The Cleveland Cavaliers are about to take on the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern conference championship. Compared to the impressive play that led Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets to their respective conference finals, neither east coast team’s sports scores have “turned heads.” Both battle weary teams will have to step up their performance if they wish to beat either the Warriors or Rockets.

The Cavaliers are victims of injury. Kyrie Irving, a key player, suffered from an ankle sprain that has made it difficult for the Cleveland team to adjust to. Kevin Love, an equally potent contributor wasn’t present in the playoffs which caused disarray in their line-up. Meanwhile the Hawks might be victims of “burn out” as their compromised bench has affected their post season play.

si.com: NBA playoffs preview: Hawks, Cavs meet in mutual disarray in East finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to defeat the Boston Celtics in straight wins. The Chicago Bulls however tested Cleveland by putting them down in the last series by one game. The Cavaliers cleared the test winning three straight games to take the series and making sports score news. Lebron James, the best player in the NBA, is a threat Atlanta doesn’t have an answer for.

The four-time MVP and two time champion has a post season average of 26.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game. James well-known in his post-season play surmounting a Durant, Westbrook and Harden of the Oklahoma Thunder or Garnett, Pierce and Allen of the Boston Celtics.

Atlanta’s Carrol Millsap may be the only realistic option for the Hawk defense since Kent Bazemore is absent. Irving is still a key factor and will be greatly needed. Even under ankle injury, Irving should still able to stand out of the paint and open himself up for easy two-pointer. Cleveland’s Mozgov is still proven zealous enough to make a difference on the inside on defense.

si.com: Cavaliers vs. Hawks: Analysis, Predictions for Eastern Conference Finals Game 1

Thompson will still have to hold his weight in the series hopefully counterbalancing Irving. Smith, Dellavedova and Shumpert are capable of providing the tools needed for the Cavalier offence. Shumpert in particular will have to ”up” his game since the normal Altanta offense may provide him with the longest looks at the basket. Either way you bet, it’s still safer than buying florida lottery tickets online.

The Atlantic Hawks have a pretty spread-out offense with four players having scoring averages between 17 and 15.3 points per game during the playoffs. Such an impressive display led Atlanta to 60 victories which led the eastern conference. Unfortunately they still lack any one deterrent for James. Cleveland’s record of 108.2 points per 100 possessions in the play-offs, will be difficult for Atlanta to stop.

That is important considering that the Hawks ranked seventh in efficiency in the NBA and second in postseason defensive efficiency. Let’s not forget that Cleveland would rather not run if given the choice. It should prove difficult for the Cavaliers to guard four guys with equal scoring potential without leaving one open.

fivethirtyeight.com: LeBron Dominates The Conference Finals

Cleveland is ranked at 92.9 possessions per 48 minutes in the postseason which could be trouble against a more spry offence like Atlanta. Movement by the hawks should help make gambling news and clear the spread. Jeff Teague should be able handle Irving and his bad ankle throughout the series. Jeff Teague will be dancing all over the court, forcing Irving to give the “Tiny Tim from Hell” impersonation.

Kyle Korver is going to be mobile throughout the series and it looks as though Cleveland’s J.R Smith could be the only one remotely able to cover him. The Atlanta offence has the potential to “rain” three-pointers against a Cavalier defense that’s “still under construction.” With drives into the heart of the Cavalier defense, technically sound pacing and effective passing, Atlanta has a better than average shot at winning the series.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are about to take on the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern conference championship. Compared to the impressive play that led Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets to their respective conference finals, neither east coast team’s sports scores have “turned heads.” Both battle weary teams will have to step up their performance if they wish to beat either the Warriors or Rockets.

The Cavaliers are victims of injury. Kyrie Irving, a key player, suffered from an ankle sprain that has made it difficult for the Cleveland team to adjust to. Kevin Love, an equally potent contributor wasn’t present in the playoffs which caused disarray in their line-up. Meanwhile the Hawks might be victims of “burn out” as their compromised bench has affected their post season play.

si.com: NBA playoffs preview: Hawks, Cavs meet in mutual disarray in East finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to defeat the Boston Celtics in straight wins. The Chicago Bulls however tested Cleveland by putting them down in the last series by one game. The Cavaliers cleared the test winning three straight games to take the series and making sports score news. Lebron James, the best player in the NBA, is a threat Atlanta doesn’t have an answer for.

The four-time MVP and two time champion has a post season average of 26.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game. James well-known in his post-season play surmounting a Durant, Westbrook and Harden of the Oklahoma Thunder or Garnett, Pierce and Allen of the Boston Celtics.

Atlanta’s Carrol Millsap may be the only realistic option for the Hawk defense since Kent Bazemore is absent. Irving is still a key factor and will be greatly needed. Even under ankle injury, Irving should still able to stand out of the paint and open himself up for easy two-pointer. Cleveland’s Mozgov is still proven zealous enough to make a difference on the inside on defense.

si.com: Cavaliers vs. Hawks: Analysis, Predictions for Eastern Conference Finals Game 1

Thompson will still have to hold his weight in the series hopefully counterbalancing Irving. Smith, Dellavedova and Shumpert are capable of providing the tools needed for the Cavalier offence. Shumpert in particular will have to ”up” his game since the normal Altanta offense may provide him with the longest looks at the basket. Either way you bet, it’s still safer than buying florida lottery tickets online.

The Atlantic Hawks have a pretty spread-out offense with four players having scoring averages between 17 and 15.3 points per game during the playoffs. Such an impressive display led Atlanta to 60 victories which led the eastern conference. Unfortunately they still lack any one deterrent for James. Cleveland’s record of 108.2 points per 100 possessions in the play-offs, will be difficult for Atlanta to stop.

That is important considering that the Hawks ranked seventh in efficiency in the NBA and second in postseason defensive efficiency. Let’s not forget that Cleveland would rather not run if given the choice. It should prove difficult for the Cavaliers to guard four guys with equal scoring potential without leaving one open.

fivethirtyeight.com: LeBron Dominates The Conference Finals

Cleveland is ranked at 92.9 possessions per 48 minutes in the postseason which could be trouble against a more spry offence like Atlanta. Movement by the hawks should help make gambling news and clear the spread. Jeff Teague should be able handle Irving and his bad ankle throughout the series. Jeff Teague will be dancing all over the court, forcing Irving to give the “Tiny Tim from Hell” impersonation.

Kyle Korver is going to be mobile throughout the series and it looks as though Cleveland’s J.R Smith could be the only one remotely able to cover him. The Atlanta offence has the potential to “rain” three-pointers against a Cavalier defense that’s “still under construction.” With drives into the heart of the Cavalier defense, technically sound pacing and effective passing, Atlanta has a better than average shot at winning the series.

After a story emerged from the Brazilian media about a Cayman Islands-based marketing company influencing team selection of the national side, the federation denied the allegations. They acknowledged however the existence of the contract that was discussed in the report, but emphasized that the actual head coach of the national team picks the best players before every game Brazil is involved in.

After the national team’s coach, Dunga has called up Liverpool star playmaker Philippe Coutinho to the squad preparing for the Copa America, the fans of Brazil and the Reds are curiously waiting to see the midfield trickster playing alongside Neymar. Coutinho struggled when on national duty so far, but now he has to take his game to a new level for club and country.

ESPNFC: Brazil says squad selection done solely by coach, not marketing partners

The CBF, the Brazilian Football Confederation denies that a marketing company, that buys the commercial rights of every friendly game of the Brazilian national football team for 1 million dollars, would also name the line-up of the Selecao. The CBF reacted to alleged details of its contract with a Cayman Island-based firm published by a Brazilian newspaper.
According to the report, there would be a fifty percent cut from the fee the company usually pays to CBF per matches if players like Neymar are left out of the team. However, CBF stated that “the criteria for selecting the squad for the matches of the Brazilian team are, and always will be, with the coach”.

They did not deny the existence of such agreement, saying “The contract between the CBF and ISE is not a secret and large parts of it have been published before”. CBF’s statement also emphasizes that coaches always select the best players available naturally, not because of the influence of a marketing company.
The contract between CBF and International Sports Events on behalf of the federation was agreed by former president Ricardo Teixeira, who stepped down from his position in 2012. He quit after he was accused with corruption together with former president of the FIFA, Joao Havelange, as many who follow sports scores remember.

Rushthekop.com: Copa America Important For Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho will have a shot to prove his skills to South America and the world at international level this summer, wearing the special yellow shirt of Brazil. Gambling news reported earlier this month that Brazil head coach Dunga left out Chelsea’s Oscar from the squad due to injury, and picked Coutinho, that came as a surprise for many.
Dunga expressed that he expects the little magician to entertain Brazilian supporters like he does with the people of Liverpool. He said, “There is a lot of talk about Coutinho here in England because of what he is doing with Liverpool. I would like to see the Brazilian fans clamouring for him too.”

When he got the opportunity before, the playmaker failed to deliver for Brazil so far. However, with a bunch of strong performances under his belt and with a considerable growth in confidence, Coutinho will have a chance to develop his game further playing alongside stars like Barcelona’s Neymar and Orlando City’s Kaka.
Coutinho was named to the PFA Team of the Year and was arguably Liverpool’s most important player in this year’s campaign. After the departure of Steven Gerrard and possibly of Raheem Sterling, Coutinho’s role will be increasingly important for the Reds. His new experiences with the national team in Chile might help him to offer even more for Liverpool.

After a story emerged from the Brazilian media about a Cayman Islands-based marketing company influencing team selection of the national side, the federation denied the allegations. They acknowledged however the existence of the contract that was discussed in the report, but emphasized that the actual head coach of the national team picks the best players before every game Brazil is involved in.

After the national team’s coach, Dunga has called up Liverpool star playmaker Philippe Coutinho to the squad preparing for the Copa America, the fans of Brazil and the Reds are curiously waiting to see the midfield trickster playing alongside Neymar. Coutinho struggled when on national duty so far, but now he has to take his game to a new level for club and country.

ESPNFC: Brazil says squad selection done solely by coach, not marketing partners

The CBF, the Brazilian Football Confederation denies that a marketing company, that buys the commercial rights of every friendly game of the Brazilian national football team for 1 million dollars, would also name the line-up of the Selecao. The CBF reacted to alleged details of its contract with a Cayman Island-based firm published by a Brazilian newspaper.
According to the report, there would be a fifty percent cut from the fee the company usually pays to CBF per matches if players like Neymar are left out of the team. However, CBF stated that “the criteria for selecting the squad for the matches of the Brazilian team are, and always will be, with the coach”.

They did not deny the existence of such agreement, saying “The contract between the CBF and ISE is not a secret and large parts of it have been published before”. CBF’s statement also emphasizes that coaches always select the best players available naturally, not because of the influence of a marketing company.
The contract between CBF and International Sports Events on behalf of the federation was agreed by former president Ricardo Teixeira, who stepped down from his position in 2012. He quit after he was accused with corruption together with former president of the FIFA, Joao Havelange, as many who follow sports scores remember.

