill-Lewis, Member of Parliament (DA) and Shadow Minister of Trade and Industry believes it will cost the state more to enforce the law, than to legalize internet gambling. But others note that the number of problem gamblers has increased in recent years, and so has the level of indebtedness.

In addition to forbidding online gambling, South Africa authorities want to introduce licenses for the horse racing industry, in hopes that this measure will make gambling less accessible.

CityPress: Davies tackles gambling board’s mismanagement

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies suspended members of the National Gambling Board (NGB) on allegations of maladministration, wasteful spending and corrupt activities. The agency’s activities will be investigated by authorities, to find out if the accusations are true.

The board is normally responsible for overseeing the gambling industry and regulating South Africa’s multi-billion-rand market. Davies noted that the suspension was a precautionary measure, after an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act through “failing to prevent irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and making overdraft on the entity’s bank account without the approval of the minister of finance”.

The board is accused of breaking the National Gambling Act by “allowing members whose term of office had expired to continue participating in the board’s activities and representing the NGB”, and there was a mention of “apparent corrupt activities” regarding the National Central Electronic Monitoring System, as well as “unlawful appointments of staff”.

Members of the board were also accused of intimidation, bullying and getting rid of evidence, which is why Davies decided to suspend them until the investigation is over.

From a financial point of view, South Africa’s casinos are doing very well. As the most popular form of gambling in the country, these businesses are raking in as much as R17 billion every year. But while the land-based casino industry is still the most profitable, competition is getting heated as other forms of gambling are growing at a rapid rate.

This week, accounting firm PwC released a detailed report on how the gambling industry could evolve in the following few years. The document takes a closer look at casinos in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya and speculates on the trends the industry could follow between this year and 2018.

PwC’s predictions are not too optimistic. As the country’s economy is slowing down, its gambling market will face the same slowdown, the accounting firm said.

BusinessDay: Bingo and sports betting make inroads into casinos

In its report, PwC studied the growth prospects for casinos, as well as limited payout machines, bingo, sports betting and lottery games in South Africa. The country has 37 land-based casinos, which made a total of R16.5 billion profits last year. The industry has grown on a year-to-year basis, but only by a modest 0.6%.

Last year turnover increased 4%, a drop from the 7.6% growth in the previous year and the smallest profit made since 2009.

“We expect continued slow growth in SA over the next two years,” the accounting company said. “We then look for a pick-up in growth in each country as economic conditions improve. Some casino operators in certain locations believe that the slowdown in 2013 was due in part to growing competition from electronic bingo terminals, limited payout machines and sports betting shops, which are becoming more prevalent,” said the report.

Meanwhile, bingo operations have generated 67.5% increased revenue last year, while limited payout machines grew 17.8% and sports betting by 9.1%. According to online gambling news, bingo is the smallest category, with revenue of just R732 million, but the industry is constantly growing. Sports betting went up 18.5% and horse racing grew 4.6%, and PwC expects sports wagering to overtake horse racing in the next five years.

Charl Faurie, a spokesperson for SA’s Casino Association, said the association does not see alternative forms of legal gambling as a threat. However, illegal gambling operations are having a negative impact on the industry.

“The rapid increase of illegal online gambling is of particular concern to us as we estimate billions of rands are lost in tax revenue per year which has an obvious negative economic effect on the country. Casa is taking specific actions to address this threat beginning with a mass-media awareness campaign which will launch in the next few months,” Faurie said.

GamingZion: Online Gambling Sites in South Africa Could Be Banned

For years, politicians have been discussing changing the country’s gambling laws, as the industry expected them to regulate the online casino market. But recent news said authorities were considering doing the exact opposite: banning internet gambling in South Africa.

In addition to this, the media said lawmakers are also talking about setting limits on the number of electronic bingo machines and forbidding dog races. While these measures are just in the form of a proposal at the moment, if the draft becomes law all hope of having legal online casinos in the country will be lost.

Of course, not all officials agree with the proposal. Geordin Hill-Lewis, Member of Parliament (DA) and Shadow Minister of Trade and Industry believes it will cost the state more to enforce the law, than to legalize internet gambling. But others note that the number of problem gamblers has increased in recent years, and so has the level of indebtedness.

In addition to forbidding online gambling, South Africa authorities want to introduce licenses for the horse racing industry, in hopes that this measure will make gambling less accessible.

CityPress: Davies tackles gambling board’s mismanagement

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies suspended members of the National Gambling Board (NGB) on allegations of maladministration, wasteful spending and corrupt activities. The agency’s activities will be investigated by authorities, to find out if the accusations are true.

The board is normally responsible for overseeing the gambling industry and regulating South Africa’s multi-billion-rand market. Davies noted that the suspension was a precautionary measure, after an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act through “failing to prevent irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and making overdraft on the entity’s bank account without the approval of the minister of finance”.

The board is accused of breaking the National Gambling Act by “allowing members whose term of office had expired to continue participating in the board’s activities and representing the NGB”, and there was a mention of “apparent corrupt activities” regarding the National Central Electronic Monitoring System, as well as “unlawful appointments of staff”.

Members of the board were also accused of intimidation, bullying and getting rid of evidence, which is why Davies decided to suspend them until the investigation is over.

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.

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.

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.

Officials had plans to open a sports betting service at the New Jersey race tracks as soon as possible, but it looks like they need more time.

At the beginning of September, Governor Chris Christie’s administration took one more step to help New Jersey’s gambling industry grow, by issuing a directive that made it legal for casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting services.

But it looks like there are more hurdles to pass before New Jersey players can legally place wager on sports scores, as the decision was challenged by professional sports leagues. These are the same organizations which fought the state’s efforts to reverse the ban on sports betting, when the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

The governor said he did his research and found no trace of previous federal court rulings prohibiting casinos and horse racing tracks from offering sports betting. Now the topic has become a widely debated issue, with a federal ruling expected on October 6.

Miami Herald: New Jersey track extends date for sports betting

The management of the racetrack had plans to open the sportsbook in 45 days, or at least by the end of October. Dennis Drazin, a legal adviser to Monmouth Park, was even more optimistic, hoping to get things going on the first weekend after the directive was issued.

Now the racetrack announced it was taking its time with the big launch, giving the federal judge time to rule on the legality of the directive issued by the New Jersey administration. The court decision is expected to be issued on October 6.

Recent online gambling news wrote that Monmouth Park needs more time to set up phone lines and Internet connections for the operation, as well as to hire 111 new employees. The racetrack is planning on establishing its own private association to regulate sports betting, since the state hasn’t taken care of this. Other casinos or racetracks will be welcome to join the group.

While the legal adviser said he would start taking bets as soon as possible, a Meadowlands Racetrack spokeswoman for the said the establishment wasn’t planning on offering such services for now.

