2024 March Madness Betting: Connecticut, Houston Favorites in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

Gampel Pavilion at UConn


Let the madness begin

March Madness is upon us, as the conference tournaments have concluded and the brackets for both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball national championships tournaments have been revealed. I was sweating it out, as my school, the University of Virginia, was the second-to-last one in the field, but for loads of other schools, it was just an evening of looking forward to finding out who they were playing.

And with March Madness comes betting. The American Gaming Association estimates that people will wager $2.7bn on legal betting platforms and much, much more when one takes into account bracket pools and illegal sportsbooks.

So who are the favorites this year? Let’s take a look at who the bookmakers have installed as the ones to beat. We won’t be offering up any betting advice, as this writer is a terrible bettor – lucky for me it’s not legal in my state…yet – but just examining which schools are the favorites and if it’s all just chalk down the board.

Top four seeds aren’t the top four favorites

It probably comes as no surprise that the top seeds are also the favorites to win the whole kit and kaboodle. While the selection committee sometimes throws some curveballs, they didn’t bounce one in the dirt here (baseball reference in a basketball article). Defending champ Connecticut is both the top overall seed and easily the favorite to cut down the nets at +375, according to ESPN BET.

UConn’s East Region includes 2-seed Iowa State, 3-seed Illinois, and 4-seed Auburn

And that’s even with what experts consider to be the toughest region. UConn’s East Region includes 2-seed Iowa State, 3-seed Illinois, and 4-seed Auburn, all of whom are not just really good, but also won their conference tournaments.

After Connecticut, South Region top seed Houston comes in at +550 and Midwest Region 1-seed Purdue is +700 in what many think is the weakest region.

The other 1-seed, North Carolina, is interestingly NOT the fourth-favorite on ESPN Bet. That slot goes to Arizona, who is the 2-seed in the West, North Carolina’s region. Arizona is at +1,110, while UNC is +1,300. Why is that? Could be a combination of oddsmakers thinking Arizona is better, the regional being out west and therefore favoring Arizona geographically, and perhaps (though I’m not saying this is the case) that Arizona’s side of the bracket is perceived as easier.

Best of the rest

Arizona, though having better odds than North Carolina, was not the selection committee’s top 2-seed. That was Tennessee, which is in Purdue’s bracket and looks to have a favorable path to the Elite Eight, with 3-seed Creighton being the only real threat (of course, anything can happen, just look at Purdue falling to a 16-seed last year).

sportsbooks really like Auburn’s metrics

Tennessee is +1,600 to win the national championship. That ties them with the first real eyebrow raiser in Auburn, which is just a 4-seed in the East and was just 15th on the selection committee’s overall seeding list. Sportsbooks really like Auburn’s metrics, which have them in the top ten in many computer rankings. The committee may have looked at their weak nonconference schedule, favorable conference schedule, and lack of marquee wins to knock them down the bracket a bit.

Iowa State, another 2-seed, is next at +1,700. Kentucky, a 3-seed, is at +2,000, as is 2-seed Marquette. Kentucky has two possible top-five NBA draft picks and crushed some really good teams this year, while Marquette’s star Tyler Kolek is battling an injury, which could explain the parity in odds. They are also in the same region, so if things go to par, they will meet in the Elite Eight.

Rounding out the teams on the four-line or better are 4-seed Alabama and 3-seeds Illinois and Creighton at +2,500, 4-seed Duke at +3,000, and 3-seed Baylor and 4-seed Kansas at +4,000. Kansas is the most intriguing one of the group, as when healthy, they can beat anyone, but the Jayhawks are really banged up going into the tourney. Leading scorer Kevin McCullar Jr. and leading rebounder Hunter Dickinson are both hurt – Coach Bill Self says they will be good for the tournament, but who knows?

The post 2024 March Madness Betting: Connecticut, Houston Favorites in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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Don’t Let Problem Gambling Remain Hidden During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

No permitas que el juego problemático permanezca oculto durante la Semana Nacional de Datos sobre Drogas y Alcohol


March 18th to the 24th is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in 2024. It is an opportunity to shine the light on the science of drug use and addiction among youth and adults, and its relationship, as well as similarities and differences, with problem gambling. 

