The gambling industry is very massive, and with the potential harm gambling can cause, it needs to be regulated. The way gambling is regulated in individual regions is quite different. Some countries use a central governing agency to enforce gambling laws, while others give each state the freedom to regulate gambling as it deems fit.

In today’s article, we focus on gambling laws in Belgium and the Netherlands. Previously, gambling online in the Netherlands and Belgium was prohibited. But with the passage of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), players can now place legal sports bets and play casino games over the internet. But with this freedom comes other restrictions, which we will shed more light on in this article.

Changes Belgium and Netherlands made to their gambling laws

The gambling laws in Belgium and the Netherlands were tightened recently. These changes aim to promote responsible gambling. Regulators want to create a safe space for players and, at the same time, reduce the number of youths involved in gambling. These changes imply that operators will likely look for new markets where the gambling laws are not so demanding. But what are these laws, and how do they impact the operators in the regions?

Universal loss limit

One of the changes made to the gambling laws in these regions is the push for a universal loss limit. This change was reportedly partitioned by Bikker in the Netherlands. This partition aims to protect players who may be struggling with problem gambling. Gambling can be addictive, and cause players to make irrational decisions.

As a result, the universal loss limit aims to reduce the deposit limits allowed to be accepted by all licensed operators. This change was introduced on the 13^th of February, 2024, and was announced by the Ministry of Justice & Security. With this new gambling law, players won’t be allowed to make an affordability check.

Financial risk checks

Before voting for the universal loss limit proposal, Franc Weerwind, the Minister for Legal Protections, rejected ChristenUnie’s (CU’s) mandate. Weerwind argued that there’s no need for a universal loss limit since a financial risk check was already incorporated in the approved and imminent amendments.

Weerwind further went on to say rather than a universal loss limit, compulsory financial risk checks for players’ accounts that are more than €350 or equivalent in spending will be more beneficial to the state, players, and operators. The Minister for Legal Protection whose job is to oversee KOA reforms, argued a €150 spending restriction will be imposed on gambling accounts of customers under 24.

Stricter financial penalties

Another change we can expect to see in gambling is stricter financial penalties. This amendment aims to create a safe space for players to gamble. A former member of the House of Representatives, Michiel Van Nispan of the Netherlands for the Socialist Party (SC) proposed a stricter financial penalty.

Van Nispan argued that with stricter financial penalties in place, gambling operators would be more cautious not to violate gambling laws. Amongst the penalties, Van Nispan suggested a fine of 10% of turnover for gambling companies that violate the KOA regulations. The former member of the House of Rep also suggested revoking the license of operators who fail to provide satisfactory player protection. Up to 102 MPs supported Van Nispan’s mandates, and it was passed.

Belgium increases gambling age

In Belgium, the official gambling, whether online or offline, was previously 18. However, the new gambling legislation has increased the legal gambling age to 21 and it has been approved by the Chamber of Deputies. The aim of increasing the legal age to gamble is to reduce the number of youths involved in any form of gambling.

Regulators believe that by reducing the number of youths involved in gambling, they will be more likely to get involved in more productive acts that will contribute to the development of society. Also, increasing the legal gambling age will help reduce the cases of gambling problems as it protects minors from the potential harms of gambling.

Online gambling advertising ban

Another of the three motions proposed by the CDA MP Derk Bosswijk is the call for a blanket ban on gambling advertising. However, this proposal was rejected as it fell short by 6 votes of the required 76-vote majority. Nevertheless, the Dutch minister thought of the proposal as useful and maintained that overreaching player limits must be included in the KOA Acts going forward.

Although Belgium’s National Lottery will be exempted from the ban. Also, online operators in the Western European country are prohibited from offering more than one type of gambling.

Conclusion

In summary, the aim of these new gambling laws in Belgium and the Netherlands is to tighten responsible gambling. Regulators want to provide a safe space for gamblers, and also reduce the number of youths involved in gambling.

The post Belgium and the Netherlands Amend Their Online Gambling Laws appeared first on Casino News Daily.

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Final talks ongoing

Rumors are flying around that the Eagles are in line to take over from U2 and Dead & Company as the next regular act in the Las Vegas Sphere. TMZ reported that negotiations are ongoing to try to get the rock band on board for a residency.

an Eagles residency in the Sphere could take place during the fall and winter time

The media outlet spoke to sources close to the matter and has no details about a potential timeframe for a decision. The Eagles started a farewell tour in September and the last one on the current schedule is in June in the Netherlands. TMZ speculated that an Eagles residency in the Sphere could take place during the fall and winter time.

Meanwhile, British singer Adele has paused her shows at Caesars Palace due to illness.

A major attraction

U2 – who opened up the Sphere to much fanfare on September 29 – will end their 40-show run on Saturday. The concerts are reportedly grossing about $1.8m each, which adds up to about $72m in total revenue across the entire stint.  

Other acts linked with the Sphere include Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Bon Jovi. Dead & Company, which is made up of former members of the Grateful Dead, is the next band confirmed to perform a significant number of performances at the venue. Their 24-show run will begin in May and last until July 13.