Rushthekop.com: Copa America Important For Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho will have a shot to prove his skills to South America and the world at international level this summer, wearing the special yellow shirt of Brazil. Gambling news reported earlier this month that Brazil head coach Dunga left out Chelsea’s Oscar from the squad due to injury, and picked Coutinho, that came as a surprise for many.
Dunga expressed that he expects the little magician to entertain Brazilian supporters like he does with the people of Liverpool. He said, “There is a lot of talk about Coutinho here in England because of what he is doing with Liverpool. I would like to see the Brazilian fans clamouring for him too.”

When he got the opportunity before, the playmaker failed to deliver for Brazil so far. However, with a bunch of strong performances under his belt and with a considerable growth in confidence, Coutinho will have a chance to develop his game further playing alongside stars like Barcelona’s Neymar and Orlando City’s Kaka.
Coutinho was named to the PFA Team of the Year and was arguably Liverpool’s most important player in this year’s campaign. After the departure of Steven Gerrard and possibly of Raheem Sterling, Coutinho’s role will be increasingly important for the Reds. His new experiences with the national team in Chile might help him to offer even more for Liverpool.

A report emerged from the Brazilian media suggesting that a certain Cayman Island-based company has total control over naming the national teams’ starting line-up since years. The firm allegedly has power over broadcasting rights and copyrights too, and a third party is reportedly owns the rights of organizing friendlies for the national team.

The Brazilian Football Federation supposedly needs to prove injuries via medical certificates before any changes to be made in the squad. This would be a useful excuse for the awful display of Brazilian teams in recent tournaments indeed, especially for the ugly 7-1 against Germany on home soil in the World Cup last year.

ESPNFC.com: Brazilian national team’s squad selection sold to firm, alleges report

The coaches of Brazil’s national football team don’t have full control over the team since years, gambling newsreport. CBF, Brazil’s Football Federation signed a contract with marketing company ISE back in 2006, and since the 2011 extension the firm incorporated in the Cayman Islands and its business partners can allegedly influence player call-ups.

The deal supposedly includes that Brazil’s best players, quoted as “A Team”, must play in every international outings, and every changes have to be made according to a particular marketing standard. Allegedly, CBF have to prove any “A Team” injuries with credible medical documents, and have to communicate any substitutions towards ISE in advance.
If a change is to be made, Brazil need to field a player of “similar level in relation to marketing value, technical ability and reputation” according to the report. The alleged deal naturally rules out testing young players in friendlies, and includes penalty payments if Brazil fails to meet the terms.
CBF denied the report however, which also claims that the organization traded the rights of arranging the national team’s friendly games to another company. The story also tells that the Cayman Islands firm has full control over broadcasting rights and copyrights too. The contract runs out in 2022.

Daily Mail: Brazil national team

picked by its commercial partners since 2006 with only ‘marketable’ stars selected, claims Sao Paulo newspaper after disclosing ‘contract’
Commercial partners has been influencing the starting line-up of the Brazilian national football teams since 2006, according to a report emerged from the local media, shocking many who follow sports scores in Brazil. The story tells that only players with a high enough marketing value can be included to the team.

The report claims to have seized a contract signed in 2006 by the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and ISE, a company that doesn’t have any registered employees, and is incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Allegedly a Saudi Arabian firm is behind ISE that is called Dallah Al-Baraka and is involved in finance, healthcare, banking, transport, manufacturing and other fields.
The story tells that CBF’s business partners choose players for the national team and the coaches have little to do with the starting line-up. The Brazilian federation supposedly has to ask ISE before calling up a new player, and the company would consider the possibility only after evaluating his marketing value.

The report suggests eventually that those who recently managed the Brazilian national team, Dunga, Mano Menezes and Luis Felipe Scolari, weren’t in the position to decide on starters, as breaking the relevant article would trigger a penalty. In this case ISE would pay only the half of the 1 million dollar match fee.

A report emerged from the Brazilian media suggesting that a certain Cayman Island-based company has total control over naming the national teams’ starting line-up since years. The firm allegedly has power over broadcasting rights and copyrights too, and a third party is reportedly owns the rights of organizing friendlies for the national team.

The Brazilian Football Federation supposedly needs to prove injuries via medical certificates before any changes to be made in the squad. This would be a useful excuse for the awful display of Brazilian teams in recent tournaments indeed, especially for the ugly 7-1 against Germany on home soil in the World Cup last year.

ESPNFC.com: Brazilian national team’s squad selection sold to firm, alleges report

The coaches of Brazil’s national football team don’t have full control over the team since years, gambling newsreport. CBF, Brazil’s Football Federation signed a contract with marketing company ISE back in 2006, and since the 2011 extension the firm incorporated in the Cayman Islands and its business partners can allegedly influence player call-ups.

The deal supposedly includes that Brazil’s best players, quoted as “A Team”, must play in every international outings, and every changes have to be made according to a particular marketing standard. Allegedly, CBF have to prove any “A Team” injuries with credible medical documents, and have to communicate any substitutions towards ISE in advance.
If a change is to be made, Brazil need to field a player of “similar level in relation to marketing value, technical ability and reputation” according to the report. The alleged deal naturally rules out testing young players in friendlies, and includes penalty payments if Brazil fails to meet the terms.
CBF denied the report however, which also claims that the organization traded the rights of arranging the national team’s friendly games to another company. The story also tells that the Cayman Islands firm has full control over broadcasting rights and copyrights too. The contract runs out in 2022.

Daily Mail: Brazil national team

picked by its commercial partners since 2006 with only ‘marketable’ stars selected, claims Sao Paulo newspaper after disclosing ‘contract’
Commercial partners has been influencing the starting line-up of the Brazilian national football teams since 2006, according to a report emerged from the local media, shocking many who follow sports scores in Brazil. The story tells that only players with a high enough marketing value can be included to the team.

The report claims to have seized a contract signed in 2006 by the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and ISE, a company that doesn’t have any registered employees, and is incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Allegedly a Saudi Arabian firm is behind ISE that is called Dallah Al-Baraka and is involved in finance, healthcare, banking, transport, manufacturing and other fields.
The story tells that CBF’s business partners choose players for the national team and the coaches have little to do with the starting line-up. The Brazilian federation supposedly has to ask ISE before calling up a new player, and the company would consider the possibility only after evaluating his marketing value.

The report suggests eventually that those who recently managed the Brazilian national team, Dunga, Mano Menezes and Luis Felipe Scolari, weren’t in the position to decide on starters, as breaking the relevant article would trigger a penalty. In this case ISE would pay only the half of the 1 million dollar match fee.

It looks like Steven Gerrard still considers himself as a hardcore Red, or at least he doesn’t feel that he is too much of a Galactico yet, at least his actions indicated that last weekend. Though, as his very last game comes closer and closer, some members of the team expressed that it is vital for Liverpool, to find a new leader after the department of arguably the best player in club history. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers ask other potential leaders to step up, while Adam Lallana thinks that the whole team should act together, each of them taking more responsibility.

Daily Mail: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard refuses to sign LA Galaxy shirt until he arrives in MLS

Steven Gerrard might have played his last game at Anfield, but it is obvious that he still considers himself a 100 percent Liverpool player. He is joining Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, but on Saturday he refused to sign the shirt of his future team, gambling news report.
Gerrard will leave Liverpool for Los Angeles after seventeen years, to enjoy a more central role in the last years of his career. However, when a fan offered a Galaxy shirt for him to sign it while on his lap of honour at Anfield, he said, ’I’m not signing it until I’m there’.
Gerrard played more than 700 games for Liverpool and won ten trophies there. Though he failed to win the championship last year which would have crowned his career, he has a Champions League trophy from ten years ago, clearly the highlight of his curriculum vitae.

Though his playing time dropped significantly for this season and on Saturday he played his last game at Anfield for Liverpool, which was a sour one as the Reds suffered a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. Gerrard will play his ultimate game for Liverpool this weekend at Stoke.
Gerrard will be the second high-profile English footballer in Galaxy’s club history after David Beckham, who played in California for five years between 2007 and 2012. Los Angeles is captained by Irish international Robbie Keane, who was Gerrard’s teammate for roughly half a season at Liverpool six years ago.

The Guardian: Adam Lallana calls for leaders to emerge from Steven Gerrard’s shadow

Former Southampton captain Adam Lallana, who signed for Liverpool last summer, thinks every player in the Reds squad have to give more after Steven Gerrard will depart from the team to join the Los Angeles Galaxy. He also talked about his first season, which he considers as a pretty average one.
Lallana was the most expensive player Liverpool bought a year ago, as he cost 25 million pounds. Though the Reds were able to spend 117 million pounds on new acquisitions after Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona, as many who follow sports scores remember, neither of the newcomers had a brilliant season.
The 27-year-old international had injury problems, but he started last weekend and scored the opener against Crystal Palace at Anfield. However, the visitors spoiled Steven Gerrard’s last home game, and team manager Brendan Rodgers expressed after the match that Liverpool will have to find their new leaders after Gerrard’s exit.

Lallana agreed with this, doubting that a single individual effort would be enough from anyone. He said, “There shouldn’t be any responsibility on anyone to solely fill Steven’s boots. It is going to have to be a contribution from the team. If everyone gives two, three per cent extra then hopefully we can half fill that spot.”
He went on to add, “I’m 27 and I feel that responsibility. I’m a leader and I feel responsible in the group but we have a lot of leaders in the team. We have good team spirit as well. I just hope we can build on this season. There are a lot of ups and downs but plenty of positives to be had. We need to learn from it, take it into next year and definitely build on it.”

It looks like Steven Gerrard still considers himself as a hardcore Red, or at least he doesn’t feel that he is too much of a Galactico yet, at least his actions indicated that last weekend. Though, as his very last game comes closer and closer, some members of the team expressed that it is vital for Liverpool, to find a new leader after the department of arguably the best player in club history. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers ask other potential leaders to step up, while Adam Lallana thinks that the whole team should act together, each of them taking more responsibility.

Daily Mail: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard refuses to sign LA Galaxy shirt until he arrives in MLS

Steven Gerrard might have played his last game at Anfield, but it is obvious that he still considers himself a 100 percent Liverpool player. He is joining Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, but on Saturday he refused to sign the shirt of his future team, gambling news report.
Gerrard will leave Liverpool for Los Angeles after seventeen years, to enjoy a more central role in the last years of his career. However, when a fan offered a Galaxy shirt for him to sign it while on his lap of honour at Anfield, he said, ’I’m not signing it until I’m there’.
Gerrard played more than 700 games for Liverpool and won ten trophies there. Though he failed to win the championship last year which would have crowned his career, he has a Champions League trophy from ten years ago, clearly the highlight of his curriculum vitae.