Houston Chronicle: Q&A: New Jersey’s sports gambling push

After Government Chris Christie issued an order this September, saying that racetracks and casinos won’t be prosecuted for taking wagers on sports event, legal issues are still waiting to be resolved before establishments actually start accepting bets. The Houston Chronicle offers answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the issue.

If you want to know why no one is offering sports betting yet, you should know that racetracks and casinos are still waiting for a federal judge to rule on the legality of the new directive. The New Jersey Legislature might also need to take further action before operators launch these services.

The professional sports leagues who sued Christie in 2012 to stop sports wagering in the state have not taken any legal action against the September 8 order yet, but they are probably also waiting for the judge to rule on the issue before proceeding.

Monmouth Park Racetrack officials have already indicated they’d be willing to take bets as soon as possible. The racetrack is even working with a sports betting firm, preparing a room to be used for the new service.

NJ.com: Quigley: Sports betting banned? Don’t bet on it

Good news for New Jersey players eager to put money on sports event. Governor Christie made sportsbooks legal in the state, and Monmouth Park promised to offer these services real soon. Some limitations might be imposed, such as betting on games played in state or being played by New Jersey colleges, but apart from that, sports wagering might get the green light through racetracks and casinos.

In 1992, when Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, sports betting became illegal in all but four states. Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana already permitted such wagering, so they were exempt from the rules. A recent poll showed New Jersey residents were two-to-one in favor, but until recently the activity has been illegal.

After four Atlantic City casinos closed this summer, reread an old court decision and concluded that as long as New Jersey did not officially “authorize” sports betting, the state would not get into any legal trouble. This is how the Governor decided he would issue an order saying that entities running sports betting activities would not be prosecuted.

The state treasury is bound to gain from ordinary corporate business taxes, while racetracks and casinos will benefit from an increased client base.

Officials had plans to open a sports betting service at the New Jersey race tracks as soon as possible, but it looks like they need more time.

At the beginning of September, Governor Chris Christie’s administration took one more step to help New Jersey’s gambling industry grow, by issuing a directive that made it legal for casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting services.

But it looks like there are more hurdles to pass before New Jersey players can legally place wager on sports scores, as the decision was challenged by professional sports leagues. These are the same organizations which fought the state’s efforts to reverse the ban on sports betting, when the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

The governor said he did his research and found no trace of previous federal court rulings prohibiting casinos and horse racing tracks from offering sports betting. Now the topic has become a widely debated issue, with a federal ruling expected on October 6.

Miami Herald: New Jersey track extends date for sports betting

The management of the racetrack had plans to open the sportsbook in 45 days, or at least by the end of October. Dennis Drazin, a legal adviser to Monmouth Park, was even more optimistic, hoping to get things going on the first weekend after the directive was issued.

Now the racetrack announced it was taking its time with the big launch, giving the federal judge time to rule on the legality of the directive issued by the New Jersey administration. The court decision is expected to be issued on October 6.

Recent online gambling news wrote that Monmouth Park needs more time to set up phone lines and Internet connections for the operation, as well as to hire 111 new employees. The racetrack is planning on establishing its own private association to regulate sports betting, since the state hasn’t taken care of this. Other casinos or racetracks will be welcome to join the group.

While the legal adviser said he would start taking bets as soon as possible, a Meadowlands Racetrack spokeswoman for the said the establishment wasn’t planning on offering such services for now.

Houston Chronicle: Q&A: New Jersey’s sports gambling push

After Government Chris Christie issued an order this September, saying that racetracks and casinos won’t be prosecuted for taking wagers on sports event, legal issues are still waiting to be resolved before establishments actually start accepting bets. The Houston Chronicle offers answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the issue.

If you want to know why no one is offering sports betting yet, you should know that racetracks and casinos are still waiting for a federal judge to rule on the legality of the new directive. The New Jersey Legislature might also need to take further action before operators launch these services.

The professional sports leagues who sued Christie in 2012 to stop sports wagering in the state have not taken any legal action against the September 8 order yet, but they are probably also waiting for the judge to rule on the issue before proceeding.

Monmouth Park Racetrack officials have already indicated they’d be willing to take bets as soon as possible. The racetrack is even working with a sports betting firm, preparing a room to be used for the new service.

NJ.com: Quigley: Sports betting banned? Don’t bet on it

Good news for New Jersey players eager to put money on sports event. Governor Christie made sportsbooks legal in the state, and Monmouth Park promised to offer these services real soon. Some limitations might be imposed, such as betting on games played in state or being played by New Jersey colleges, but apart from that, sports wagering might get the green light through racetracks and casinos.

In 1992, when Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, sports betting became illegal in all but four states. Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana already permitted such wagering, so they were exempt from the rules. A recent poll showed New Jersey residents were two-to-one in favor, but until recently the activity has been illegal.

After four Atlantic City casinos closed this summer, reread an old court decision and concluded that as long as New Jersey did not officially “authorize” sports betting, the state would not get into any legal trouble. This is how the Governor decided he would issue an order saying that entities running sports betting activities would not be prosecuted.

The state treasury is bound to gain from ordinary corporate business taxes, while racetracks and casinos will benefit from an increased client base.

New Zealand’s horse racing association has imposed new rules preventing jockeys from betting on days when they are riding.

A few weeks ago, New Zealand gambling news were raging over Central Districts jockey David Walker’s involvement in a betting scandal. The 38-year-old rider had placed a wager on a race he was competing in at the Awapuni course, but put his money on a rival horse.

His mount Watch Your Man finished two-and-a-half lengths behind St Ransom, and the Race Integrity Unit (RIU) said the jockey had deliberately tempered with the sports scores by restraining his own horse to ensure he would win the wager.

Following the national betting scandal, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) decided to forbid jockeys from placing wagers on days when they are competing. Under the old regulations, riders were allowed to bet, but only on their own mount.

Stuff.co.nz: Jockey betting scandal forces NZTR rule change

In addition to forbidding jockeys from betting when they’re riding, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is also trying to stop them from using anything but traceable electronic betting accounts. This way, officials will be able to easily verify that no one breaks the rules.

The changes were prompted by the David Walker betting scandal, which challenged the integrity of New Zealand horse racing. Newspapers revealed that the Central Districts rider admitted to placing wagers on two rival horses before being charged with pulling up his two mounts.

Matthew Goodson, chairman of NZTR, promised that the strengthening of rule 707 would provide greater protection for gamblers who bet on sports in New Zealand, and this is critical for the industry. He added that the organization would consult again in the future, to establish whether more drastic rules are needed and to ensure that New Zealand’s regulations are consistent with other important racing jurisdictions.

“This may result in a ban on jockeys betting on races held under our rules of racing without exception,” he added.

3News: Betting rules tighten for jockeys

Jockeys participating in New Zealand horse races are banned from betting on the days they are riding. The fresh regulations have put an end to a practice which drew a lot of criticism, as jockeys were allowed to place wagers on their own horses, as well as on any race they’re not competing in.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing representatives say the changes were initiated in 2013, but the issue of riders betting on races has been in the spotlight over the past few weeks, after jockey David Walker was charged with two counts of placing wagers on another horse in a race he was competing in. His and a hearing is scheduled to take place on September 18 at Trentham.