Disordered gambling should always be included in the discussion about drugs and alcohol abuse. It is not uncommon for those at-risk or already suffering from problem gambling to also be struggling with drug or alcohol difficulties, given the high rate of co-morbidity within this population. Individuals may also substitute one addiction for another, such as stopping drinking only to start gambling more or vice versa. Studies over the years have indicated that 50% or more of the problem gambling population has or have had drug or alcohol problems!

While there are many similarities between problem gambling and substance abuse, there are also important differences that have made compulsive gambling more difficult to identify and to treat. Known as the hidden addiction due to its lack of physical symptoms, one cannot pick up on disordered gambling by checking for “dice eyes”, “roulette breath”, or “card marks” on the arms.

Consider the other side of this. Somebody who is showing physical signs of alcoholism or drug abuse may also have a gambling problem, and it may even be at the root of the substance abuse. However… 

  • To the wife trying to understand why her husband isn’t home… 
  • To the counselor working on the individual’s treatment plan… 
  • To the employer wondering what has happened to their top performer…
  • To the police officer making the DUI arrest… 
  • And even to the judge determining the sentence… 

The gambling problem can remain hidden!

We know that based on research there is a correlation between higher gambling risk, while simultaneously using drugs or alcohol. You may hear this referred to as dual diagnosis, comorbidity, or co-occurring addictions. Many adults report while in treatment or when they contact the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine that they started using drugs and alcohol when young and then began gambling. There are some that have been in recovery for many years from drugs and alcohol who didn’t even realize that gambling could become an addiction for them, too. Some report they drink or smoke more while gambling. The underlying reactions that are triggered in the brain when someone consumes alcohol are very similar to when someone gambles. In fact, the brain will release dopamine after someone gambles, the same process that happens in addictive drugs. The way these two reactions can stack on each other, along with the accessibility of alcohol in gambling establishments, makes the potential of alcoholism and gambling addiction as co-occurring disorders even more likely.[1] 

Addiction is any chronic, habitual behavior that interferes with one’s ability to function normally. The following characteristics of addiction can refer to any self-destructive behaviors, such as compulsive gambling, overeating, sex addiction, drug abuse, alcoholism, uncontrolled spending, smoking, and sugar/caffeine abuse and dependency. 

  • Relying on the activity to provide pleasure or relief from stress and pain. 
  • Continuing the activity despite adverse consequences. 
  • Experiencing withdrawal – individual feels worse when he/she stops. 
  • Denying, rationalizing, and minimizing consequences. 
  • Losing control over the activity. 
  • Failed attempts to stop or control abuse. 
  • Experiencing tolerance – individual needs more to get the same high (such as larger bets for gambling). 
  • No longer enjoying the activity but continuing just to feel “normal.” 
  • Preoccupation. 
  • Cravings. 
  • Tendency to relapse. 
  • The severity of symptoms is progressive and gets worse over time. 
  • Individual centers his/her life around the activity.[2]

Taking those into consideration, here are the differences that set disordered gambling apart from substance abuse and other addictions. In addition to all of the above, individuals suffering from problem gambling: 

  • Are triggered by money, which is the drug that fuels gambling addiction, leading to pronounced financial difficulties for the individual and any dependents.
  • Show no outward physical symptoms and can function normally at work or in other social situations. 
  • Can’t overdose, and there is no saturation point. The body will not shut down from too much gambling, like it does with alcohol and drugs. 
  • Don’t need to ingest anything, and don’t need to go anywhere or speak with anyone to gamble (online/mobile gambling). 
  • Are discouraged from seeking treatment because of persistent social stigmas. 

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month 

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). By educating the general population and key professionals about gambling disorder, its signs and symptoms, and the help and hope available through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine, we can make a difference in the lives of those suffering from this hidden addiction. Learn more here about the FCCG’s PGAM campaign for 2024.

March 12th is National Gambling Disorder Screening Day 

A big part of the PGAM campaign each year is National Gambling Disorder Screening Day, which this year falls on March 12th. Screening Day is an annual, one-day event intended to educate and support providers in screening for Gambling Disorder. Screening helps to identify individuals who should seek further assessment for potential gambling-related problems. It does not provide a diagnosis.

Client-facing organizations, community groups, other organizations, and individuals can participate in this event by screening their patients/clients for Gambling Disorder on Screening Day. We refer to this as ‘hosting’ a Screening Day event and these participants are called ‘Screeners.’ Anyone can host. This grassroots event is open to everyone interested. You do not need to be a gambling-specific organization to screen. Learn more here. 