Though his playing time dropped significantly for this season and on Saturday he played his last game at Anfield for Liverpool, which was a sour one as the Reds suffered a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. Gerrard will play his ultimate game for Liverpool this weekend at Stoke.
Gerrard will be the second high-profile English footballer in Galaxy’s club history after David Beckham, who played in California for five years between 2007 and 2012. Los Angeles is captained by Irish international Robbie Keane, who was Gerrard’s teammate for roughly half a season at Liverpool six years ago.

The Guardian: Adam Lallana calls for leaders to emerge from Steven Gerrard’s shadow

Former Southampton captain Adam Lallana, who signed for Liverpool last summer, thinks every player in the Reds squad have to give more after Steven Gerrard will depart from the team to join the Los Angeles Galaxy. He also talked about his first season, which he considers as a pretty average one.
Lallana was the most expensive player Liverpool bought a year ago, as he cost 25 million pounds. Though the Reds were able to spend 117 million pounds on new acquisitions after Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona, as many who follow sports scores remember, neither of the newcomers had a brilliant season.
The 27-year-old international had injury problems, but he started last weekend and scored the opener against Crystal Palace at Anfield. However, the visitors spoiled Steven Gerrard’s last home game, and team manager Brendan Rodgers expressed after the match that Liverpool will have to find their new leaders after Gerrard’s exit.

Lallana agreed with this, doubting that a single individual effort would be enough from anyone. He said, “There shouldn’t be any responsibility on anyone to solely fill Steven’s boots. It is going to have to be a contribution from the team. If everyone gives two, three per cent extra then hopefully we can half fill that spot.”
He went on to add, “I’m 27 and I feel that responsibility. I’m a leader and I feel responsible in the group but we have a lot of leaders in the team. We have good team spirit as well. I just hope we can build on this season. There are a lot of ups and downs but plenty of positives to be had. We need to learn from it, take it into next year and definitely build on it.”

Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday evening with two late goals from Lionel Messi and one from Neymar. This was the first time Pep Guardiola returned to the Camp Nou as the opposition’s head coach since he left Barcelona at the end of the 2011-2012 season. The Catalan manager had plans for his team to deal with Messi, arguably the best player in the world. However his team, though playing confidently against Barcelona, lasted for 75 minutes only.

Goal.com: Messi: Barcelona were lucky
Barca’s magical number ten claimed after the Champions League semifinal the Blaugrana won 3-0 that they needed some luck to succeed against Bayern Munich. Messi played his 100th European game, gambling news reported, and helped his team with two goals in the last period of the match before setting up the third for Neymar well into the injury time.

It was kind of a rude welcome towards former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who supervised the most successful era of the Spanish club. However, Messi told the press after the final whistle was blown that the outcome of the game wasn’t that obvious for them before taking the lead, though the scoreline would suggest a confident victory.

“We were lucky to score the first goal,” Messi revealed, then added, “Then the others came after that in quick succession and we have come away with a great result for the second-leg game, which is just what we wanted. Germany will be a tough venue. We have got a great result, but we must now go there and we can’t drop our guard.”

Messi also spoke about the wild celebration that followed his first goal, which was something that is not a common feature from the Argentina captain. “It was just my happiness about what the goal meant. We hadn’t been able to score and it was an important goal in the tie.”

ESPNFC.com: Pep Guardiola – Lionel Messi not only Barcelona player behind Bayern defeat
Bayern’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola stated that not just Lionel Messi, but rather Barca’s “solid” performance is responsible for the 3-0 defeat that his team suffered in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. The Argentine scored twice in the last fifteen minutes and then provided an assist for Neymar, according to sports scores news, but Guardiola said, it was not about just one man.

“I will not say what I think of Messi,” Guardiola told the media after the game. “They are not just Leo, Barca are a very good team. They were very solid, in defence and attack. They have great players, Neymar, Luis Suarez. We tried to control the game so that Messi would not participate so much. We were 15 minutes away from a very good result.”

Guardiola appeared for a brief press conference only after the match that saw his team hitting the opposition’s target just once, though he said before the match that scoring an away goal was vital in this fixture. “I am very proud of this team, and these players,” he went on.“I have no reproach for them. Been a very difficult year, I really appreciate what they have done this year.”

Guardiola also talked about the tactical switch to a four-man defence he applied after fifteen minutes. “We knew who we would be playing against, a team arriving in very good form. The best way to defend is to attack, it has worked well for us in the past. We lacked a little bit of incision up front, but I must just congratulate Barca for the win and prepare for Munich.”

Express & Star: Lionel Messi is the world’s best, insists Luis Suarez as Argentine’s performance against Bayern Munich leaves Javier Mascherano lost for words
Javier Mascherano was stunned by the show his fellow Argentine, Lionel Messi performed in the last quarter an hour against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. Uruguay ace Luis Suarez simply said that Messi is the best player in the world.
Those who follow live sports results might never forget Messi’s phenomenal second goal, but his first one as well as the assist he gave to Neymar were also very important in securing a comfortable position for Barcelona. With this performance, Messi caused a considerable damage for the side managed by his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.

“He’s a player that is impossible to describe, you have to watch him,” Mascherano praised Messi after the game. He went on to analyze the encounter, saying, “We knew, always in any stadium, they (Bayern) come to press high but sometimes when you press high, you take a risk. We know we have a lot of people in front with quality to make a difference.”
The defender also said that although they are in a very good situation at the moment, they will not think about the reverse leg as a formality at all, online sportsbooks consider them as strong favourites to advance. His Uruguayan teammate, Luis Suarez posted a photo on his Instagram with Messi, writing, “Vamossss! What good win and hard work of the whole team! I leave a picture with the best in the world!”

Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday evening with two late goals from Lionel Messi and one from Neymar. This was the first time Pep Guardiola returned to the Camp Nou as the opposition’s head coach since he left Barcelona at the end of the 2011-2012 season. The Catalan manager had plans for his team to deal with Messi, arguably the best player in the world. However his team, though playing confidently against Barcelona, lasted for 75 minutes only.

Goal.com: Messi: Barcelona were lucky
Barca’s magical number ten claimed after the Champions League semifinal the Blaugrana won 3-0 that they needed some luck to succeed against Bayern Munich. Messi played his 100th European game, gambling news reported, and helped his team with two goals in the last period of the match before setting up the third for Neymar well into the injury time.

It was kind of a rude welcome towards former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who supervised the most successful era of the Spanish club. However, Messi told the press after the final whistle was blown that the outcome of the game wasn’t that obvious for them before taking the lead, though the scoreline would suggest a confident victory.

“We were lucky to score the first goal,” Messi revealed, then added, “Then the others came after that in quick succession and we have come away with a great result for the second-leg game, which is just what we wanted. Germany will be a tough venue. We have got a great result, but we must now go there and we can’t drop our guard.”

Messi also spoke about the wild celebration that followed his first goal, which was something that is not a common feature from the Argentina captain. “It was just my happiness about what the goal meant. We hadn’t been able to score and it was an important goal in the tie.”

ESPNFC.com: Pep Guardiola – Lionel Messi not only Barcelona player behind Bayern defeat
Bayern’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola stated that not just Lionel Messi, but rather Barca’s “solid” performance is responsible for the 3-0 defeat that his team suffered in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. The Argentine scored twice in the last fifteen minutes and then provided an assist for Neymar, according to sports scores news, but Guardiola said, it was not about just one man.

“I will not say what I think of Messi,” Guardiola told the media after the game. “They are not just Leo, Barca are a very good team. They were very solid, in defence and attack. They have great players, Neymar, Luis Suarez. We tried to control the game so that Messi would not participate so much. We were 15 minutes away from a very good result.”

Guardiola appeared for a brief press conference only after the match that saw his team hitting the opposition’s target just once, though he said before the match that scoring an away goal was vital in this fixture. “I am very proud of this team, and these players,” he went on.“I have no reproach for them. Been a very difficult year, I really appreciate what they have done this year.”

Guardiola also talked about the tactical switch to a four-man defence he applied after fifteen minutes. “We knew who we would be playing against, a team arriving in very good form. The best way to defend is to attack, it has worked well for us in the past. We lacked a little bit of incision up front, but I must just congratulate Barca for the win and prepare for Munich.”

Express & Star: Lionel Messi is the world’s best, insists Luis Suarez as Argentine’s performance against Bayern Munich leaves Javier Mascherano lost for words
Javier Mascherano was stunned by the show his fellow Argentine, Lionel Messi performed in the last quarter an hour against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. Uruguay ace Luis Suarez simply said that Messi is the best player in the world.
Those who follow live sports results might never forget Messi’s phenomenal second goal, but his first one as well as the assist he gave to Neymar were also very important in securing a comfortable position for Barcelona. With this performance, Messi caused a considerable damage for the side managed by his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.

“He’s a player that is impossible to describe, you have to watch him,” Mascherano praised Messi after the game. He went on to analyze the encounter, saying, “We knew, always in any stadium, they (Bayern) come to press high but sometimes when you press high, you take a risk. We know we have a lot of people in front with quality to make a difference.”
The defender also said that although they are in a very good situation at the moment, they will not think about the reverse leg as a formality at all, online sportsbooks consider them as strong favourites to advance. His Uruguayan teammate, Luis Suarez posted a photo on his Instagram with Messi, writing, “Vamossss! What good win and hard work of the whole team! I leave a picture with the best in the world!”

Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the new Formula 1 season, will start next weekend on 15 March, in Melbourne. The new racing year is expected to be very exciting and intriguing with many great sportsmen behind the wheels who already have their fame, and many young pretenders wanting to take over their famous rivals.

The current champion, Lewis Hamilton, is said to be mentally stronger than ever before, and his team mate, last year’s second placed driver Nico Rosberg, is also looking for a way to prove himself better than everyone else. Meanwhile 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso are also looking forward to revive their careers with their new teams.

NDTV Sports: Formula One Gearing up for Another Eventful Year of Rivalry

This year’s championship will see less racers and less teams as 24 drivers took part in the tournament in 2014 while only 18 are competing this year. Well, it might be 20 in case of Manor-Marrusia, the team that was built from Marrusia, will succeed to qualify for the requirements.

It is true that there will be less drivers compared to the previous season, however we can expect the same amount of excitement due to the quality of the competitors. Latest gambling news regard Lewis Hamilton as the favorite for winning the title having set the odds at 1.53 (8/15) by Bet365, while those for his teammate Nico Rosberg are set at 3.50 (5/2).

The British, however, has many contenders, such as Sebastian Vettel who will start the new season at Ferrari or Fernando Alonso who left the Reds for McLaren Honda. So Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso are looking to claim their fifth and third championship title respectively but they have many young contenders.