“The appearance, as well as the practice of integrity, is critical against a backdrop of rapidly evolving gambling options which are creating issues for many sports,” NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said in a statement. “The strengthening of this racing rule will provide greater protection for punters, which is critical for our industry, and support our integrity services.”

The new rules came into effect on Thursday, after being approved by all stakeholders, including the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association.

The Informant: New jockey betting rule comes into force

NZTR announced changes to Rule 707 of the Rules of Racing, namely the one referring to jockey betting privileges. In addition to banning riders from placing wagers on races they’re competing in, officials have asked that all bets be placed exclusively through electronic accounts, via the New Zealand TAB.

The changes are meant to help protect the sport’s integrity. They were initiated in 2013 and have received approval from all stakeholders, including the Minister for Racing and the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association, as well as the Racing Integrity Unit, Racing’s Judicial Control Authority and the New Zealand Racing Board.

NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said: “NZTR is committed to continue reviewing the potential impact of other factors on racing integrity such as growing international linkages and the role of offshore betting organizations and websites.

NZTR will recommence a consultation process on the need for further changes to the Rules to ensure New Zealand’s Racing Rules are consistent with other major racing jurisdictions. This may result in a ban on jockeys’ betting on races held under our Rules of Racing without exception.”

Dave Taylor, president of the Jockeys’ Association added: “New Zealand racing and jockeys have the very highest levels of integrity and we acknowledge and understand the need for both the practice and perception of the highest standards of integrity.”

New Zealand’s horse racing association has imposed new rules preventing jockeys from betting on days when they are riding.

A few weeks ago, New Zealand gambling news were raging over Central Districts jockey David Walker’s involvement in a betting scandal. The 38-year-old rider had placed a wager on a race he was competing in at the Awapuni course, but put his money on a rival horse.

His mount Watch Your Man finished two-and-a-half lengths behind St Ransom, and the Race Integrity Unit (RIU) said the jockey had deliberately tempered with the sports scores by restraining his own horse to ensure he would win the wager.

Following the national betting scandal, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) decided to forbid jockeys from placing wagers on days when they are competing. Under the old regulations, riders were allowed to bet, but only on their own mount.

Stuff.co.nz: Jockey betting scandal forces NZTR rule change

In addition to forbidding jockeys from betting when they’re riding, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is also trying to stop them from using anything but traceable electronic betting accounts. This way, officials will be able to easily verify that no one breaks the rules.

The changes were prompted by the David Walker betting scandal, which challenged the integrity of New Zealand horse racing. Newspapers revealed that the Central Districts rider admitted to placing wagers on two rival horses before being charged with pulling up his two mounts.

Matthew Goodson, chairman of NZTR, promised that the strengthening of rule 707 would provide greater protection for gamblers who bet on sports in New Zealand, and this is critical for the industry. He added that the organization would consult again in the future, to establish whether more drastic rules are needed and to ensure that New Zealand’s regulations are consistent with other important racing jurisdictions.

“This may result in a ban on jockeys betting on races held under our rules of racing without exception,” he added.

3News: Betting rules tighten for jockeys

Jockeys participating in New Zealand horse races are banned from betting on the days they are riding. The fresh regulations have put an end to a practice which drew a lot of criticism, as jockeys were allowed to place wagers on their own horses, as well as on any race they’re not competing in.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing representatives say the changes were initiated in 2013, but the issue of riders betting on races has been in the spotlight over the past few weeks, after jockey David Walker was charged with two counts of placing wagers on another horse in a race he was competing in. His and a hearing is scheduled to take place on September 18 at Trentham.

“The appearance, as well as the practice of integrity, is critical against a backdrop of rapidly evolving gambling options which are creating issues for many sports,” NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said in a statement. “The strengthening of this racing rule will provide greater protection for punters, which is critical for our industry, and support our integrity services.”

The new rules came into effect on Thursday, after being approved by all stakeholders, including the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association.

The Informant: New jockey betting rule comes into force

NZTR announced changes to Rule 707 of the Rules of Racing, namely the one referring to jockey betting privileges. In addition to banning riders from placing wagers on races they’re competing in, officials have asked that all bets be placed exclusively through electronic accounts, via the New Zealand TAB.

The changes are meant to help protect the sport’s integrity. They were initiated in 2013 and have received approval from all stakeholders, including the Minister for Racing and the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association, as well as the Racing Integrity Unit, Racing’s Judicial Control Authority and the New Zealand Racing Board.

NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said: “NZTR is committed to continue reviewing the potential impact of other factors on racing integrity such as growing international linkages and the role of offshore betting organizations and websites.

NZTR will recommence a consultation process on the need for further changes to the Rules to ensure New Zealand’s Racing Rules are consistent with other major racing jurisdictions. This may result in a ban on jockeys’ betting on races held under our Rules of Racing without exception.”

Dave Taylor, president of the Jockeys’ Association added: “New Zealand racing and jockeys have the very highest levels of integrity and we acknowledge and understand the need for both the practice and perception of the highest standards of integrity.”

New Jersey has once again been dealt a blow as the Supreme Court reached a verdict to keep the ban sport gambling in the Eastern state. There have been numerous attempts to revert the bill prohibiting bets on sports, however all have been futile so far.

Nevertheless, there is still hope. Important statesmen from New Jersey remain confident in their battle, as a new bill that is due to be published bears a more promising effect than previous attempts.

Bloomberg: New Jersey Sports Betting Bid rejected by Supreme Court

Latest gambling news states that New Jersey’s quest to legalize sports gambling has been dampened. Despite tabling an appeal, Governor Chris Christie was not able sway the US Supreme Court. The Court claimed that New Jersey sports gambling pursuit came in conflict with a 1992 federal law that was passed to prevent the expansion of state-lead sports betting.

New Jersey aimed to make betting on professional and college sports legal, by offering to provide the services through the state’s racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. It is evident why prominent officials from the state supported the proposed change. Estimates show that the business would generate over $1 billion in bets and more than $100 million for the state.

White House representatives contested the action pointing to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National Football League and Major League Baseball.

They indicated that the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act allows sports gambling only in Nevada, while Delaware maintains a sports betting to lesser degree. Governor Christie highlighted that the federal law does not enable New Jersey to exercise its sovereign rights. Virtually all New Jersey residents voted in favor of sports betting in 2011.

NorthJersey: N.J. officials vow to change state law to permit sports betting

So far the state has spent over $3 million in research and legal expenses to see sports betting become a reality, however nothing has come to fruition due to the Supreme Court’s rejection. The overall process lasted for two years and saw the state lose on two occasions.