888-ADMIT-IT Also Offers Problem Gambling Prevention and Education Resources for Professionals 

It all starts with prevention and having the open conversation about drugs, alcohol, and problem gambling with your children, your family members, and friends. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2020 shows that 57 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 did not think there was great harm in having five or more drinks once or twice a week. As many as 62.6 percent of those in that age group did not think it was very harmful to smoke marijuana once or twice a week.[3] Despite the legal gambling age of 18, Florida prevalence research revealed lifetime participation in gambling was almost 70% among Florida residents, ages 13 to 17. Additionally, the study found that over 40% of adolescents reported gambling in the past year and 11.5% identified as weekly gamblers. Adolescent problem gamblers were also found to have much higher rates of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use![4 ]

Did you know that the FCCG has developed problem gambling prevention and education resources for the following groups of professionals? Contact 888-ADMIT-IT to learn more! 

  • Youth Organizations and Service Providers: The FCCG has developed a series of comprehensive gambling prevention and intervention programs for youth and college-age students. The FCCG developed itsSmart Choicesprogram, which consists of two ready-to-use lesson plans, both of which promote healthy discussion, and includes worksheets with fun activities. In an effort to address the issues presenting with youth involving gambling, the FCCG has developed a comprehensive Problem Gambling Prevention Program for Middle and High School Students.Further, the FCCG has developed its college campus-wideStudents Advocating for Gambling Awareness (SAGA)program. Learn more about FCCG prevention programs. 
  • Treatment Providers: An important role of the FCCG is the continued training of treatment providers, mental health workers, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists throughout the state. This has been accomplished through webinars, online training modules, and outreach activities conducted to promote the FCCG’s programs and services to diverse audiences throughout the state of Florida. Learn more. 
  • Legal Professionals: FCCG training and programming provides guidance to law enforcement, probation and police officers, judges, and attorneys regarding problem gambling impacts and solutions. Excessive gambling places a hardship on our legal and prison systems given the frequency of theft, embezzlement, fraud, and other crimes committed. More often than not, police, probation and correction officers, as well as attorneys, public defenders, prosecutors, judges, and the criminal justice system as a whole are not familiar with compulsive gambling and/or the impacts resulting from such a diagnosis that lead to crime. Learn more. 
  • Elder Service Providers and Senior Service Organizations: The FCCG has developed a variety of senior-specific programs and resources offering a comprehensive approach for diverse elder service providers in recognizing the signs of a gambling problem in the population served. FCCG senior programs address common situations that seniors encounter, identify age-appropriate solutions, and offer viable approaches to prevention, assessment, intervention, treatment, and outreach efforts. Learn more. 
  • Military and Veterans Service Providers: Recent research reveals that as many as 56,000 active duty members of the Armed Forces meet the criteria for gambling disorder, and studies have shown that veterans have elevated rates of gambling problems, at least twice the rate of the general adult population. The FCCG provides FREE services and supports to mental health professionals and others servicing this population. Learn more. 

[1] Alcohol Rehab Guide. Alcoholism And Gambling Addiction https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/dual-diagnosis/alcoholism-and-gambling-addiction/ 
[2] Nichols, M. No-Dice Safety Net to Recovery. 2008 
[3] Coady Jeffery A. SAMSHA. Making Prevention a Priority During National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week. March 2022.  https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/making-prevention-priority-during-national-drugs-alcohol-facts-week 
[4] Shapira, N. A., Ferguson, M. A., Frost-Pineda, K., & Gold, M. S. (2002). Gambling and Problem Gambling Prevalence among Adolescents in Florida. 





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No permitas que el juego problemático permanezca oculto durante la Semana Nacional de Datos sobre Drogas y Alcohol

No permitas que el juego problemático permanezca oculto durante la Semana Nacional de Datos sobre Drogas y Alcohol


Del 18 al 24 de marzo es la Semana Nacional de Datos sobre Drogas y Alcohol en 2024. Es una oportunidad para arrojar luz sobre la ciencia del consumo de drogas y la adicción entre jóvenes y adultos, y su relación, así como similitudes y diferencias, con el juego problemático. 