The new season comes with many new names and most of these are incredibly young drivers. Toro Rosso launches young pairing with a combined age of only 37, while 20-year-old Russian Daniil Kvyat will race as teammate of emerging star Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull. Sauber will also trust the young with their drivers being 22 year-old Brazilian Felipe Nasr and 24 year-old Swedish diver, Marcus Ericsson.

Eurosport: Formula 1 – Lewis Hamilton arrives in Australia in style and ‘stronger than ever’

Lewis Hamilton seemed to be very confident when arriving to Melbourne and stepping out of his red private plane. He tweeted a picture of himself saying „Australia, we are here!“ to which he received mixed responses from his followers.

Online gambling news quoted what he thinks about his mental strength after being asked about the rumours of his berak-up with Nicole Scherzinger. ” I think last year, I adapted… a mental attitude that was kind of, I would like to say, impenetrable In the previous years it has been the case where personal issues have affected my life in general but I feel that I still carry that kind of mentality from last year.“

The Englishman also talked about his wish to achieve even better results than he did during the previous season. “It’s not easy to better a season like last year. In terms of performance, it was the best year that I think I’ve ever had, but it doesn’t mean I can’t beat it so that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Lewis Hamilton also declared that his negotiations with Mercedes about renewing his contract are at the final stage and they are close to reaching an agreement. “Hopefully we’re in the final stages. I don’t really know what the timeline is for that but we’re not rushing. but we’re very much in the last stages of it. So for the foreseeable future, I’m committed to this team.”

NDTV Sports: Mercedes Won’t End Hamilton-Rosberg Rivalry: Wolff

Even though the fact that Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were already teammates in the previous season, they were each other’s greatest competitors as well. Last year, on the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa the two drivers collided when the German was trying to overcome his partner.

The team has blamed Rosberg who was given an unknown punishment after the incident and he also apologised publicly for his dangerous maneuvers. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff claims that the collision between the two drivers was good for the sport but they had crossed a certain line.

Executive director of Mercedes AMG Petrol also added, “We are not going to change our approach in terms of philosophy on how to let the drivers race. Even if it is not always easy. For us, for our brand, for Formula One, it was important to let them fight, one against the other.”

According to gambling news, Wolff also stated that emotion is very important in sports, and even though the two pilots went over-board, the team found a good solution. He proved his word by saying that his team has won the following 5 races after the accident.

The executive also said that Formula 1 is the number 1 car racing sport in the world so people who work for Formula 1 should stop talking negatively about the game. “We are the number one auto racing sport in the world and we must promote and support this image.”

Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the new Formula 1 season, will start next weekend on 15 March, in Melbourne. The new racing year is expected to be very exciting and intriguing with many great sportsmen behind the wheels who already have their fame, and many young pretenders wanting to take over their famous rivals.

The current champion, Lewis Hamilton, is said to be mentally stronger than ever before, and his team mate, last year’s second placed driver Nico Rosberg, is also looking for a way to prove himself better than everyone else. Meanwhile 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso are also looking forward to revive their careers with their new teams.

NDTV Sports: Formula One Gearing up for Another Eventful Year of Rivalry

This year’s championship will see less racers and less teams as 24 drivers took part in the tournament in 2014 while only 18 are competing this year. Well, it might be 20 in case of Manor-Marrusia, the team that was built from Marrusia, will succeed to qualify for the requirements.

It is true that there will be less drivers compared to the previous season, however we can expect the same amount of excitement due to the quality of the competitors. Latest gambling news regard Lewis Hamilton as the favorite for winning the title having set the odds at 1.53 (8/15) by Bet365, while those for his teammate Nico Rosberg are set at 3.50 (5/2).

The British, however, has many contenders, such as Sebastian Vettel who will start the new season at Ferrari or Fernando Alonso who left the Reds for McLaren Honda. So Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso are looking to claim their fifth and third championship title respectively but they have many young contenders.

The new season comes with many new names and most of these are incredibly young drivers. Toro Rosso launches young pairing with a combined age of only 37, while 20-year-old Russian Daniil Kvyat will race as teammate of emerging star Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull. Sauber will also trust the young with their drivers being 22 year-old Brazilian Felipe Nasr and 24 year-old Swedish diver, Marcus Ericsson.

Eurosport: Formula 1 – Lewis Hamilton arrives in Australia in style and ‘stronger than ever’

Lewis Hamilton seemed to be very confident when arriving to Melbourne and stepping out of his red private plane. He tweeted a picture of himself saying „Australia, we are here!“ to which he received mixed responses from his followers.

Online gambling news quoted what he thinks about his mental strength after being asked about the rumours of his berak-up with Nicole Scherzinger. ” I think last year, I adapted… a mental attitude that was kind of, I would like to say, impenetrable In the previous years it has been the case where personal issues have affected my life in general but I feel that I still carry that kind of mentality from last year.“

The Englishman also talked about his wish to achieve even better results than he did during the previous season. “It’s not easy to better a season like last year. In terms of performance, it was the best year that I think I’ve ever had, but it doesn’t mean I can’t beat it so that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Lewis Hamilton also declared that his negotiations with Mercedes about renewing his contract are at the final stage and they are close to reaching an agreement. “Hopefully we’re in the final stages. I don’t really know what the timeline is for that but we’re not rushing. but we’re very much in the last stages of it. So for the foreseeable future, I’m committed to this team.”

NDTV Sports: Mercedes Won’t End Hamilton-Rosberg Rivalry: Wolff

Even though the fact that Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were already teammates in the previous season, they were each other’s greatest competitors as well. Last year, on the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa the two drivers collided when the German was trying to overcome his partner.

The team has blamed Rosberg who was given an unknown punishment after the incident and he also apologised publicly for his dangerous maneuvers. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff claims that the collision between the two drivers was good for the sport but they had crossed a certain line.

Executive director of Mercedes AMG Petrol also added, “We are not going to change our approach in terms of philosophy on how to let the drivers race. Even if it is not always easy. For us, for our brand, for Formula One, it was important to let them fight, one against the other.”

According to gambling news, Wolff also stated that emotion is very important in sports, and even though the two pilots went over-board, the team found a good solution. He proved his word by saying that his team has won the following 5 races after the accident.

The executive also said that Formula 1 is the number 1 car racing sport in the world so people who work for Formula 1 should stop talking negatively about the game. “We are the number one auto racing sport in the world and we must promote and support this image.”

Voters in Massachusetts rejected a question repealing a 2011 law that will bring three regional resort casinos and a slots parlor to the state.

Over the past few months, all eyes were on Massachusetts as local voters prepared for a referendum to repeal local gambling laws, which brought casino games and slot parlors to the state back in 2011. Newspapers said the vote would be “historic”, as it could have opened the door for a series of similar reactions, in other states with legal gambling.

Opponents argued that three casinos and a slots parlor would create thousands of jobs, boost the local economy and increase tax revenue. On the other hand, supporters of the repeal doubted that gambling companies would deliver their promises, but were convinced that allowing casinos would lead to more crime, addiction and other social ills.

Now that the referendum is over, casino developers got the green light to continue their projects. A slots parlor is already being built in Plainville, while MGM Resorts has planned a casino in Springfield and Wynn Resorts will build one in Everett.

Reuters: Law clearing way for Massachusetts casinos survives repeal vote

In a referendum held this Tuesday, Massachusetts voters upheld the 2011 law which allowed legal casino gambling in the state by voting down a referendum which aimed to repeal those regulations.

The battle was fought between anti-gambling activists, who argued that casinos would cause harm by increasing the number of problem gamblers. Crimes rates would also go up, they added, and the bad would outweigh the benefits of having new job openings.

On the other hand, pro-casino activists pointed out that neighboring Connecticut was already home to several large casinos, where Massachusetts gamblers play. Seeing how they spend their money there anyway, opening casinos in the state would mean all profits stay in Massachusetts, where they eventually return to the local community.

The state’s gaming commission has already handed out two of the three available casino licenses. One went to MGM Resorts International for a gambling venue in Springfield, and the other one was won by Wynn Resorts for a casino just outside Boston. The regulating body will soon rule on a third license, giving permission for a casino in the Cape Cod beach resort area.

Penn National Gaming hold the fourth license, but this one is for a slot machines-only facility on the Rhode Island border.

Boston.com: Mass. Voters Reject Casino Repeal; Expanded Gambling Will Stand

Casinos should still be allowed in Massachusetts, voters decided this week. The result was called by The Associated Press shortly before 10:20 p.m., when the counted ballots showed a 59.5% to 40.5% lead in favor of gambling in the state.

MGM’s Springfield proposal and Wynn Resort’s Everett plans were approved earlier this year. The gambling commission held off on the third license due to the referendum. The two casino developers will now have to pay an $85 million licensing fee, officially receive their licenses, and start building the venues.

Penn National Gaming had already received its license for the slot parlor, and then began construction without even slowing down when news got out that the law could be repealed. The venue is scheduled to open in mid-2015.

Once the venues open, state authorities get 49% of gambling revenues from the slots parlor and 25% of whatever profits casinos make. The third license has been delayed until next summer, but with the ballot issue now settled, the state regulator will probably pick off where it left and award it sooner.

The repeal was surrounded by controversy over the past few months, with anti-casino campaigners claiming the other side was trying to manipulate voters. But recent polls consistently showed locals did not plan to repeal the law.

Mass Live: Wording of ballot question repealing Massachusetts casino law could prove confusing in November

On the referendum held in Massachusetts in November, “no” means “yes” and “yes means “no”. Some fear the ballot question could confuse voters and cause them to approve the exact opposite of what they really want.

After Secretary of State William Galvin’s office released the official wording of the question regarding casino gambling in Massachusetts, campaigners noticed that a “no” vote would actually approve of the law which will bring three resort-style casinos to the state.

According to online gambling news, anti-casino activists first voiced their complaints in 2011, shortly after Gov. Deval Patrick signed the new gambling bill into law. But it wasn’t until 2013 that they managed to collect enough signatures to support their efforts with a ballot proposal.

Now the referendum is over and casino developers received the green light to start building their projects.

Voters in Massachusetts rejected a question repealing a 2011 law that will bring three regional resort casinos and a slots parlor to the state.

Over the past few months, all eyes were on Massachusetts as local voters prepared for a referendum to repeal local gambling laws, which brought casino games and slot parlors to the state back in 2011. Newspapers said the vote would be “historic”, as it could have opened the door for a series of similar reactions, in other states with legal gambling.

Opponents argued that three casinos and a slots parlor would create thousands of jobs, boost the local economy and increase tax revenue. On the other hand, supporters of the repeal doubted that gambling companies would deliver their promises, but were convinced that allowing casinos would lead to more crime, addiction and other social ills.

Now that the referendum is over, casino developers got the green light to continue their projects. A slots parlor is already being built in Plainville, while MGM Resorts has planned a casino in Springfield and Wynn Resorts will build one in Everett.