A US District Court judge supported the views of the NFL and four other sports organizations, and decided not to reverse the original ban. Governor Christie expressed his disappointed and acknowledged that New Jersey’s chances were slim. “They don’t give an explanation, so there is nothing to really react to. They said no, so we have to move on.”

Sports scores news reports that some other state officials remain adamant in legalizing sport gambling in New Jersey. Senate President Stephen Sweeney stated, “We are not giving up. The economic impact that sports wagering can have on New Jersey is far too important to simply shrug our shoulders and move on.”

Many like-minded people believe that this has the potential to help New Jersey’s fading horseracing and Atlantic City gambling industry. Sports betting would help the ailing economy in many terms and raise millions of dollars in taxes for the treasury.

CBS New York: Supreme Court Leaves In Place a Ban on Sports Betting in NJ

Despite recently losing a legal battle against the Supreme Court to legalize sports gambling, a New Jersey official brought up the idea of a revised bill that would see them achieve their goal.

New Jersey lawmakers submitted a case arguing that illegal betting on sports is valued at over $500 billion per year. Overturning the gambling law would create an opposite effect and lead to better standards. Legalization would see illegal gambling activities subsided, while in the same time generate income for the government and create employment opportunities.

The revised bill should see New Jersey challenge the law prohibiting them from offering sports betting services to players.

State Senator Raymond Lesniak hopes that US Department of Justice will not fight their reinvigorated attempts. “Aren’t they selling marijuana in Colorado and Washington? Isn’t that against federal law? Nothing stops is from repealing all our gambling laws on sports betting as long as we don’t regulate it, as long as we don’t promote it.”

Unlike other officials who seem to have given up on hopes to legalize sports betting, Lesniak is determined to succeed. He stated that is the Supreme Court does not accept the new case, then he would proceed with plans to offer sports gambling as soon as Week 1 of the NFL season. “I’m not saying “one day.” I’m saying September. ”

New Jersey has once again been dealt a blow as the Supreme Court reached a verdict to keep the ban sport gambling in the Eastern state. There have been numerous attempts to revert the bill prohibiting bets on sports, however all have been futile so far.

Nevertheless, there is still hope. Important statesmen from New Jersey remain confident in their battle, as a new bill that is due to be published bears a more promising effect than previous attempts.

Bloomberg: New Jersey Sports Betting Bid rejected by Supreme Court

Latest gambling news states that New Jersey’s quest to legalize sports gambling has been dampened. Despite tabling an appeal, Governor Chris Christie was not able sway the US Supreme Court. The Court claimed that New Jersey sports gambling pursuit came in conflict with a 1992 federal law that was passed to prevent the expansion of state-lead sports betting.

New Jersey aimed to make betting on professional and college sports legal, by offering to provide the services through the state’s racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. It is evident why prominent officials from the state supported the proposed change. Estimates show that the business would generate over $1 billion in bets and more than $100 million for the state.

White House representatives contested the action pointing to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National Football League and Major League Baseball.

They indicated that the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act allows sports gambling only in Nevada, while Delaware maintains a sports betting to lesser degree. Governor Christie highlighted that the federal law does not enable New Jersey to exercise its sovereign rights. Virtually all New Jersey residents voted in favor of sports betting in 2011.

NorthJersey: N.J. officials vow to change state law to permit sports betting

So far the state has spent over $3 million in research and legal expenses to see sports betting become a reality, however nothing has come to fruition due to the Supreme Court’s rejection. The overall process lasted for two years and saw the state lose on two occasions.

A US District Court judge supported the views of the NFL and four other sports organizations, and decided not to reverse the original ban. Governor Christie expressed his disappointed and acknowledged that New Jersey’s chances were slim. “They don’t give an explanation, so there is nothing to really react to. They said no, so we have to move on.”

Sports scores news reports that some other state officials remain adamant in legalizing sport gambling in New Jersey. Senate President Stephen Sweeney stated, “We are not giving up. The economic impact that sports wagering can have on New Jersey is far too important to simply shrug our shoulders and move on.”

Many like-minded people believe that this has the potential to help New Jersey’s fading horseracing and Atlantic City gambling industry. Sports betting would help the ailing economy in many terms and raise millions of dollars in taxes for the treasury.

CBS New York: Supreme Court Leaves In Place a Ban on Sports Betting in NJ

Despite recently losing a legal battle against the Supreme Court to legalize sports gambling, a New Jersey official brought up the idea of a revised bill that would see them achieve their goal.

New Jersey lawmakers submitted a case arguing that illegal betting on sports is valued at over $500 billion per year. Overturning the gambling law would create an opposite effect and lead to better standards. Legalization would see illegal gambling activities subsided, while in the same time generate income for the government and create employment opportunities.

The revised bill should see New Jersey challenge the law prohibiting them from offering sports betting services to players.

State Senator Raymond Lesniak hopes that US Department of Justice will not fight their reinvigorated attempts. “Aren’t they selling marijuana in Colorado and Washington? Isn’t that against federal law? Nothing stops is from repealing all our gambling laws on sports betting as long as we don’t regulate it, as long as we don’t promote it.”

Unlike other officials who seem to have given up on hopes to legalize sports betting, Lesniak is determined to succeed. He stated that is the Supreme Court does not accept the new case, then he would proceed with plans to offer sports gambling as soon as Week 1 of the NFL season. “I’m not saying “one day.” I’m saying September. ”

Four employees of a Texas company called Fidelity were fired for playing fantasy football at work. Fantasy football involves creating virtual teams out of pro football players, then using the real player’s statistics to determine the results. Pooled money from all participants provides prizes. A Fidelity spokesperson claims the company has strict rules against gambling.

Reuters: Fantasy sports at work spark concerns after report

Fantasy sports leagues are up in arms after news got out that a company called Fidelity Investments recently fired four employees for playing fantasy football while at work.

President of The Fantasy Sports Trade Association Paul Charchian said on Wednesday that the association is concerned that the incident marks the start of a battle between employers and the popular pastime of internet sports betting. Charchian cited a June survey that found 29 million people played fantasy sports in the United States and Canada in the past year, up from 20 million people in 2007.

Fantasy sports games revolve around the statistics or actual professional athletes. Players put together a virtual team and convert the stats of each player into online points, winning money when their “team” performs well. The money comes from participants who pool funds to fuel the games. Many offices tolerate fantasy games, and some even encourage them as morale-builders. Others question shether these games amount to gambling in the true sense.

Cameron Pettigrew, a manager at Fidelity’s Westlake office in Texas, along three other employees were fired by Fidelity for participating in the fantasy sports. A Fidelity spokeswoman said “We have policies in place that address a variety of professional conduct standards for our employees”.

Few details have been released concerning how Pettigrew’s league worked or why Fidelity may have objected to it.

Boston Herald: Fidelity fires 4 in fantasy football

Fidelity Investments in Texas reportedly fired four employees for participating fantasy football while at work.