El juego desordenado siempre debe incluirse en la discusión sobre el abuso de drogas y alcohol. No es raro que aquellos en riesgo o que ya están sufriendo de juego problemático también estén luchando con dificultades relacionadas con las drogas o el alcohol, dada la alta tasa de comorbilidad dentro de esta población. Las personas también pueden sustituir una adicción por otra, como dejar de beber solo para comenzar a jugar más o viceversa. ¡Estudios a lo largo de los años han indicado que el 50% o más de la población con problemas de juego tienen o han tenido problemas con las drogas o el alcohol!

Si bien hay muchas similitudes entre el juego problemático y el abuso de sustancias, también hay diferencias importantes que han hecho que el juego compulsivo sea más difícil de identificar y tratar. Conocido como la adicción oculta debido a su falta de síntomas físicos, no se puede detectar el juego desordenado buscando “ojos de dados”, “aliento de ruleta” o “marcas de cartas” en los brazos. 

Considera el otro lado de esto. Alguien que muestra signos físicos de alcoholismo o abuso de drogas también puede tener un problema de juego, e incluso puede estar en la raíz del abuso de sustancias. Sin embargo… 

  • Para la esposa que intenta entender por qué su esposo no está en casa… 
  • Para el consejero que trabaja en el plan de tratamiento del individuo…  
  • Para el empleador que se pregunta qué le ha pasado a su mejor empleado… 
  • Para el oficial de policía que realiza el arresto por DUI… 
  • E incluso para el juez que determina la sentencia… 

¡El problema del juego puede permanecer oculto! 

Sabemos que, según la investigación, hay una correlación entre un mayor riesgo de juego, mientras se usan simultáneamente drogas o alcohol. Puedes escuchar esto referido como diagnóstico dual, comorbilidad o adicciones coocurrentes. Muchos adultos informan, mientras están en tratamiento o cuando contactan a la Línea de Ayuda 888-ADMIT-IT, que comenzaron a usar drogas y alcohol cuando eran jóvenes y luego comenzaron a jugar. Hay algunos que han estado en recuperación durante muchos años de drogas y alcohol que ni siquiera se dieron cuenta de que el juego podría convertirse en una adicción para ellos también. Algunos informan que beben o fuman más mientras juegan. Las reacciones subyacentes que se desencadenan en el cerebro cuando alguien consume alcohol son muy similares a cuando alguien juega. De hecho, el cerebro liberará dopamina después de que alguien juegue, el mismo proceso que ocurre con las drogas adictivas. La forma en que estas dos reacciones pueden acumularse una sobre la otra, junto con la accesibilidad del alcohol en los establecimientos de juego, hace que la posibilidad de alcoholismo y adicción al juego como trastornos coocurrentes sea aún más probable. 

La adicción es cualquier comportamiento crónico y habitual que interfiere con la capacidad de funcionar normalmente. Las siguientes características de la adicción pueden referirse a cualquier comportamiento autodestructivo, como el juego compulsivo, la sobreingesta de alimentos, la adicción al sexo, el abuso de drogas, el alcoholismo, el gasto descontrolado, el tabaquismo y el abuso y dependencia del azúcar/la cafeína. 

  • Depender de la actividad para proporcionar placer o alivio del estrés y el dolor. 
  • Continuar con la actividad a pesar de las consecuencias adversas. 
  • Experimentar síntomas de abstinencia: la persona se siente peor cuando deja de hacerlo. 
  • Negar, racionalizar y minimizar las consecuencias. 
  • Perder el control sobre la actividad. 
  • Intentos fallidos de detener o controlar el abuso. 
  • Experimentar tolerancia: la persona necesita más para obtener la misma euforia (como apuestas más grandes para el juego). 
  • Ya no disfrutar de la actividad pero continuar solo para sentirse “normal”. 
  • Preocupación. 
  • Antojos. 
  • Tendencia a la recaída. 
  • La gravedad de los síntomas es progresiva y empeora con el tiempo. 
  • La persona centra su vida alrededor de la actividad. 

Teniendo todo esto en consideración, aquí están las diferencias que distinguen al juego desordenado del abuso de sustancias y otras adicciones. Además de todo lo anterior, las personas que sufren de juego problemático: 

  • Son desencadenadas por el dinero, que es la droga que alimenta la adicción al juego, lo que conduce a dificultades financieras pronunciadas para el individuo y sus dependientes. 
  • No muestran síntomas físicos externos y pueden funcionar normalmente en el trabajo u otras situaciones sociales. 
  • No pueden sufrir una sobredosis y no hay un punto de saturación. El cuerpo no se apagará por demasiado juego, como lo hace con el alcohol y las drogas. 
  • No necesitan ingerir nada, y no necesitan ir a ningún lugar ni hablar con nadie para jugar (juego en línea/móvil). 
  • Se desaniman de buscar tratamiento debido a los persistentes estigmas sociales. 