Reuters: Law clearing way for Massachusetts casinos survives repeal vote

In a referendum held this Tuesday, Massachusetts voters upheld the 2011 law which allowed legal casino gambling in the state by voting down a referendum which aimed to repeal those regulations.

The battle was fought between anti-gambling activists, who argued that casinos would cause harm by increasing the number of problem gamblers. Crimes rates would also go up, they added, and the bad would outweigh the benefits of having new job openings.

On the other hand, pro-casino activists pointed out that neighboring Connecticut was already home to several large casinos, where Massachusetts gamblers play. Seeing how they spend their money there anyway, opening casinos in the state would mean all profits stay in Massachusetts, where they eventually return to the local community.

The state’s gaming commission has already handed out two of the three available casino licenses. One went to MGM Resorts International for a gambling venue in Springfield, and the other one was won by Wynn Resorts for a casino just outside Boston. The regulating body will soon rule on a third license, giving permission for a casino in the Cape Cod beach resort area.

Penn National Gaming hold the fourth license, but this one is for a slot machines-only facility on the Rhode Island border.

Boston.com: Mass. Voters Reject Casino Repeal; Expanded Gambling Will Stand

Casinos should still be allowed in Massachusetts, voters decided this week. The result was called by The Associated Press shortly before 10:20 p.m., when the counted ballots showed a 59.5% to 40.5% lead in favor of gambling in the state.

MGM’s Springfield proposal and Wynn Resort’s Everett plans were approved earlier this year. The gambling commission held off on the third license due to the referendum. The two casino developers will now have to pay an $85 million licensing fee, officially receive their licenses, and start building the venues.

Penn National Gaming had already received its license for the slot parlor, and then began construction without even slowing down when news got out that the law could be repealed. The venue is scheduled to open in mid-2015.

Once the venues open, state authorities get 49% of gambling revenues from the slots parlor and 25% of whatever profits casinos make. The third license has been delayed until next summer, but with the ballot issue now settled, the state regulator will probably pick off where it left and award it sooner.

The repeal was surrounded by controversy over the past few months, with anti-casino campaigners claiming the other side was trying to manipulate voters. But recent polls consistently showed locals did not plan to repeal the law.

Mass Live: Wording of ballot question repealing Massachusetts casino law could prove confusing in November

On the referendum held in Massachusetts in November, “no” means “yes” and “yes means “no”. Some fear the ballot question could confuse voters and cause them to approve the exact opposite of what they really want.

After Secretary of State William Galvin’s office released the official wording of the question regarding casino gambling in Massachusetts, campaigners noticed that a “no” vote would actually approve of the law which will bring three resort-style casinos to the state.

According to online gambling news, anti-casino activists first voiced their complaints in 2011, shortly after Gov. Deval Patrick signed the new gambling bill into law. But it wasn’t until 2013 that they managed to collect enough signatures to support their efforts with a ballot proposal.

Now the referendum is over and casino developers received the green light to start building their projects.

A Federal Judge decided to order down the closure of Chukchansi casino in California after different groups of Indian tribes got involved in an armed altercation at the gaming center. The Judge ruled that they may have endangered lives and posed considerable healthy risks to both employees and players that were present in the casino at the time of the event.

abc30.com: 1,300 employees out of work during Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino shutdown

Gambling news reports that the popular Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino has been closed under federal orders issued by an esteemed judge. Different Indian factions came to an armed standoff as part of efforts to take control of the gaming establishment which later lead to a lockdown of the casino.

Now the owners are pushing hard to have the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino reopened as soon as possible. Every single day that is remains closed serves a blow to their finances, as massive revenue is lost. Chukchansi Indian Co-Chairman Reggie Lewis stressed that the local community and employees depend on revenues generated by the casino operations.

“A lot of people depend on the casino. And since it has been opened, that’s the way everybody looks at it; it’s an asset, and we want to keep our asset functional,” stated Lewis. The casino was closed following an event that involved 20 gunmen storming into the building in an attempt to seize control of the entire establishment.

Reports indicate that the gunmen are part of a tribal faction led by Tex McDonald who stresses the casino is in fact theirs and all of the proceeds generated by Chukchansi belong to their tribe. “They came in here about a month ago and took our casino over, and they’re illegally here. So we came in and we claimed our casino.”

The Fresno Bee: Chukchansi casino closure puts planned events, interrupted gamblers in limbo

The Chukchansi is set to miss out on a great of events due to its closure. The alumni of Hoover High School were planning on staging a reunion event this upcoming Saturday, however now they won’t be able to do so considering the recent circumstances that led to current predicament that casino is in.

Stacey Olmos is one of the members of the reunion committee and she stated that the group gathered $7,500 from 167 Hoover graduates and paid the money to host the event at the prominent casino. With the Chukchansi now closed until further notice, they don’t seem to have any viable options to get the money back.

The altercations involved two Indian factions which led to some casino personnel in receiving injures as a result of the armed struggle. Separate groups of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians have been at it for a number of years. Now the casino has taken center stage as each faction is claiming that the popular gaming establishment belongs to them.

As a direct result of the attempted takeover that involved a hostile battle, the National Indian Gaming Commission and the state attorney general gave orders for the casino to be shut down. It has been reported that the faction that tried to take the casino is led by Tex McDonald, and that in fact the business initially belonged to them and not the current holders.

Yahoo! Finance: California casino is closed after armed standoff

Following the events that occurred last week at the Chukchansi casino, there seems to be no imminent reopening date set on the agenda for the popular establishment. Tribal factions were involved in an armed standoff involving the takeover, however officials have expressed that the casino may be closed for some time as they continue to investigate the circumstances.

Over a decade ago a similar event unfolded in Iowa that also involved two Indian factions. Two leadership factions were sanctioned by the National Indian Gaming Commission which marked the last casino closure that involved a politically motivated background in the US.

A tribal faction took control of the Meskwaki Casino & Hotel, however the action was not authorized by the federal government. Once the deadline for the rogue group to leave passed, the commission chairman released an order to temporarily close the business. Later the closure turned permanent and the owners had to wait a full 7 points until it could reopen.

Phil Hogen, a former NIGC chairman, highlighted, “The ones physically running the place were not recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and could not come to an agreement to put the recognized folks in place. From what I’ve heard about (Chukchansi), it’s much more explosive than Meskwaki.”

PoliticsHome: Four bookmakers set up watchdog to keep themselves in check

Latest gambling news reports that a federal judge by the name of Lawrence O’Neill ordered the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino to shut down after tribal factions tried to take control of the business. The judge was acting on emergency request from the state attorney general and has expressed that there is no immediate date set for the casino to reopen for the public.

After deciding that the casino posed a threat to the public, the National Indian Gaming Commission issued an express order for the establishment to be closed. Reports suggest that each faction controlled a different part of the casino, and neither wanted to stand down as they each believed they had the right to seize control of what is theirs.

Madera County Sheriff John Anderson stated that around 500 people quickly rushed out of the casino once they figured what was happening. He stressed that tension were high for weeks before leading up to the event that occurred on Thursday and has sought assistance on the matter from the state and federal officials.

Despite making no arrests in the lengthy process, the Sheriff’s department was able to cool down the tensions. Anderson said, “When they move the war into the casino, it meant we had to stop this. We have not been getting closer to a solution. If anything, we have gotten farther away.”

A Federal Judge decided to order down the closure of Chukchansi casino in California after different groups of Indian tribes got involved in an armed altercation at the gaming center. The Judge ruled that they may have endangered lives and posed considerable healthy risks to both employees and players that were present in the casino at the time of the event.

abc30.com: 1,300 employees out of work during Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino shutdown

Gambling news reports that the popular Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino has been closed under federal orders issued by an esteemed judge. Different Indian factions came to an armed standoff as part of efforts to take control of the gaming establishment which later lead to a lockdown of the casino.

Now the owners are pushing hard to have the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino reopened as soon as possible. Every single day that is remains closed serves a blow to their finances, as massive revenue is lost. Chukchansi Indian Co-Chairman Reggie Lewis stressed that the local community and employees depend on revenues generated by the casino operations.

“A lot of people depend on the casino. And since it has been opened, that’s the way everybody looks at it; it’s an asset, and we want to keep our asset functional,” stated Lewis. The casino was closed following an event that involved 20 gunmen storming into the building in an attempt to seize control of the entire establishment.

Reports indicate that the gunmen are part of a tribal faction led by Tex McDonald who stresses the casino is in fact theirs and all of the proceeds generated by Chukchansi belong to their tribe. “They came in here about a month ago and took our casino over, and they’re illegally here. So we came in and we claimed our casino.”

The Fresno Bee: Chukchansi casino closure puts planned events, interrupted gamblers in limbo

The Chukchansi is set to miss out on a great of events due to its closure. The alumni of Hoover High School were planning on staging a reunion event this upcoming Saturday, however now they won’t be able to do so considering the recent circumstances that led to current predicament that casino is in.

Stacey Olmos is one of the members of the reunion committee and she stated that the group gathered $7,500 from 167 Hoover graduates and paid the money to host the event at the prominent casino. With the Chukchansi now closed until further notice, they don’t seem to have any viable options to get the money back.

The altercations involved two Indian factions which led to some casino personnel in receiving injures as a result of the armed struggle. Separate groups of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians have been at it for a number of years. Now the casino has taken center stage as each faction is claiming that the popular gaming establishment belongs to them.

As a direct result of the attempted takeover that involved a hostile battle, the National Indian Gaming Commission and the state attorney general gave orders for the casino to be shut down. It has been reported that the faction that tried to take the casino is led by Tex McDonald, and that in fact the business initially belonged to them and not the current holders.

Yahoo! Finance: California casino is closed after armed standoff

Following the events that occurred last week at the Chukchansi casino, there seems to be no imminent reopening date set on the agenda for the popular establishment. Tribal factions were involved in an armed standoff involving the takeover, however officials have expressed that the casino may be closed for some time as they continue to investigate the circumstances.

Over a decade ago a similar event unfolded in Iowa that also involved two Indian factions. Two leadership factions were sanctioned by the National Indian Gaming Commission which marked the last casino closure that involved a politically motivated background in the US.

A tribal faction took control of the Meskwaki Casino & Hotel, however the action was not authorized by the federal government. Once the deadline for the rogue group to leave passed, the commission chairman released an order to temporarily close the business. Later the closure turned permanent and the owners had to wait a full 7 points until it could reopen.

Phil Hogen, a former NIGC chairman, highlighted, “The ones physically running the place were not recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and could not come to an agreement to put the recognized folks in place. From what I’ve heard about (Chukchansi), it’s much more explosive than Meskwaki.”