Cameron Pettigrew, a manager at Fidelity, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram how he and three other employees lost their jobs at the Boston-based mutual fund corporation.

Pettigrew, who worked for Fidelity for 2 years before losing his job, could not be reached for comment.

Vin Loporchio, a spokesperson for Fidelity, said that the company does not comment on current or former employees “out of respect for their privacy and confidentiality,” and would not provide information.

“Our company policies address a variety of professional conduct standards for our employees,” Loporchio said yesterday in an e-mail to the Boston Herald. “Beyond that, however, we would not have anything to add.”

Loporchio told the Star-Telegram that Fidelity has “clear policies” relating gambling. “Participation in any form of gambling through the use of Fidelity time or equipment or any other company resource is prohibited,” the newspaper quoted Loporchio as saying. “We want our employees to be focused on our customers and clients.”

NBC Dallas/Fort Worth: Fired for Tackling Fantasy Football

A broker at a financial company in Westlake, Florida, claims that he lost his job for playing fantasy football while at work.

“I’m being 100 percent honest,” said Cameron Pettigrew. “It’s as ludicrous as it sounds.”

Pettigrew said his former employer, Fidelity Investments, let go of him and three others in October for organizing $20 fantasy football games. Fantasy football is a popular sports game in which participants bet on the performances of real football players.

“I loved my job at Fidelity,” Pettigrew said. “My whole argument is, the punishment didn’t fit the crime.”

Vin Loporchio, a spokesman for Fidelity told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the company has a clear policy against gambling. “Participation in any form of gambling through the use of Fidelity time or equipment or any other company resource is prohibited,” said Loporchio. “We want our employees to be focused on our customers and clients.”

Pettigrew claimed to understand the company’s policy but didn’t think it was enforced. “We had people in management and leadership doing it, ever since the first day I was there,” he said. “I thought it was a rule nobody took seriously.”

Pettigrew is now unemployed and looking for work.

Four employees of a Texas company called Fidelity were fired for playing fantasy football at work. Fantasy football involves creating virtual teams out of pro football players, then using the real player’s statistics to determine the results. Pooled money from all participants provides prizes. A Fidelity spokesperson claims the company has strict rules against gambling.

Reuters: Fantasy sports at work spark concerns after report

Fantasy sports leagues are up in arms after news got out that a company called Fidelity Investments recently fired four employees for playing fantasy football while at work.

President of The Fantasy Sports Trade Association Paul Charchian said on Wednesday that the association is concerned that the incident marks the start of a battle between employers and the popular pastime of internet sports betting. Charchian cited a June survey that found 29 million people played fantasy sports in the United States and Canada in the past year, up from 20 million people in 2007.

Fantasy sports games revolve around the statistics or actual professional athletes. Players put together a virtual team and convert the stats of each player into online points, winning money when their “team” performs well. The money comes from participants who pool funds to fuel the games. Many offices tolerate fantasy games, and some even encourage them as morale-builders. Others question shether these games amount to gambling in the true sense.

Cameron Pettigrew, a manager at Fidelity’s Westlake office in Texas, along three other employees were fired by Fidelity for participating in the fantasy sports. A Fidelity spokeswoman said “We have policies in place that address a variety of professional conduct standards for our employees”.

Few details have been released concerning how Pettigrew’s league worked or why Fidelity may have objected to it.

Boston Herald: Fidelity fires 4 in fantasy football

Fidelity Investments in Texas reportedly fired four employees for participating fantasy football while at work.

Cameron Pettigrew, a manager at Fidelity, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram how he and three other employees lost their jobs at the Boston-based mutual fund corporation.

Pettigrew, who worked for Fidelity for 2 years before losing his job, could not be reached for comment.

Vin Loporchio, a spokesperson for Fidelity, said that the company does not comment on current or former employees “out of respect for their privacy and confidentiality,” and would not provide information.

“Our company policies address a variety of professional conduct standards for our employees,” Loporchio said yesterday in an e-mail to the Boston Herald. “Beyond that, however, we would not have anything to add.”

Loporchio told the Star-Telegram that Fidelity has “clear policies” relating gambling. “Participation in any form of gambling through the use of Fidelity time or equipment or any other company resource is prohibited,” the newspaper quoted Loporchio as saying. “We want our employees to be focused on our customers and clients.”

NBC Dallas/Fort Worth: Fired for Tackling Fantasy Football

A broker at a financial company in Westlake, Florida, claims that he lost his job for playing fantasy football while at work.

“I’m being 100 percent honest,” said Cameron Pettigrew. “It’s as ludicrous as it sounds.”

Pettigrew said his former employer, Fidelity Investments, let go of him and three others in October for organizing $20 fantasy football games. Fantasy football is a popular sports game in which participants bet on the performances of real football players.

“I loved my job at Fidelity,” Pettigrew said. “My whole argument is, the punishment didn’t fit the crime.”

Vin Loporchio, a spokesman for Fidelity told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the company has a clear policy against gambling. “Participation in any form of gambling through the use of Fidelity time or equipment or any other company resource is prohibited,” said Loporchio. “We want our employees to be focused on our customers and clients.”

Pettigrew claimed to understand the company’s policy but didn’t think it was enforced. “We had people in management and leadership doing it, ever since the first day I was there,” he said. “I thought it was a rule nobody took seriously.”

Pettigrew is now unemployed and looking for work.

It is fashionable to speak of “dynasties,” i.e. multiple repeat title-winners, in many sports these days, but perhaps no championship is so susceptible to dominance by a single force as the Tour de France. The latest mighty ruler over the sport is this year’s winner Alberto Contador of Spain, who overcame Andy Schleck to take his third Tour in four years – and his third in three tries.

Though Contador managed to sport the yellow jersey from Stage 15, it was hardly easy going for the back-to-back champion. In Stage 3, Contador went down among the peloton in crash that would remove Frank Schleck from the competition altogether and set back the Spanaird’s chances for some time.

But Contador had been there before and he slowly chipped away at Andy Schleck’s lead, which the youth rider had regained in Stage 9. Stage 15 was key in the 2010 Tour de France and in fact Contador invited controversy when he forewent certain unwritten rules of sportsmanship to blow past Schleck as the chain on Schleck’s bike fell out. Though Contador apologized after the race, some former cyclists including Miguel Indurain came to his defense.

Schleck would fight back and take Stage 17, but since Contador finished mere seconds behind in the stage, it made little difference. At the end of Stage 19, Contador had built up a lead of 39 seconds and held that difference through Stage 20 for his second consecutive Tour de France win.

Contador now joins recent superstars such as Greg LeMond (Tour de France winner in 1986, ’89 and ’90), Indurain (’91 through ’95) and Lance Armstrong (’99 through 2005). The next dynasty may be Schleck’s, as the 25-year-old Luxembourger has now won three straight youth rider titles on the Tour de France.