Marzo es el Mes de Concientización sobre el Juego Problemático

Marzo es el Mes de Concientización sobre el Juego Problemático (PGAM). Al educar a la población en general y a los profesionales clave sobre el trastorno del juego, sus signos y síntomas, y la ayuda y esperanza disponibles a través de la Línea de Ayuda 888-ADMIT-IT, podemos hacer una diferencia en la vida de aquellos que sufren esta adicción oculta. Obtenga más información aquí sobre la campaña PGAM de FCCG para 2024. 

El 12 de marzo es el Día Nacional de Detección del Trastorno del Juego 

Una gran parte de la campaña PGAM cada año es el Día Nacional de Detección del Trastorno del Juego, que este año cae el 12 de marzo. El Día de Detección es un evento anual de un día destinado a educar y apoyar a los proveedores en la detección del Trastorno del Juego. La detección ayuda a identificar a las personas que deben buscar una evaluación adicional para posibles problemas relacionados con el juego. No proporciona un diagnóstico. 

Organizaciones orientadas al cliente, grupos comunitarios, otras organizaciones e individuos pueden participar en este evento al evaluar a sus pacientes/clientes para el Trastorno del Juego en el Día de Detección. Nos referimos a esto como ‘organizar’ un evento del Día de Detección y a estos participantes se les llama ‘Evaluadores’. Cualquiera puede ser anfitrión. Este evento de base está abierto a todos interesados. No es necesario ser una organización específica para el juego para evaluar. Obtén más información aquí

888-ADMIT-IT También Ofrece Recursos de Prevención y Educación sobre el Juego Problemático para Profesionales 

Todo comienza con la prevención y tener la conversación abierta sobre drogas, alcohol y juego problemático con tus hijos, familiares y amigos. La Encuesta Nacional sobre el Uso de Drogas y la Salud Mental (NSDUH) de la Administración de Servicios de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias (SAMHSA) de 2020 muestra que el 57% de los jóvenes de 12 a 17 años no consideraban que fuera muy perjudicial tomar cinco o más bebidas una o dos veces por semana. Según el mismo informe, hasta el 62.6% de ese grupo de edad no creía que fuera muy perjudicial fumar marihuana una o dos veces por semana.3 A pesar de la edad legal para apostar de 18 años, la investigación de prevalencia en Florida reveló que casi el 70% de los residentes de Florida, de 13 a 17 años, participaban en el juego en algún momento de sus vidas. Además, el estudio encontró que más del 40% de los adolescentes informaron haber jugado en el último año y el 11.5% se identificaron como jugadores semanales. ¡Los jugadores adolescentes también tenían tasas mucho más altas de uso de alcohol, drogas y tabaco! 

¿Sabías que el FCCG ha desarrollado recursos de prevención y educación sobre el juego problemático para los siguientes grupos de profesionales? ¡Contacta al 888-ADMIT-IT para obtener más información! 