PoliticsHome: Four bookmakers set up watchdog to keep themselves in check

Latest gambling news reports that a federal judge by the name of Lawrence O’Neill ordered the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino to shut down after tribal factions tried to take control of the business. The judge was acting on emergency request from the state attorney general and has expressed that there is no immediate date set for the casino to reopen for the public.

After deciding that the casino posed a threat to the public, the National Indian Gaming Commission issued an express order for the establishment to be closed. Reports suggest that each faction controlled a different part of the casino, and neither wanted to stand down as they each believed they had the right to seize control of what is theirs.

Madera County Sheriff John Anderson stated that around 500 people quickly rushed out of the casino once they figured what was happening. He stressed that tension were high for weeks before leading up to the event that occurred on Thursday and has sought assistance on the matter from the state and federal officials.

Despite making no arrests in the lengthy process, the Sheriff’s department was able to cool down the tensions. Anderson said, “When they move the war into the casino, it meant we had to stop this. We have not been getting closer to a solution. If anything, we have gotten farther away.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington Post: Redskins-Seahawks best and worst

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington Post: Redskins-Seahawks best and worst

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Build at a cost of $2.4 billion two years ago, the Revel Casino was bought by a Canadian company at a price of just $110 million.

About 8,000 Atlantic City casino employees have lost their jobs so far this year, but there’s new hope for them now that the Revel Casino Hotel has a new owner. Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management has won the auction for the now bankrupt venue, with an offer of $110 million.

After filing for bankruptcy for the second time since it opened in 2012, the Revel finally closed its doors on September 2. The casino had been in business for just two years, and is one of four Atlantic City gambling venues to shut down this year.

According to gambling news, the Trump Taj Mahal may be the fifth one, with owners threatening to close it on November 13.

CBC News: Brookfield submits top bid for closed Atlantic City casino Revel

Brookfield Asset Management, a company based in Toronto, has won the auction for the Revel Casino Hotel located in New Jersey’s Atlantic City, with a bid of $110 million. The casino filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and was looking for a new buyer.

Although the initial deadline was Monday, the auction was extended into its third day on Wednesday. This was when Brookfield was revealed as the company that submitted the winning bid. Having $200 billion in assets under management, the Canadian company owns the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, as well as the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

“Revel is a brand new trophy asset on the beachfront, which we are acquiring at a substantial discount to replacement cost,” company spokesman Andy Willis told the press.

“We’re not currently in a position to discuss the business plan as we continue to explore various options [but] we will be in discussions with all parties and partners involved to formulate a feasible plan that ensures the long term viability of this property as a resort destination.”

Along with Brookfield, several other companies have been trying to get their hands on the casino. The gambling venue cost $2.4 billion to build, so the price Brookfield paid was much lower. Its original bid was at $98 million, but the company sweetened the offer to $98 million in order to secure the deal.

RTT News: WSJ: Brookfield Among Four Bidders Vying For Atlantic City’s Revel Casino

Four bidders competed in an auction to acquire Atlantic City’s Revel casino and hotel, after the business went bankrupt this year.

Canadian company Brookfield Asset Management, who owns the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, was the front runner in the auction, according to an article published in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. The company has topped Florida-based real estate developer Glenn Straub’s $90 million bid.

Straub offered to buy Revel casino hotel in a $90 million deal that was supposed to help the casino exit bankruptcy. For some time, he was the lead bidder, but now other takers have stepped up with better solutions. Apart from Brookfield, the casino’s management has received offers from a real estate investor from the Meruelo family, Richard Meruelo, and from a New Jersey real estate developer.

According to Revel’s bankruptcy filing, the casino’s value dropped from $2.4 billion to as low as $450 million. Experts predicted that the business would not be able to get back on its feet until 2017. The Revel was never among the city’s most profitable venues; it has had financial troubles ever since it opened to huge fanfare in April 2012, with a $2.4 billion investment.

By June 2014, the Revel was filing for bankruptcy for the second time, and on September 2 the casino closed because it had received no suitable bids to recover from its financial problems.

Wall Street Journal: Four Bidders Vying for Atlantic City’s Revel Casino

Things are heating up at the auction to sell the now bankrupt Revel Casino in Atlantic City. Newspapers wrote the auction has been shrouded in secrecy from the very beginning, sparking a dispute between the casino and lead bidder Glenn Straub.

“Our topping offer of $95 million will also contain terms giving priority to workers who lost their jobs when Revel shut down,” Straub’s lawyer Craig Galle explained. According to the attorney, the Florida-based developer “is committed to helping employees and their families that were affected by the Revel bankruptcy.”

An affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management has recently entered the bidding, topping the initial $90 million offer. However, if Straub loses the auction, he is entitled to a $3 million breakup fee for serving as the lead bidder.

The real estate developer’s attorneys are claiming Revel has broken an earlier agreement to disclose information about competing bids. “Any degree of confidence in [Revel’s lawyers’] ability to conduct a fair auction is nonexistent,” they told reporters of the Wall Street Journal.

But Revel lawyer John Cunningham has disputed allegations that the auction was conducted in an unfair manner. “This is a baseless objection,” he said. “The allegations of unethical conduct are just absolutely false.”

Build at a cost of $2.4 billion two years ago, the Revel Casino was bought by a Canadian company at a price of just $110 million.

About 8,000 Atlantic City casino employees have lost their jobs so far this year, but there’s new hope for them now that the Revel Casino Hotel has a new owner. Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management has won the auction for the now bankrupt venue, with an offer of $110 million.

After filing for bankruptcy for the second time since it opened in 2012, the Revel finally closed its doors on September 2. The casino had been in business for just two years, and is one of four Atlantic City gambling venues to shut down this year.

According to gambling news, the Trump Taj Mahal may be the fifth one, with owners threatening to close it on November 13.

CBC News: Brookfield submits top bid for closed Atlantic City casino Revel

Brookfield Asset Management, a company based in Toronto, has won the auction for the Revel Casino Hotel located in New Jersey’s Atlantic City, with a bid of $110 million. The casino filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and was looking for a new buyer.

Although the initial deadline was Monday, the auction was extended into its third day on Wednesday. This was when Brookfield was revealed as the company that submitted the winning bid. Having $200 billion in assets under management, the Canadian company owns the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, as well as the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

“Revel is a brand new trophy asset on the beachfront, which we are acquiring at a substantial discount to replacement cost,” company spokesman Andy Willis told the press.

“We’re not currently in a position to discuss the business plan as we continue to explore various options [but] we will be in discussions with all parties and partners involved to formulate a feasible plan that ensures the long term viability of this property as a resort destination.”

Along with Brookfield, several other companies have been trying to get their hands on the casino. The gambling venue cost $2.4 billion to build, so the price Brookfield paid was much lower. Its original bid was at $98 million, but the company sweetened the offer to $98 million in order to secure the deal.

RTT News: WSJ: Brookfield Among Four Bidders Vying For Atlantic City’s Revel Casino

Four bidders competed in an auction to acquire Atlantic City’s Revel casino and hotel, after the business went bankrupt this year.

Canadian company Brookfield Asset Management, who owns the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, was the front runner in the auction, according to an article published in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. The company has topped Florida-based real estate developer Glenn Straub’s $90 million bid.

Straub offered to buy Revel casino hotel in a $90 million deal that was supposed to help the casino exit bankruptcy. For some time, he was the lead bidder, but now other takers have stepped up with better solutions. Apart from Brookfield, the casino’s management has received offers from a real estate investor from the Meruelo family, Richard Meruelo, and from a New Jersey real estate developer.

According to Revel’s bankruptcy filing, the casino’s value dropped from $2.4 billion to as low as $450 million. Experts predicted that the business would not be able to get back on its feet until 2017. The Revel was never among the city’s most profitable venues; it has had financial troubles ever since it opened to huge fanfare in April 2012, with a $2.4 billion investment.

By June 2014, the Revel was filing for bankruptcy for the second time, and on September 2 the casino closed because it had received no suitable bids to recover from its financial problems.

Wall Street Journal: Four Bidders Vying for Atlantic City’s Revel Casino

Things are heating up at the auction to sell the now bankrupt Revel Casino in Atlantic City. Newspapers wrote the auction has been shrouded in secrecy from the very beginning, sparking a dispute between the casino and lead bidder Glenn Straub.

“Our topping offer of $95 million will also contain terms giving priority to workers who lost their jobs when Revel shut down,” Straub’s lawyer Craig Galle explained. According to the attorney, the Florida-based developer “is committed to helping employees and their families that were affected by the Revel bankruptcy.”

An affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management has recently entered the bidding, topping the initial $90 million offer. However, if Straub loses the auction, he is entitled to a $3 million breakup fee for serving as the lead bidder.

The real estate developer’s attorneys are claiming Revel has broken an earlier agreement to disclose information about competing bids. “Any degree of confidence in [Revel’s lawyers’] ability to conduct a fair auction is nonexistent,” they told reporters of the Wall Street Journal.

But Revel lawyer John Cunningham has disputed allegations that the auction was conducted in an unfair manner. “This is a baseless objection,” he said. “The allegations of unethical conduct are just absolutely false.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Walsh, who owns the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, has asked for permission to open a casino.

The Tasmanian Government it now seeking advice on whether to allow the millionaire to open a gambling venue targeted at high-roller tourists. The founder of the museum is planning to build a hotel in northern Hobart, at the Berriedale site, and has recently proposed to add a small casino to the hotel.

At present, the Federal Group has monopoly on operating gambling venues in Tasmania. The company has an arrangement with the local government, giving it exclusive rights to operate casinos here for a period of 20 years. The contract is due to expire in 2018.

According to local gambling news, Walsh’s proposal is for a pokie-free gambling venue for high-rollers, with a maximum of 12 gaming tables.

The Guardian: David Walsh plans mini casino for Tasmania’s Mona

Walsh made a fortune playing card games and now he hopes to offer tourists a small gambling facility that offers his type of entertainment: high-stakes casino games. The millionaire has begun to discuss his project with stakeholders.

“I would be very happy indeed to have a little high-roller, tourist-only, no-pokie casino to be part of the Mona package,” Walsh told reporters at the Mercury newspaper.

The casino would be called Monaco and it would have no more than 12 gambling tables for wealthy international art lovers to enjoy. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened in 2011 and has built a global reputation since, helping the Tasmanian tourism sector grow. Walsh thinks visitors would get a kick out of playing blackjack in highbrow surroundings.

A casino would certainly boost the museum’s profits, but for now the Federal Group has an exclusive license to operate the state’s two gambling venues. While Walsh does not believe his business would have a negative impact on the current casino operations, he still needs government approval to implement his project.

ABC News: MONA casino plan: Tasmanian Government seeks advice on proposal for high-roller tourists

The State Government received a proposal for a high-roller, no-pokie gambling venue and is now seeking advice on whether to allow it or not. Giving Walsh the green light would break the Federal Group’s 20-year monopoly on operating casinos in Tasmania, so it’s not an easy decision. On the other hand, the company’s exclusive arrangement expires in 2018.