American rock band The Eagles are part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, have won six Grammys, and sold more than 200 million records globally.

Adele not feeling too well

In other Las Vegas showbiz news, Adele is pausing her Caesars Palace residency due to an ongoing health issue. She announced via Instagram on Tuesday night that all of her events through the end of next month will not go ahead. Her plan is to rest up and complete the shows at a later date.

she was “sick at the end of the last leg”

The 35-year-old explained that she was “sick at the end of the last leg” and during her entire break. This took a toll on her voice and her doctor advised her to rest. The first part of the residency at the Colosseum Theater took place from November 2022 to March 2023.

Tickets to her May and June shows are still available to buy online for more than $1,000. Adele is reportedly making $2m per show as part of this residency, which will add up to $68m if she manages to eventually complete all of the second leg’s dates and sell every ticket.

The post Eagles in Talks for Las Vegas Sphere Residency as Adele Postpones Caesars Shows appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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Welcome to the who’s who of poker commentators.

These are the voices that take us through riveting high stakes, heart-breaking losses, and triumphant wins, all the while providing helpful advice and analysis. So without future ado, let’s salute 10 of the best in the business.

#1 – Norman Chad

Commentated On: World Series of Poker (WSOP)

“Someone needs to tell this guy he’s going home – he’s drawing dead!”

No-one perhaps embodies the World Series of Poker more than commentator Norman Chad, who has been commentating on many of ESPN’s poker broadcasts, including the WSOP, since 2003.

In fact, no-one could deliver the lines, “he’s been dealt Queen-Jack!” with such enthusiasm for thousands of hands ad infinitum and still make it sound interesting. But, with over-excited co-anchor Lon McEachern in tow, Chad is rightly considered one of poker’s best commentators.

While not all viewers may warm to Norman’s references to his many marriages, no one can fault his no-nonsense approach to the game and dislike of egos.

Norman Chad isn’t your guy if you want a detailed, step-by-step poker hand breakdown with tips on what a player should do in a particular situation. He’s also prone to a little quip (“Bet sizing is a key component of Texas Hold’em, but so is shirt-sizing”), and some may fault him for this light and funny approach to poker.

However, he’s one of few personalities with the power and charisma to make the game entertaining, even to someone who’s never played a single hand of Hold’em in their life. This is what makes him our favorite of the World Series of Poker commentators.

#2 – Mike Sexton

Commentated On: World Poker Tour (WPT)

“OMG! I cannot believe he just tried that!”

The dulcet tones of Mike Sexton flowed through 13 seasons of the World Poker Tour, ever since the first televised tour event aired in 2003.

With his trusty steed (former tennis pro Vince Van Patten) by his side and armed with a wardrobe of badly-fitting shirts, Sexton (and his Florida drawl) is rightly considered one of the best World Poker Tour commentators of all time.

Sexton had the rare advantage of actually being a decent player himself. He had a successful run of results in the WSOP, even before he started in front of the camera. Mike’s career tournament cashes total $6,708,146, including a WPT Montreal Main Event win in 2016.

Sadly, Sexton passed away in 2020, but his influence on the game lives on.

#3 – Jesse May

Commentated On: Late Night Poker, Poker Million, Irish Poker Open, Poker Nations Cup

The original “Voice of Poker”, Jesse May was many Brits’ primary school teacher in the late 90s and early 00s as he took a whole new generation through the bewildering world of Texas Hold’em in the iconic ‘Late Night Poker’ show.

Always assisted by the laconic tones of Nic Szeremeta, Jesse’s commentary was notable for its frequent bouts of chuckles and incredulous cries of “WHATTTT?!” as one young upstart dared to raise it up pre-flop with K-2 offsuit.

The comment itself is much funnier if you know May’s background story and how he got involved with poker commentary in the first place. Initially, “Late Night Poker” had no plans to have a commentator, but it turned out that players, although they were all “characters,” were terrified of being on camera, and there wasn’t much banter going on at all (save for late Devilfish, of course).

Jesse busted out of the tournament early on, making a play with 9-3 offsuit, so he really didn’t have much going on. He volunteered to commentate on the rest of the action, secretly hoping he would get a chance to explain his move at some point. From there, stars simply lined up for the man who would become the “Voice of Poker.”

In 2012, Jesse was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Poker Awards for services to the game. What a legend.

#4 – James Hartigan

Commentated On: EPT, PCA, PokerStars Shark Cage

The British journalist and broadcaster from south London started out with the BBC and commercial radio before being given his big break in gambling with the cable-based The Poker Channel (the starting out point for many British media starlets).

Currently, James can be seen fronting up the TV commentary for PokerStars’ European Poker Tour and PCA coverage on UK television.

Hartigan has formed a dynamic duo with Joe Stapleton. Joe happily takes on the role of a “clown” while James is the serious one that tries to tame and control young Stape’s enthusiasm. It can feel awkward at times, but that’s precisely what show producers are aiming for, and once you get used to it, it adds to the whole viewing experience.