  • Organizaciones y Proveedores de Servicios Juveniles: El FCCG ha desarrollado una serie de programas integrales de prevención e intervención en el juego para jóvenes y estudiantes universitarios. El FCCG desarrolló su programa Smart Choices, que consta de dos planes de lecciones listos para usar, ambos promoviendo la discusión saludable e incluyendo hojas de trabajo con actividades divertidas. En un esfuerzo por abordar los problemas relacionados con el juego en los jóvenes, el FCCG ha desarrollado un Programa Integral de Prevención del Juego Problemático para Estudiantes de Secundaria y Preparatoria. Además, el FCCG ha desarrollado su programa Students Advocating for Gambling Awareness (SAGA) para todo el campus universitario. Obtén más información sobre los programas de prevención del FCCG.
  • Proveedores de Tratamiento: Un papel importante del FCCG es la formación continua de proveedores de tratamiento, trabajadores de salud mental, trabajadores sociales clínicos y terapeutas matrimoniales y familiares en todo el estado. Esto se ha logrado a través de seminarios web, módulos de capacitación en línea y actividades de divulgación realizadas para promover los programas y servicios del FCCG a audiencias diversas en todo el estado de Florida. Obtén más información. 
  • Profesionales Legales: La formación y programación del FCCG proporciona orientación a las fuerzas del orden, oficiales de libertad condicional y policía, jueces y abogados sobre los impactos y soluciones del juego problemático. El juego excesivo representa una carga para nuestros sistemas legales y penitenciarios debido a la frecuencia de robos, malversaciones, fraudes y otros delitos cometidos. Más a menudo que no, la policía, los oficiales de libertad condicional y correccionales, así como los abogados, defensores públicos, fiscales, jueces y el sistema de justicia penal en su conjunto no están familiarizados con el juego compulsivo y/o los impactos resultantes de dicho diagnóstico que llevan al crimen. Obtén más información.   
  • Proveedores de Servicios para Personas Mayores y Organizaciones de Servicios para Personas Mayores: El FCCG ha desarrollado una variedad de programas y recursos específicos para personas mayores que ofrecen un enfoque integral para diversos proveedores de servicios para personas mayores en el reconocimiento de los signos de un problema de juego en la población atendida. Los programas para personas mayores del FCCG abordan situaciones comunes que enfrentan las personas mayores, identifican soluciones apropiadas para la edad y ofrecen enfoques viables para la prevención, evaluación, intervención, tratamiento y esfuerzos de divulgación. Obtén más información. 
  • Proveedores de Servicios Militares y para Veteranos: Investigaciones recientes revelan que hasta 56,000 miembros en servicio activo de las Fuerzas Armadas cumplen con los criterios para el trastorno del juego, y estudios han demostrado que los veteranos tienen tasas elevadas de problemas de juego, al menos el doble de la tasa de la población adulta general. El FCCG ofrece servicios y apoyos GRATUITOS a profesionales de la salud mental y otros que atienden a esta población. Obtén más información. 

[1] Guía de Rehabilitación del Alcohol. Alcoholismo y Adicción al Juego.
[2] Nichols, M. Red de seguridad sin dados para la recuperación. 2008. 
[3] Coady Jeffery A. SAMSHA. Hacer de la Prevención una Prioridad Durante la Semana Nacional de Datos sobre Drogas y Alcohol. Marzo de 2022. 
[4] Shapira, N. A., Ferguson, M. A., Frost-Pineda, K., & Gold, M. S. (2002). Prevalencia del juego y el juego problemático entre adolescentes en Florida. 





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Chinese Embassy Warns Its Citizens in Singapore to Not Engage in Gambling

Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore


The Chinese embassy has warned all of its citizens who are in Singapore to stay away from all types of gambling as engaging in these activities overseas is illegal.

The statement on Monday from the embassy’s official WeChat account “solemnly reminded” people of Chinese laws that forbid people from placing bets even at Singapore’s legal casinos. It underscored that consulates and embassies “may not be able to provide consular protection for violations.”

It also mentioned some of the other risks associated with gambling, such as racking up debt, family issues, kidnapping, and cheating. The embassy urged people who are aware of Chinese citizens overseas who engage in gambling to report them to the police in Singapore or through another official reporting portal.

US$150bn was leaving the country’s shores annually through gaming channels

China has put a lot of work into stopping people from engaging in cross-border gambling since an amendment to its criminal code went into effect in March 2021. An estimated US$150bn was leaving the country’s shores annually through gaming channels.

Chinese embassies in other nearby countries that offer casino gambling, such as South Korea, have issued similar warnings recently.

The post Chinese Embassy Warns Its Citizens in Singapore to Not Engage in Gambling appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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What Are Sweepstakes Casinos? A Look at These New Gaming Options

What Are Sweepstakes Casinos? A Look at These New Gaming Options


By Louis Wheeler

Most iGaming players are familiar with traditional online casinos. Licensed online gaming platforms require real money deposits for real money gaming, with real money rewards. However, there are alternative options available to players in the form of sweepstakes casinos and social casinos. There are clear distinctions between various online casinos, which we will examine in this blog post.

Many folks use the terms sweepstakes, lotteries and contests interchangeably. There are nuanced differences between them. Traditionally, sweepstakes refer to a giveaway with a randomly selected winner. With sweepstakes, no money needs to be spent directly upfront – no purchase is necessary for winning – and no skills or strategies are needed to win sweepstakes. But that’s the traditional sense of the word, and it’s slightly different with sweepstakes casinos.