Mayor Stuart Slade said he was surprised by the idea, but welcomed the absence of poker machines.Federal authorities have refused to comment on the casino issue, for now.

“We do have a number of poker machines in the City of Glenorchy, and of course that would just add further to that,” Slade said. “It’s my understanding… this is for a select group of people who wish to participate in a form of gambling and pokies wouldn’t be a part of that,” he explained.

David Walsh’s museum has brought thousands of tourists to Tasmania and has helped boost the local economy. The owner of the venue has been planning to expand accommodation for a while now, but recently added a small casino to the proposal.

With or without a casino, the hotel will be a huge success, says the Tourism Industry Council’s Luke Martin.

“I think everything MONA does is absolutely cutting edge, it’s innovative, it captures attention. Ultimately what that incorporates, whether that’s a casino or business events space, MONA is within its rights to look at the options and investment,” he said.

“Whether it does incorporate something like a casino, that’s obviously got a regulatory issue and they’re going to have to pursue that with the State Government.”

The Monthly: At Home With David Walsh, The Gambler

Most people didn’t hear the name David Walsh before 2009, when the man made global headlines thanks to a strange and somewhat macabre bet he placed. It was not your usual wager, where players try to guess football sports scores or place their money on a horse; Walsh had instead put money on the life of French artist Christian Boltanski.

The Monthly describes the details of the unusual wager placed by Walsh, this mysterious figure from Tasmania. Even in his home country, people know little about him apart from the rumor that he made his fortune by gambling.

Walsh built the highly successful Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, a private art museum dedicated to sex and death. The building resembles a post-apocalyptic fortress and it opened in January 2011, becoming a major attraction for art lovers.

David Walsh, who owns the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, has asked for permission to open a casino.

The Tasmanian Government it now seeking advice on whether to allow the millionaire to open a gambling venue targeted at high-roller tourists. The founder of the museum is planning to build a hotel in northern Hobart, at the Berriedale site, and has recently proposed to add a small casino to the hotel.

At present, the Federal Group has monopoly on operating gambling venues in Tasmania. The company has an arrangement with the local government, giving it exclusive rights to operate casinos here for a period of 20 years. The contract is due to expire in 2018.

According to local gambling news, Walsh’s proposal is for a pokie-free gambling venue for high-rollers, with a maximum of 12 gaming tables.

The Guardian: David Walsh plans mini casino for Tasmania’s Mona

Walsh made a fortune playing card games and now he hopes to offer tourists a small gambling facility that offers his type of entertainment: high-stakes casino games. The millionaire has begun to discuss his project with stakeholders.

“I would be very happy indeed to have a little high-roller, tourist-only, no-pokie casino to be part of the Mona package,” Walsh told reporters at the Mercury newspaper.

The casino would be called Monaco and it would have no more than 12 gambling tables for wealthy international art lovers to enjoy. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened in 2011 and has built a global reputation since, helping the Tasmanian tourism sector grow. Walsh thinks visitors would get a kick out of playing blackjack in highbrow surroundings.

A casino would certainly boost the museum’s profits, but for now the Federal Group has an exclusive license to operate the state’s two gambling venues. While Walsh does not believe his business would have a negative impact on the current casino operations, he still needs government approval to implement his project.

ABC News: MONA casino plan: Tasmanian Government seeks advice on proposal for high-roller tourists

The State Government received a proposal for a high-roller, no-pokie gambling venue and is now seeking advice on whether to allow it or not. Giving Walsh the green light would break the Federal Group’s 20-year monopoly on operating casinos in Tasmania, so it’s not an easy decision. On the other hand, the company’s exclusive arrangement expires in 2018.

Mayor Stuart Slade said he was surprised by the idea, but welcomed the absence of poker machines.Federal authorities have refused to comment on the casino issue, for now.

“We do have a number of poker machines in the City of Glenorchy, and of course that would just add further to that,” Slade said. “It’s my understanding… this is for a select group of people who wish to participate in a form of gambling and pokies wouldn’t be a part of that,” he explained.

David Walsh’s museum has brought thousands of tourists to Tasmania and has helped boost the local economy. The owner of the venue has been planning to expand accommodation for a while now, but recently added a small casino to the proposal.

With or without a casino, the hotel will be a huge success, says the Tourism Industry Council’s Luke Martin.

“I think everything MONA does is absolutely cutting edge, it’s innovative, it captures attention. Ultimately what that incorporates, whether that’s a casino or business events space, MONA is within its rights to look at the options and investment,” he said.

“Whether it does incorporate something like a casino, that’s obviously got a regulatory issue and they’re going to have to pursue that with the State Government.”

The Monthly: At Home With David Walsh, The Gambler

Most people didn’t hear the name David Walsh before 2009, when the man made global headlines thanks to a strange and somewhat macabre bet he placed. It was not your usual wager, where players try to guess football sports scores or place their money on a horse; Walsh had instead put money on the life of French artist Christian Boltanski.

The Monthly describes the details of the unusual wager placed by Walsh, this mysterious figure from Tasmania. Even in his home country, people know little about him apart from the rumor that he made his fortune by gambling.

Walsh built the highly successful Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, a private art museum dedicated to sex and death. The building resembles a post-apocalyptic fortress and it opened in January 2011, becoming a major attraction for art lovers.

Officials say GBP69 million have been returned to the Olympic lottery distribution fund.

Last year Hugh Robertson, the former minister for sport and tourism, promised to pay lottery distributors part of their money back by July 2014. The Government official promised to return between GBP100 million and GBP150 million of unspent funds and proceeds from the sale of the Olympic athletes village.

Now Helen Grant, who has taken over his position, announced that money has been placed in the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund. The news came through a letter sent to the Directory of Social Change (DSC).

According to gambling news, the previous government raised GBP675 million from lottery distributors to help pay for the 2012 London Olympics, with the biggest part of it coming from the Big Lottery Fund. After the end of the Olympic Games, National Lottery minister John Penrose said contributors would most likely be paid back by 2030 or 2031.

Third Sector: Government says £69m of Olympic money is set to be returned to lottery distributors

Earlier in July, the Government paid back an initial GBP79 million of the promised GBP150 million. Back then, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the rest of the money would come “later in the year”.

This month Helen Grant, minister for sport and tourism, sent a letter to the DSC saying that the GBP69.2 million sale of the Olympic Village was completed on August 6. The money resulting from these proceeds has been placed in the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund, Grant said.

“The process for the final closure of the OLDF is now under way, and the balance will be moved to the National Lottery Distribution Fund for allocation in the usual proportions to good causes,” she wrote in the letter.

Under the country’s gambling laws, the National Lottery distributes good-cause money to lottery distributors such as the Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England.

DSC policy and research director Jay Kennedy said: “It is a good thing that now we know the village deal has concluded, the GBP69 million refund is happening and it isn’t going to drag on further into the end of the year.”

“But the government had originally said that this money from the athletes village sale would be coming back in July along with the GBP69 million in unspent OLDF funds.”

UK FundRaising: Big Lottery Refund campaign secures £148m refund

Led by the Director of Social Change, the Big Lottery Refund campaign to persuade the Government to return GBP425 million of Olympic money to the lottery fund was supported by 3,600 charitable organizations. The first signs that the campaign was making an impact came at the end of July, when authorities made an initial payment of GBP79 million out of the amount owed.

Considering that former sports minister Hugh Robertson promised to pay GBP150 million by July 2014, the partial refund was paid only at the very last minute. Out of the GBP79 million returned, GBP60 million is going to the Big Lottery Fund, and the rest to other lottery distributors.

“This is a brilliant victory for our supporters – their hundreds of letters to MPs and Ministers, statements to the press, and awareness-raising have held Government to account,” Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research at DSC said in a statement.

“I want to thank them for their efforts. Without their support and pressure, I honestly believe Government might have just siphoned this cash off somewhere else. Now that it has been returned to the Lottery it can benefit charitable good causes across the country.”

The Telegraph: We want our share of the £528million Olympic surplus now, say charities

After the UK Government used money from lottery funds to organize the 2012 London Olympics, charities are asking for the money back. Last July, some organizations have accused ministers of pocketing hundreds of millions of pounds instead of returning what they borrowed.

This happened soon after sports minister Hugh Robertson disclosed that GBP528 million had been saved from the Olympics’ and Paralympics’ budget. The Government was planning on giving the money to the Treasury, but charities have criticized the decision claiming that part of the money should be returned to the Big Lottery Fund, after officials raised GBP425 million from lottery causes to help fund the Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Jay Kennedy, director of Policy and Research at the DSC told reporters: “Now that this money has gone unspent there really is no morally defensible reason why charities should not be paid back. There is a concern that the Government is playing politics with this money and using it to bring down the headline deficit figure.”

In its defense, the Big Lottery Refund argued that, despite having nothing to do with elite sports, it became the biggest Olympic lottery contributor. The amount it raised could have funded more than 10,000 charities, the organization said.

Officials say GBP69 million have been returned to the Olympic lottery distribution fund.

Last year Hugh Robertson, the former minister for sport and tourism, promised to pay lottery distributors part of their money back by July 2014. The Government official promised to return between GBP100 million and GBP150 million of unspent funds and proceeds from the sale of the Olympic athletes village.

Now Helen Grant, who has taken over his position, announced that money has been placed in the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund. The news came through a letter sent to the Directory of Social Change (DSC).

According to gambling news, the previous government raised GBP675 million from lottery distributors to help pay for the 2012 London Olympics, with the biggest part of it coming from the Big Lottery Fund. After the end of the Olympic Games, National Lottery minister John Penrose said contributors would most likely be paid back by 2030 or 2031.

Third Sector: Government says £69m of Olympic money is set to be returned to lottery distributors

Earlier in July, the Government paid back an initial GBP79 million of the promised GBP150 million. Back then, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the rest of the money would come “later in the year”.

This month Helen Grant, minister for sport and tourism, sent a letter to the DSC saying that the GBP69.2 million sale of the Olympic Village was completed on August 6. The money resulting from these proceeds has been placed in the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund, Grant said.

“The process for the final closure of the OLDF is now under way, and the balance will be moved to the National Lottery Distribution Fund for allocation in the usual proportions to good causes,” she wrote in the letter.

Under the country’s gambling laws, the National Lottery distributes good-cause money to lottery distributors such as the Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England.

DSC policy and research director Jay Kennedy said: “It is a good thing that now we know the village deal has concluded, the GBP69 million refund is happening and it isn’t going to drag on further into the end of the year.”

“But the government had originally said that this money from the athletes village sale would be coming back in July along with the GBP69 million in unspent OLDF funds.”