In terms of odds, the bookmakers were again prescient, as the 4/7 odds on Contador held against Paddy Power’s proposition bet offering a 5/4 line on “the field.” In 19th place, John Gadret ended up the top Frenchman, a surprise to bookmakers who had him at 15/2 odds to be the tops from France in the race.

It is fashionable to speak of “dynasties,” i.e. multiple repeat title-winners, in many sports these days, but perhaps no championship is so susceptible to dominance by a single force as the Tour de France. The latest mighty ruler over the sport is this year’s winner Alberto Contador of Spain, who overcame Andy Schleck to take his third Tour in four years – and his third in three tries.

Though Contador managed to sport the yellow jersey from Stage 15, it was hardly easy going for the back-to-back champion. In Stage 3, Contador went down among the peloton in crash that would remove Frank Schleck from the competition altogether and set back the Spanaird’s chances for some time.

But Contador had been there before and he slowly chipped away at Andy Schleck’s lead, which the youth rider had regained in Stage 9. Stage 15 was key in the 2010 Tour de France and in fact Contador invited controversy when he forewent certain unwritten rules of sportsmanship to blow past Schleck as the chain on Schleck’s bike fell out. Though Contador apologized after the race, some former cyclists including Miguel Indurain came to his defense.

Schleck would fight back and take Stage 17, but since Contador finished mere seconds behind in the stage, it made little difference. At the end of Stage 19, Contador had built up a lead of 39 seconds and held that difference through Stage 20 for his second consecutive Tour de France win.

Contador now joins recent superstars such as Greg LeMond (Tour de France winner in 1986, ’89 and ’90), Indurain (’91 through ’95) and Lance Armstrong (’99 through 2005). The next dynasty may be Schleck’s, as the 25-year-old Luxembourger has now won three straight youth rider titles on the Tour de France.

In terms of odds, the bookmakers were again prescient, as the 4/7 odds on Contador held against Paddy Power’s proposition bet offering a 5/4 line on “the field.” In 19th place, John Gadret ended up the top Frenchman, a surprise to bookmakers who had him at 15/2 odds to be the tops from France in the race.

Mike McNally, a 29-year-old business graduate and football fan from Bradford, England, turned a £10 bet into £650,000 ($1 million) betting on World Cup at a popular online sportsbook in the UK. McNally correctly predicted the results of an incredible 36 out of the 64 matches of the 2010 World Cup, beating hundreds of other football fans from around the world who also entered the contest.

The win wasn’t secured until the final match. McNally and another participant were tied 35-35 until the Holland and Spain match. McNally picked Spain to win, while his rival had put his money on Holland. McNally must have been on the edge of his seat during the entire match, only relaxing after Andres Iniesta’s extra time goal for Spain put him in the lead.

“I was speechless when I learned I’d won,” McNally revealed. “I just wish England could have performed as well as I did.”

Punters who missed wagering on this year’s World Cup may feel left out after learning about McNally’s success, thinking about all the 2010 World Cup bets they could have made. This big football tournament series won’t be back until 2014, but in the meantime, there are thousands of bets offered every day at sportsbooks across the internet. Just check out the latest online sports betting odds, then put your money down to win.

Mike McNally, a 29-year-old business graduate and football fan from Bradford, England, turned a £10 bet into £650,000 ($1 million) betting on World Cup at a popular online sportsbook in the UK. McNally correctly predicted the results of an incredible 36 out of the 64 matches of the 2010 World Cup, beating hundreds of other football fans from around the world who also entered the contest.

The win wasn’t secured until the final match. McNally and another participant were tied 35-35 until the Holland and Spain match. McNally picked Spain to win, while his rival had put his money on Holland. McNally must have been on the edge of his seat during the entire match, only relaxing after Andres Iniesta’s extra time goal for Spain put him in the lead.

“I was speechless when I learned I’d won,” McNally revealed. “I just wish England could have performed as well as I did.”

Punters who missed wagering on this year’s World Cup may feel left out after learning about McNally’s success, thinking about all the 2010 World Cup bets they could have made. This big football tournament series won’t be back until 2014, but in the meantime, there are thousands of bets offered every day at sportsbooks across the internet. Just check out the latest online sports betting odds, then put your money down to win.

While the final result and the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup wasn’t highly unexpected, the relative lack of clear-cut favorite throughout the tournament made for some big payouts for punters who bet correctly.

To start the tournament, Spain was a favorite at every sportsbook: The only variable were the odds, which ran at 4/1, 9/2 or 5/1. That’s at least $500 on a $100 bet just for picking the no.1 ranked team in the world going into the tournament. Even with eight teams remaining, Spain was still getting 11/4 odds at PaddyPower – a potential $375 more on a $100 wager.

Ladbrokes Sportsbook had finalists Spain and Holland at 2/1 and 13/2 to make the final match when the World Cup began. A $50 bet on each there earned clever bettors a total of $525.

As for individual matches, the biggest money was predictably made betting against the powerhouses. Those foolhardy enough to have wagered on Switzerland to beat Spain in their first game got odds of 11/1 at Brobury Sports for a huge $1,200 on $100 invested. And despite the terrible morale on Team France going into their third game, a South Africa win was still getting 11/5 odds at PaddyPower, for another $320 on $100 when the host nation defeated the champions of 1998.

Probably the biggest loss in the tournament was suffered by a bookmaker. Paddy Power had installed a money-back special for the World Cup, in which certain wagers would be returned on a 0-0 draw. England-Algeria in group play ended at 0-0 with millions bet by British punters and a sizable fraction returned on what normally would have been profit for the bookmaker.

But on our wagers, we just turned $500 into $2,920. See? Betting on the World Cup is easy. Good luck in 2014!

While the final result and the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup wasn’t highly unexpected, the relative lack of clear-cut favorite throughout the tournament made for some big payouts for punters who bet correctly.

To start the tournament, Spain was a favorite at every sportsbook: The only variable were the odds, which ran at 4/1, 9/2 or 5/1. That’s at least $500 on a $100 bet just for picking the no.1 ranked team in the world going into the tournament. Even with eight teams remaining, Spain was still getting 11/4 odds at PaddyPower – a potential $375 more on a $100 wager.

Ladbrokes Sportsbook had finalists Spain and Holland at 2/1 and 13/2 to make the final match when the World Cup began. A $50 bet on each there earned clever bettors a total of $525.

As for individual matches, the biggest money was predictably made betting against the powerhouses. Those foolhardy enough to have wagered on Switzerland to beat Spain in their first game got odds of 11/1 at Brobury Sports for a huge $1,200 on $100 invested. And despite the terrible morale on Team France going into their third game, a South Africa win was still getting 11/5 odds at PaddyPower, for another $320 on $100 when the host nation defeated the champions of 1998.

Probably the biggest loss in the tournament was suffered by a bookmaker. Paddy Power had installed a money-back special for the World Cup, in which certain wagers would be returned on a 0-0 draw. England-Algeria in group play ended at 0-0 with millions bet by British punters and a sizable fraction returned on what normally would have been profit for the bookmaker.