To continue reading this article, please visit: https://www.888casino.com/blog/sweepstakes-casinos



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Bet365 Casino Shamrock Reload Bonus

Bet365 Casino


Wouldn’t it be nice to get a little bit more out of your next deposit? That’s precisely what will happen for players at Bet365 Casino. Returning players are being given access to a reload bonus for a limited time. Get a 60% deposit match up to $100 when you meet all of the qualifications. Check out the offer below to find out how to take advantage of this great offer.

About the Offer

For the period from March 15 through March 21, Bet365 Casino is running a special promotion. The Shamrock Reload Bonus is a simple one. Available to current players, the Shamrock Reload bonus will allow for one special reload.

When you wager the qualifying deposit ($10) and bonus at least 10x, you will get 60% of your deposit up to $100 added to your withdrawable balance. It is a quick and easy way to level up your balance for making a reload deposit.

How to Claim the Offer

Claiming this offer from Bet365 Casino is quite simple. Existing Bet365 players need only deposit a minimum of $10 during the qualifying period (March 15-21). In order to claim the offer, go to the “My Account” menu, then look for “My Offers.”

Make sure that you bet the qualifying deposit amount and the bonus 10x on qualifying casino slots. When that happens, the bonus will move to your withdrawable balance. Bet365 Casino makes it easy to get more out of your next deposit when you claim the Shamrock Reload Bonus.

The post Bet365 Casino Shamrock Reload Bonus appeared first on Casino.com Blog.

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LeoVegas Ordered to Withdraw Radio Advert for BetUK Sportsbook

LeoVegas Ordered to Withdraw Radio Advert for BetUK Sportsbook


LeoVegas, the international operator of online casinos and sports betting websites, has been ordered by the United Kingdom Advertising Standards Authority to withdraw one of its radio advertisements for BetUK, an online sports betting brand.

The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the respective advert was “irresponsible” and that it could appeal to children. The advert aired in September 2023 and it featured Adebayo Akinfenwa, a retired football player, who spoke about his role as a brand ambassador for BetUK.

However, in the advert in question Akinfenwa encouraged players to gamble responsibly and also made them aware of the various safer gambling tools available on BetUK, including deposit limits, the possibility of setting time-outs and scheduling reality checks.

The Advertising Standards Authority received just one complaint regarding the advertisement’s possible appeal to children. The respective complaint underlined that the presence of a former football player in the advert could present a strong appeal to children and that would put the advert in breach of the BCAP Code.

LeoVegas Rejects Complaint

The online casino and sports betting operator responded to the complaint by saying that it doesn’t believe the advert appeals to children. LeoVegas and BetUK underlined that Adebayo Akinfenwa is now aged 41 and has retired from football for some time, so it is quite unlikely that he is popular with today’s children.

Moreover, LeoVegas and BetUK pointed out that Akinfenwa was not a huge football star back in the day, he spent most of his career in the lower leagues of English football and not in the Premier League. That makes any potential for appeal to children even lower.

Adebayo Akinfenwa does have a clothing range which made him known outside of the world of football but BetUK underlined that it does not include any products for children, so there shouldn’t be any problem there either.

When looking at the social media accounts associated with Akinfenwa, BetUK pointed out that just 8 percent of his total followers on Instagram were under the age of 18, while on Snapchat the percentage went up to 18 percent.

The sports betting operator also underlined that the advert did not feature any content that would normally be associated with children or a childish tone. Moreover, it was played during a radio show that is targeting an adult audience. Radiocentre, the commercial body for United Kingdom radio stations, decided to support BetUK in this case.

Despite the response, the Advertising Standards Authority decided to uphold the complaint because it was found in breach of the BCAP Code, which states that adverts for gambling products must not be likely to be of strong appeal to children or young persons.

Source: “LeoVegas ordered to withdraw “irresponsible” BetUK radio advert“. iGaming Business. March 13, 2024.

The post LeoVegas Ordered to Withdraw Radio Advert for BetUK Sportsbook appeared first on Casino News Daily.

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US Bettors Will Wager Twice as Much on March Madness as the Super Bowl

March Madness basketball


March Madness is always a lucrative time of year for US sportsbooks, and even more so in 2024. If estimates are to believed, it looks like bettors will wager twice as much on this year’s college basketball tournament as they did on the recent Super Bowl.

people will wager about $2.7bn across the men’s and women’s events

The American Gaming Association (AGA) released research on Thursday that estimates people will wager about $2.7bn across the men’s and women’s events through regulated platforms. The gaming body looked at monthly sportsbook revenue reports from individual states to analyze the level of wagers on NCAA tournaments.