The pair’s terrific chemistry won them the ‘Best Podcast Award for Poker in the Ears’ in 2022, while Hartigan won the ‘Best Broadcaster’ award at the 4th Global Poker Awards in 2023.

#5 – Gabe Kaplan

Commentated On: Poker After Dark, High Stakes Poker

Not many people combine sitcom acting, poker playing and commentating, but then, not all people are Gabe Kaplan. Now retired, he was perhaps most famous for his stint analyzing and commentating on High Stakes Poker. Kaplan’s dry and down-to-earth demeanor was a stark contrast to the mayhem going on at the table as Negreanu, Hansen et al proceeded to knock seven shades of bankroll out of each other.

It’s fair to say Gabe was instrumental to High Stakes Poker’s huge success. While fans enjoyed watching the game’s best duke it out on the green felt, it was Kaplan’s commentary that helped people understand what was going on, and his funny remarks helped pass the time when someone would go into a long tank facing a river bet.

When Gabe and HSP parted ways, the show just wasn’t the same anymore. Kaplan wasn’t an outsider, and he personally knew many of the best poker players appearing on the show, which probably helped a lot.

“It’s funny – once someone gets a $500 tip, the cocktail waitresses [sitting in the High Stakes Poker studio] start to multiply.”

Saying it how it is….

#6 – A.J. Benza

Commentated on: High Stakes Poker

While Gabe was the star in the commentary booth of High Stakes Poker, A.J. Benza was there to keep him company throughout the first five seasons of the show. Although Benza didn’t really know much about poker at all when the show first kicked off, he and Kaplan made an interesting duo.

A.J. was happy to take the role of an “armchair quarterback” (as he called himself in an interview describing his experience with HSP), who asked questions and let Gabe take things from there.

The chemistry between the two was good, and poker fans warmed up to A.J. co-commentating. In fact, when he was let go at the end of Season 5 and replaced by Kara Scott, fans from all over the world urged the GSN to reconsider their decision and bring Benza back.

A.J. wasn’t thrilled about the decision, either, but he always emphasized he was very fortunate to have an opportunity to work alongside Kaplan and help make HSP the success it had become.

Then in 2020, PokerGO relaunched High Stakes Poker with Kaplan and Benza in the commentary booth once more.  

#7 – Ali Nejad

Commentated on: Poker After Dark, National Heads Up Championship

To the poker community at large, Ali Nejad is best-known for his commentary on NBC’s Poker After Dark, although he did coverage for the National Heads Up Championship as well.

Unlike many more outspoken commentators out there, Ali had a different style, mostly calling out the action and throwing in an occasional pun. He largely let the chips and the players do the talking and kept to trying to explain things where necessary.

This approach divided the fan base. To some, it seemed like just wasn’t doing much at all, save for calling out the action. Others were happy with Nejad’s style as he wasn’t spoiling the actual play or trying too hard to add commentary where it wasn’t necessary.

#8 – Lex Veldhuis

Commentated on: Triton Poker Series

Lex isn’t in the same boat as many of the others covered in this article as he’s primarily a player – and a pretty good one, having won over $700,000 over the years. However, Veldhuis decided to take on a more active role as a poker commentator as well, covering certain events and high stakes cash game sessions taking place during various Triton Poker Series stops.

Lex may not be the showman that has an endless supply of jokes, and he doesn’t approach poker in the funny and relaxed way that some other commentators do, but that doesn’t take away anything from his commentary.

Instead of trying to make it fun for all, Veldhuis is more focused on the strategic aspect of the game, so he’ll offer his insights into hands, providing useful analysis and explanations for certain plays.

He may not make you laugh all the time, but he can definitely help you learn about the game along the way.

#9 – Tony Dunst

Commentated on: World Poker Tour

With over $4.2 million in lifetime tournament cashes, Tony Dunst is an excellent poker player in his own right. He merged his passion for the game with his desire to spread his knowledge with the rest of the world, working as a WPT commentator.

Dunst was primarily in charge of the “Raw Deal” segment of the show. During every WPT episode, producers would select one or two exciting hands to break it down play by play, and Dunst was the man doing the breakdown.

When Mike Sexton announced his retirement from WPT commentary, Dunst was promoted into the role.

Dunst is quite popular with the fans. His unique style of analysis with just the right dose of humor and expert opinion added some flavor to the WPT coverage.

#10 – David Tuchman

Commentated on: Live at the Bike, Full Tilt Million Dollar Cash Game, World Series of Poker, PokerStars Highlights Show, 888 Live

David Tuchman is one of the best-known voices in poker. Having started his commentating career in shows like Full Tilt Million Dollar Cash Game, he joined the World Series of Poker team in 2011, making his claim to poker fame.

Tuchman has also regularly appeared as the voice behind PokerStars Highlight shows, calling out the action for Sunday Million final tables as well as many other critical online events.

David Tuckman has also been involved with 888 Poker, commenting on their events and live streams. All in all, his name belongs to this list of the best poker commentators, and poker fans around the world will likely be listening to Tuckman’s voice for many years to come.

For similar articles, check out the Top 10 Biggest Poker Scandals Of All Time and The Most Memorable Moments In Poker History.