But on our wagers, we just turned $500 into $2,920. See? Betting on the World Cup is easy. Good luck in 2014!

Would you believe that, with the 2010 World Cup, Wimbledon and Major League Baseball all in full swing, one of the most popular wagers on the Internet was on a grass-court tennis tournament in Rhode Island?

Neither does the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), an independent investigative body, which has ordered an investigation into a match between Richard Bloomfield of Britain and Belgium’s Chistophe Rochus in which $1.5 million was wagered on Bloomfield at Betfair online sportsbook. Betfair reported the irregular activity to the TIU and is expected to hand over information on the specific bets made on Bloomfield.

Bloomfield began the Newport Hall of Fame grass-court tournament ranked no. 552 in the world, while Rochus was at no. 160. Bloomfield was getting odds of 1:1 to win the best-of-three set match the day before, but just hours before first serve, those odds had shrunk to 1:4. After taking the first set and live odds betting continuing to roll in, Bloomfield had odds of 1:8 on him.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin later explained to Associated Press reporters that “If people are willing to risk £4 pounds to win £1, that is indicative of a substantial gamble.”

No official word has been released on how much the “lucky” punters who backed Bloomfield won from Betfair, but estimates say it’s $600,000 minimum.

Bloomfield won the contest in two sets and is not suspected of any wrongdoing, despite a 2006 investigation in a similar situation – he won that match, too. “I don’t know what to say,” said Bloomfield. “I know England’s a big betting nation. It seems like every time I win a decent match, [controversy] comes up.”

Would you believe that, with the 2010 World Cup, Wimbledon and Major League Baseball all in full swing, one of the most popular wagers on the Internet was on a grass-court tennis tournament in Rhode Island?

Neither does the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), an independent investigative body, which has ordered an investigation into a match between Richard Bloomfield of Britain and Belgium’s Chistophe Rochus in which $1.5 million was wagered on Bloomfield at Betfair online sportsbook. Betfair reported the irregular activity to the TIU and is expected to hand over information on the specific bets made on Bloomfield.

Bloomfield began the Newport Hall of Fame grass-court tournament ranked no. 552 in the world, while Rochus was at no. 160. Bloomfield was getting odds of 1:1 to win the best-of-three set match the day before, but just hours before first serve, those odds had shrunk to 1:4. After taking the first set and live odds betting continuing to roll in, Bloomfield had odds of 1:8 on him.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin later explained to Associated Press reporters that “If people are willing to risk £4 pounds to win £1, that is indicative of a substantial gamble.”

No official word has been released on how much the “lucky” punters who backed Bloomfield won from Betfair, but estimates say it’s $600,000 minimum.

Bloomfield won the contest in two sets and is not suspected of any wrongdoing, despite a 2006 investigation in a similar situation – he won that match, too. “I don’t know what to say,” said Bloomfield. “I know England’s a big betting nation. It seems like every time I win a decent match, [controversy] comes up.”

One serious longshot and one dark horse remain among the 2010 World Cup final four, and if one of these two wins a few lucky punters will get some nice returns indeed. Even if the more highly regarded Holland or Spain hoists the Cup for the first time, though, the results will still be nice indeed for some.

Anyone with foresight enough to have bet on Germany at the start of the tournament is feeling pretty good right now. Now the hottest team left, BetUS was typical and offered a line of 14/1 on the Germans to win this thing – and eight goals in the past two games say they’ve got a shot. A $20 bet at BetUS Sportsbook in June could be worth a cool $280 on Monday.

Uruguay is the other surprise remaining in World Cup betting. Not only would a Uruguay victory in the championship represent the biggest upset ever, a mere $20 bet placed at Ladbrokes in early June will be worth a crazy $2,500.

As said before, either Holland or Spain will pay well in what was a fairly open tournament from the go with no true consensus favorite: Just last week, Netherlands was still getting 15/2 odds at BroburySports. Those doing their World Cup football betting at Bodog would have gotten 5/1 on Spain through most of the tournament.

Whoever wins the 2010 World Cup, two things are certain: This has been a great one, and some clever punters are going to be very happy with their sports betting expertise.

One serious longshot and one dark horse remain among the 2010 World Cup final four, and if one of these two wins a few lucky punters will get some nice returns indeed. Even if the more highly regarded Holland or Spain hoists the Cup for the first time, though, the results will still be nice indeed for some.

Anyone with foresight enough to have bet on Germany at the start of the tournament is feeling pretty good right now. Now the hottest team left, BetUS was typical and offered a line of 14/1 on the Germans to win this thing – and eight goals in the past two games say they’ve got a shot. A $20 bet at BetUS Sportsbook in June could be worth a cool $280 on Monday.

Uruguay is the other surprise remaining in World Cup betting. Not only would a Uruguay victory in the championship represent the biggest upset ever, a mere $20 bet placed at Ladbrokes in early June will be worth a crazy $2,500.

As said before, either Holland or Spain will pay well in what was a fairly open tournament from the go with no true consensus favorite: Just last week, Netherlands was still getting 15/2 odds at BroburySports. Those doing their World Cup football betting at Bodog would have gotten 5/1 on Spain through most of the tournament.

Whoever wins the 2010 World Cup, two things are certain: This has been a great one, and some clever punters are going to be very happy with their sports betting expertise.

The question “How do you read NFL football odds?” can be answered in two different ways. One response would answer to the nuts and bolts of the question, explaining those actual slates of numbers. The other would be to attempt to explain, as we do in the United States, the deeper meaning in those numbers the online bookmakers provide.

Considering a few relevant examples will help us consider both questions.

All lines except for those on pointspread (or handicap) bets may be presented in any of three ways: fractional, decimal and American. Fractional is the classic 3/1 format; decimal format shows you the payout based on 1 unit out to two decimal points, so 3.00 for the previous example; American style shows the payout on 100 units, so the current example would be +300 in this format.

The very basic proposition bet in all of NFL betting is of course wagering on the Super Bowl winner. Currently last year’s finalists, the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints, are the favorites to win Super Bowl XLV at 8/1 (8.00, +800) and 9/1 (9.00, +900), respectively, by PaddyPower bookmakers.

How do you read these particular odds? These numbers mean simply, “It’s too far in advance of the season, which begins in September, to make a realistic call so we’re going with the default choices.” You can also wager on each division winner and the conference winners at most sports betting websites, but such bets in June are strictly for loyalists.

The most popular NFL bets week to week are the pointspread and over/under lines. These are represented by a plus or minus followed with a number of points. The favorite always receives a negative number, the underdog is positive. This bet works the same way as a handicap in golf, so taking the underdog means adds points to the result of the game; in a close game, the underdog often “wins” at the bookmaker.

Over/under lines represent what the oddsmaker believes will be the total number of points scored by both teams in the game. Pick the over if you think the final score will add up to more than the bookmaker’s line, under for less.