If we included illegal betting and bracket pools, that number would likely be much higher. An AGA survey last year estimated that about $15.5bn would be bet on March Madness when including these other less legitimate forms of wagering.

Talking to ESPN, AGA Head of Research Dave Forman said that this is “the biggest and most mainstream betting event of the year, especially with the brackets.” He explained that the research this year focused on the legal market as it is now available in nearly 40 states.

The action kicks off in the coming days, with UConn – the favorite – defending its title in the men’s tournament. South Carolina heads up the betting to win the women’s tournament.

The post US Bettors Will Wager Twice as Much on March Madness as the Super Bowl appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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London Mayor Slammed for Failing to Remove Gambling Ads on Transport Network

Underground


London’s Mayor is facing backlash for failing to remove gambling ads on public transport despite a 2021 promise to do so.

During his election campaign in 2021, Sadiq Khan promised voters that he would instruct Transport for London (TfL) to remove “harmful gambling advertisements on the network.” However, three years later, such a ban has yet to be implemented.

Despite limited evidence on whether gambling advertising increases the risk of gambling harm, the London Assembly’s Health Committee has urged Khan to introduce a “blanket ban.”

invitations to gamble everywhere you look.”

Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, said that it’s “hard to escape the presence of gambling in London” and that there are “invitations to gamble everywhere you look.”

A ban on gambling ads on the TfL would be the latest in a move to remove harmful advertisements on the network. In 2016, ads promoting negative body images were banned followed by a 2019 ban on high fat and sugar foods.

In 2022/23, TfL received £663,640 ($848,850) in revenue from gambling ads.

The post London Mayor Slammed for Failing to Remove Gambling Ads on Transport Network appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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Play’n GO Launches Chamber of Ancients Slot Release

Play’n GO Launches Chamber of Ancients Slot Release


Get ready for another mythological adventure with Play’n GO as you play its new hit Chamber of Ancients!

However, this time the provider invites players to join a mythological adventure that is definitely unique as it involves gods from many different religions around the world.

Mystical visual:

This exquisite slot with a mixed mythology theme beckons players to try to enter a hidden vault, which is rumored to contain an abundance of riches. However, many have tried and failed because the gods who protect it, Thor, Athena, Ganesha, Eset and Caishen, permit entry only to those who demonstrate a worthy set of skills.

To make a winning combination, players must form a combination of at least 3 matching symbols on adjacent reels beginning from the reel located furthest to the left. In addition, this 5×3 game has high volatility, a default RTP of 96.31% and a maximum win of 20,000x a player’s wager.

In terms of features, since each god has a specific key connected to them which, if players reach it, unlocks the Chamber of that particular god and is located above the reels, there is a Hold & Spin feature, which unlocks one of the Chambers and is activated when players get at least 3 matching Key Symbols throughout the same spin in the Free Spins and Base Game.

Then there is the popular Free Spins bonus round, which may be triggered if players land a minimum of 3 Scatter Symbols, i.e. image of the golden mask, throughout the Base Game. As soon as it’s activated, players are automatically rewarded with 8, 10 or 12 free spins, individually, which further depends on the number of Scatters used to activate the round.

Said bonus round may be reactivated if players land at least 3 Scatters on the reels, which further gives them up to 50 free spins.

And finally, there is the Wild Symbol, in the form of a star-shaped golden coin, whose main task is to replace every symbol, except the Key Symbols and the Scatter. Additionally, each time a Wild lands on the reels, it extends to cover the whole reel, which increases the chances of landing multiple winning paylines.

The globally-loved mythology franchise:

This new hit Chamber of Ancients isn’t the only title from Play’n GO, which is based on the popular mythological theme. There are also other hits such as Odin: Protector of the Realms and Scroll of Seth.

Also, fans of the Wilde series and Dead series will certainly have fun playing this game, as it’s also a treasure-seeking adventure.

Expressing pride for this new release, Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, commented: “We’re very excited for players to try out Chambers of Ancients and experience this mixed-mythology narrative. We have lots of IPs focused on specific mythologies, but combining the iconic characters from these tales is something we’ve really enjoyed doing. Along with the game’s exciting selection of bonus features, this is sure to be a hit!”





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