UK FundRaising: Big Lottery Refund campaign secures £148m refund

Led by the Director of Social Change, the Big Lottery Refund campaign to persuade the Government to return GBP425 million of Olympic money to the lottery fund was supported by 3,600 charitable organizations. The first signs that the campaign was making an impact came at the end of July, when authorities made an initial payment of GBP79 million out of the amount owed.

Considering that former sports minister Hugh Robertson promised to pay GBP150 million by July 2014, the partial refund was paid only at the very last minute. Out of the GBP79 million returned, GBP60 million is going to the Big Lottery Fund, and the rest to other lottery distributors.

“This is a brilliant victory for our supporters – their hundreds of letters to MPs and Ministers, statements to the press, and awareness-raising have held Government to account,” Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research at DSC said in a statement.

“I want to thank them for their efforts. Without their support and pressure, I honestly believe Government might have just siphoned this cash off somewhere else. Now that it has been returned to the Lottery it can benefit charitable good causes across the country.”

The Telegraph: We want our share of the £528million Olympic surplus now, say charities

After the UK Government used money from lottery funds to organize the 2012 London Olympics, charities are asking for the money back. Last July, some organizations have accused ministers of pocketing hundreds of millions of pounds instead of returning what they borrowed.

This happened soon after sports minister Hugh Robertson disclosed that GBP528 million had been saved from the Olympics’ and Paralympics’ budget. The Government was planning on giving the money to the Treasury, but charities have criticized the decision claiming that part of the money should be returned to the Big Lottery Fund, after officials raised GBP425 million from lottery causes to help fund the Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Jay Kennedy, director of Policy and Research at the DSC told reporters: “Now that this money has gone unspent there really is no morally defensible reason why charities should not be paid back. There is a concern that the Government is playing politics with this money and using it to bring down the headline deficit figure.”

In its defense, the Big Lottery Refund argued that, despite having nothing to do with elite sports, it became the biggest Olympic lottery contributor. The amount it raised could have funded more than 10,000 charities, the organization said.

In efforts to maintain a more transparent approach with their gaming practices, some of the biggest bookmakers in Britain believe it is in their best interest to establish a supervisory watchdog. This newly formed group will aim to keep them in line with responsible gambling and other relevant standards that the industry calls for.

The Guardian: Bookmakers sign up to voluntary watchdog

With the current industry demands to create a higher standard of gaming and increase efforts to engage in responsible gambling, several high-profile firms are looking into setting up a watchdog. William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Paddy Power are all among the gaming providers that want to implement the new group to oversee their practices.

They have come up with this plan in order to help them with avoid statutory measures for offering “free money” on many of their gaming machines and in betting shops. All of these big firms have agreed to remove all advertisements for touch-screen roulette machines from their respective shops starting from next month.

Additionally, they will also install responsible gambling messages that will be visible across a fifth of their shops’ space. Advertisement that promote “free bets” and “free money” for players to claim will not be aired before 9pm.

Latest gambling news reports that the new overseeing association will be called the Senet Group. Among their many responsibilities will be to fund educational advertising campaigns on problems that are associated with gambling. The group will also make sure to alter their TV commercials to contain more messages that are oriented towards responsible gambling.

Latest gambling news reports that Silver is determined many states that are currently experiencing financial difficulties will want to follow the model set by Nevada. The gaming state allows sports betting and is showing a steady growth.

Financial Times: Britain’s biggest bookmakers to create gambling watchdog

In order to follow through on tougher gaming standards that are being imposed by officials, four of the biggest bookmakers in Britain will create a new overseeing body. Problem gambling has become a heated debate in the industry, so establishing a board should help them curtail issues associated with that.

The self-regulatory body will be titled the Senet group (named after a board game in ancient Egypt), and its purpose will be to help maintains the standards that are sought by the industry today. The group will have the capacity to “name and shame” and also impose fines for any companies that don’t follow through on the missions and objectives set by it.

Other big name gaming providers like Bet365 and BetFred have also been invited to participate and sign-up for the new supervisory entity. The planned date for its launch is currently believed to be in January after several important steps pass completion.

Chief executive of Gala Coral, Carl Leaver, stated, “Actions speak louder than words. That’s why the Senet Group will be given the independence, budget and purpose to hold the betting industry to account.”

Recently, government official have expressed concern about the increased number of betting shops and the effect that they have on Britain’s society. This has seen them launch initiates to reduce problem gambling which is heavily linked to gambling advertisements and high-stakes betting machines that are provided by many betting shops.

Express & Star: Bookies back responsible gambling

William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Paddy Power have all come together to form a new overseeing entity that is intended to help them maintain responsible gambling practices. Many corners of the country believe that gambling providers should be held accountable for problems that may arise due to intense gambling pursuits.

Therefore, the new body titled the Senet Group will be tasked with implementing strict guidelines and measures for all the gambling providers to follow. The key goals that have been put forward by the firms involve the voluntary ban on advertising various gambling offers such as “free bets” and “free money” before 9 pm.

Betting shops will also remove all advertisements of gaming machines from all their windows. Additionally, they will convert a fifth of their shop window advertisement space into messages that will bear responsible gambling points, according to gambling news.

The aim is to protect “vulnerable” gamblers from spending all of their money, while the new group will also have the power to “name and shame” and impose fines for any provider that doesn’t follow the regulations.

Although currently there are four founding companies looking to establish a watchdog, others have also been encouraged to join. Chief executive of Ladbrokes, Richard Glynn, commented, “Gambling has long been a leisure pursuit and part of the cultural fabric of the UK, but we are alive to the concerns of the public to keep gambling a responsible and fun activity.”

PoliticsHome: Four bookmakers set up watchdog to keep themselves in check

A total of four gaming providers have come up with a plant to set up an overseeing body that will make sure all the companies are running socially responsible operations. William Hill, Ladbrokes, Gala Coral and Paddy Power have all agreed to start the new Senet group to keep them in line with the guidelines demanded by government officials and the public.

All of the big four companies are already member of the Association of British Bookmakers, and the new group will help them maintain leverage over BetFred, which the largest non-member of the Association.

The Gambling Commission was established by the government to oversee and make sure all practices are scrupulous and responsible towards the society at large. However, up until it has not done much with its powers but instead has managed to receive criticism from some corners of the public for not doing any effective work.

No fines or penalties like loss of license have been issued to providers for breaching regulations on gambling. The Commission has not been able to discipline the perpetrators for not following the rules which has propelled the government and the public to seek a better regulating body to ensure all runs according to the guidelines.

In efforts to maintain a more transparent approach with their gaming practices, some of the biggest bookmakers in Britain believe it is in their best interest to establish a supervisory watchdog. This newly formed group will aim to keep them in line with responsible gambling and other relevant standards that the industry calls for.

The Guardian: Bookmakers sign up to voluntary watchdog

With the current industry demands to create a higher standard of gaming and increase efforts to engage in responsible gambling, several high-profile firms are looking into setting up a watchdog. William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Paddy Power are all among the gaming providers that want to implement the new group to oversee their practices.

They have come up with this plan in order to help them with avoid statutory measures for offering “free money” on many of their gaming machines and in betting shops. All of these big firms have agreed to remove all advertisements for touch-screen roulette machines from their respective shops starting from next month.

Additionally, they will also install responsible gambling messages that will be visible across a fifth of their shops’ space. Advertisement that promote “free bets” and “free money” for players to claim will not be aired before 9pm.

Latest gambling news reports that the new overseeing association will be called the Senet Group. Among their many responsibilities will be to fund educational advertising campaigns on problems that are associated with gambling. The group will also make sure to alter their TV commercials to contain more messages that are oriented towards responsible gambling.

Latest gambling news reports that Silver is determined many states that are currently experiencing financial difficulties will want to follow the model set by Nevada. The gaming state allows sports betting and is showing a steady growth.

Financial Times: Britain’s biggest bookmakers to create gambling watchdog

In order to follow through on tougher gaming standards that are being imposed by officials, four of the biggest bookmakers in Britain will create a new overseeing body. Problem gambling has become a heated debate in the industry, so establishing a board should help them curtail issues associated with that.

The self-regulatory body will be titled the Senet group (named after a board game in ancient Egypt), and its purpose will be to help maintains the standards that are sought by the industry today. The group will have the capacity to “name and shame” and also impose fines for any companies that don’t follow through on the missions and objectives set by it.

Other big name gaming providers like Bet365 and BetFred have also been invited to participate and sign-up for the new supervisory entity. The planned date for its launch is currently believed to be in January after several important steps pass completion.

Chief executive of Gala Coral, Carl Leaver, stated, “Actions speak louder than words. That’s why the Senet Group will be given the independence, budget and purpose to hold the betting industry to account.”

Recently, government official have expressed concern about the increased number of betting shops and the effect that they have on Britain’s society. This has seen them launch initiates to reduce problem gambling which is heavily linked to gambling advertisements and high-stakes betting machines that are provided by many betting shops.

Express & Star: Bookies back responsible gambling

William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Paddy Power have all come together to form a new overseeing entity that is intended to help them maintain responsible gambling practices. Many corners of the country believe that gambling providers should be held accountable for problems that may arise due to intense gambling pursuits.

Therefore, the new body titled the Senet Group will be tasked with implementing strict guidelines and measures for all the gambling providers to follow. The key goals that have been put forward by the firms involve the voluntary ban on advertising various gambling offers such as “free bets” and “free money” before 9 pm.

Betting shops will also remove all advertisements of gaming machines from all their windows. Additionally, they will convert a fifth of their shop window advertisement space into messages that will bear responsible gambling points, according to gambling news.

The aim is to protect “vulnerable” gamblers from spending all of their money, while the new group will also have the power to “name and shame” and impose fines for any provider that doesn’t follow the regulations.

Although currently there are four founding companies looking to establish a watchdog, others have also been encouraged to join. Chief executive of Ladbrokes, Richard Glynn, commented, “Gambling has long been a leisure pursuit and part of the cultural fabric of the UK, but we are alive to the concerns of the public to keep gambling a responsible and fun activity.”

PoliticsHome: Four bookmakers set up watchdog to keep themselves in check

A total of four gaming providers have come up with a plant to set up an overseeing body that will make sure all the companies are running socially responsible operations. William Hill, Ladbrokes, Gala Coral and Paddy Power have all agreed to start the new Senet group to keep them in line with the guidelines demanded by government officials and the public.

All of the big four companies are already member of the Association of British Bookmakers, and the new group will help them maintain leverage over BetFred, which the largest non-member of the Association.

The Gambling Commission was established by the government to oversee and make sure all practices are scrupulous and responsible towards the society at large. However, up until it has not done much with its powers but instead has managed to receive criticism from some corners of the public for not doing any effective work.

No fines or penalties like loss of license have been issued to providers for breaching regulations on gambling. The Commission has not been able to discipline the perpetrators for not following the rules which has propelled the government and the public to seek a better regulating body to ensure all runs according to the guidelines.

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.”