At BetUS, odds are actually already posted for week one in the NFL. In the Oakland Raiders-Tennessee Titans game, the Oakland Raiders are the underdog with a +7 pointspread and there’s an over/under of 41 points.

How do you read these NFL football odds? Well, Oakland at +7 means the bookies figure the Raiders to be just as awful as they have been for seven seasons now, while the 41 over/under indicates that this game will be about as exciting as most fans would expect. You can bet on it.

The question “How do you read NFL football odds?” can be answered in two different ways. One response would answer to the nuts and bolts of the question, explaining those actual slates of numbers. The other would be to attempt to explain, as we do in the United States, the deeper meaning in those numbers the online bookmakers provide.

Considering a few relevant examples will help us consider both questions.

All lines except for those on pointspread (or handicap) bets may be presented in any of three ways: fractional, decimal and American. Fractional is the classic 3/1 format; decimal format shows you the payout based on 1 unit out to two decimal points, so 3.00 for the previous example; American style shows the payout on 100 units, so the current example would be +300 in this format.

The very basic proposition bet in all of NFL betting is of course wagering on the Super Bowl winner. Currently last year’s finalists, the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints, are the favorites to win Super Bowl XLV at 8/1 (8.00, +800) and 9/1 (9.00, +900), respectively, by PaddyPower bookmakers.

How do you read these particular odds? These numbers mean simply, “It’s too far in advance of the season, which begins in September, to make a realistic call so we’re going with the default choices.” You can also wager on each division winner and the conference winners at most sports betting websites, but such bets in June are strictly for loyalists.

The most popular NFL bets week to week are the pointspread and over/under lines. These are represented by a plus or minus followed with a number of points. The favorite always receives a negative number, the underdog is positive. This bet works the same way as a handicap in golf, so taking the underdog means adds points to the result of the game; in a close game, the underdog often “wins” at the bookmaker.

Over/under lines represent what the oddsmaker believes will be the total number of points scored by both teams in the game. Pick the over if you think the final score will add up to more than the bookmaker’s line, under for less.

At BetUS, odds are actually already posted for week one in the NFL. In the Oakland Raiders-Tennessee Titans game, the Oakland Raiders are the underdog with a +7 pointspread and there’s an over/under of 41 points.

How do you read these NFL football odds? Well, Oakland at +7 means the bookies figure the Raiders to be just as awful as they have been for seven seasons now, while the 41 over/under indicates that this game will be about as exciting as most fans would expect. You can bet on it.

For full reviews and detailed information visit our 2010 FIFA world cup betting odds section

For full reviews and detailed information visit our 2010 FIFA world cup betting odds section

The 2010 World Cup looks to be the single most wagered upon event in sports history, with over £1 billion in bets expected at online gambling sites and bricks-and-mortar bookmakers’ shops alone.

While the great majority of this will be placed by punters on the eventual tournament outcome and on individual matches, oddsmakers naturally offer a number of bizarre propositions on which riskier (or crazier) types may gamble.

If you’re one of those bored with the more traditional 2010 FIFA World Cup odds, check out some of these fresh alternatives.

• Total number of red cards given during the World Cup: over/under 19.5. Nobody really likes to see red cards on the football pitch: They do everything from slow down the game to ignobly end careers. Of course, one way to enjoy the referee’s moment of glory in this World Cup would be to bet on the outcome. How can you spot the fan who made this bet? He’s the only one cheering for the zebra!

• England is eliminated from the tournament on a penalty shootout: 4/1. Perhaps the most bet-upon side in the whole 2010 World Cup is England, which has even UK-based bookmakers worried that the country might get to relive the glories of 1966. On the other hand, there’s this prop bet, which will surely appeal to many cynical Brits.

• Any goalie scores in the tournament: 11/2. It’s never happened in World Cup history, but someday surely will.

• Diego Forlan of Uruguay scores the final goal of the 2010 World Cup: 500/1. This proposition is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Not only would Uruguay presumably need to at least make the World Cup final, striker Forlan needs to put in the game-winner. Either that or the punter is cheering for a lot of nil-nil shootout wins for the country that hasn’t won the tourney since 1950.

• Pick all 64 games correctly: €1,000,000. Titan Bet is offering this chance at riches, immortality and a genius label. And if someone picks “only” 49 games correct, that’s worth €250,000, too.

• North Korea to win: 2000/1 (or more). This line is Paddy Power’s and actually represents odds a bit shorter on North Korea than on many Internet gambling sites offering World Cup betting. All right, so this isn’t a bizarre proposition bet, but it would take a certain kind of punter to put any amount down on this all-time darkest of all dark horses.

Whether you’re betting soberly or crazily, enjoy the 2010 FIFA World Cup! And Gambling Results reminds all its readers to please bet responsibly.

The 2010 World Cup looks to be the single most wagered upon event in sports history, with over £1 billion in bets expected at online gambling sites and bricks-and-mortar bookmakers’ shops alone.

While the great majority of this will be placed by punters on the eventual tournament outcome and on individual matches, oddsmakers naturally offer a number of bizarre propositions on which riskier (or crazier) types may gamble.

If you’re one of those bored with the more traditional 2010 FIFA World Cup odds, check out some of these fresh alternatives.

• Total number of red cards given during the World Cup: over/under 19.5. Nobody really likes to see red cards on the football pitch: They do everything from slow down the game to ignobly end careers. Of course, one way to enjoy the referee’s moment of glory in this World Cup would be to bet on the outcome. How can you spot the fan who made this bet? He’s the only one cheering for the zebra!

• England is eliminated from the tournament on a penalty shootout: 4/1. Perhaps the most bet-upon side in the whole 2010 World Cup is England, which has even UK-based bookmakers worried that the country might get to relive the glories of 1966. On the other hand, there’s this prop bet, which will surely appeal to many cynical Brits.

• Any goalie scores in the tournament: 11/2. It’s never happened in World Cup history, but someday surely will.

• Diego Forlan of Uruguay scores the final goal of the 2010 World Cup: 500/1. This proposition is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Not only would Uruguay presumably need to at least make the World Cup final, striker Forlan needs to put in the game-winner. Either that or the punter is cheering for a lot of nil-nil shootout wins for the country that hasn’t won the tourney since 1950.

• Pick all 64 games correctly: €1,000,000. Titan Bet is offering this chance at riches, immortality and a genius label. And if someone picks “only” 49 games correct, that’s worth €250,000, too.

• North Korea to win: 2000/1 (or more). This line is Paddy Power’s and actually represents odds a bit shorter on North Korea than on many Internet gambling sites offering World Cup betting. All right, so this isn’t a bizarre proposition bet, but it would take a certain kind of punter to put any amount down on this all-time darkest of all dark horses.

Whether you’re betting soberly or crazily, enjoy the 2010 FIFA World Cup! And Gambling Results reminds all its readers to please bet responsibly.