Norway has come a long way in protecting its gamblers, so much so that the country announced this week that it has slashed its number of problem gamblers in half.

According to a recent survey compiled by Spillforsk, there are currently 23,000 problem gamblers in Norway. That’s down from 55,000 just four years ago. Similarly, the number of at-risk consumers has also dropped to 93,000, a decline of 24% from 2019.

Although this is evidently good news for all involved, you might be wondering how Norway’s problem gambling progress compares to other major markets in Europe. VegasSlotsOnline News has taken a look through the data so you don’t have to.

Finland – Rate: 0.8%

*Source: Veikkaus*

Much like Norway, Finland has a monopoly gambling system under the government-owned Veikkaus. This allows the nation to keep a close eye on its gamblers and ensure they aren’t losing control. However, it also could be argued that this increases the black-market risk as gamblers look for alternative options – a view supported by the fact the nation’s problem gambling rate is higher than others in Europe.

50% of Finnish gambling takes place on unlicensed sites

Earlier this year, Veikkaus announced that it had welcomed a study comparing Finland’s monopoly system with other European markets. The study found that 50% of Finnish gambling takes place on unlicensed sites, meaning an open market is looking more and more likely in Finland. This is something the report suggested would “significantly improve” the channelization to legal gambling.

Veikkaus has since said it is open to the idea of a licensed gambling market. The CEO only affirmed that the transition should happen “faster rather than slowly.”

Denmark – Rate: 0.7%

*Source: Spillemyndigheden*

Just a few years ago, Denmark was joint with Spain as the nation with the lowest problem gambling rate in Europe. Its numbers have spiked considerably since then, however, and the nation is acting in an attempt to bring this number back down to where it should be.

In April, the Danish government announced that it would provide annual funding of DK10m ($1.5m) to problem gambling research and treatment from 2023 to 2025. Citing the “worrying” increase in problem gambling rates as a reason, officials said they would mainly use the funds on “targeting information” towards children and young people.

nearly 500,000 people in Denmark have some degree of gambling problem

Viewing figures from the Danish Gambling Regulator this year found that nearly 500,000 people in Denmark have some degree of gambling problem. Jeppe Bruus, Denmark Minister for Taxation, said the government has a “special obligation” to protect the nation’s vulnerable groups from gambling harm.

Norway – Rate: 0.4%

*Source: Lotteri- og stiftelsesestilsynet*

In announcing news of its rate slash this week, Norway’s gambling regulator Lotteri- og stiftelsesestilsynet attributed the progress to its work on safer gambling initiatives and tools. A new debt register prevents Norwegians from losing too much to gambling, while from Wednesday this week, Norwegian players under 20 years of age will have a reduced maximum monthly spending limit.

In addition, the regulator has cracked down on the illegal black market, increasing the channelization levels through Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto – the only firms allowed to offer gaming legally in the country. This has included blocking bank deposits from offshore sites and cracking down on illegal TV ads.

Henrik Nordal, the Department Director for the Norwegian Gambling Authority, expressed his feelings on the results this week: “The decline is so great that there is no doubt that the work to stop illegal gambling companies has an effect.”

UK – Rate: 0.3%

*Source: Public Health England*

The UK public has a very strained relationship with its gambling market. While its one of the most mature markets in the world, regularly bringing in $14bn+ ($17.5bn+) each year, operators and suppliers are dealing with tighter and tighter restrictions as anti-gambling groups continue their fight.

around 230,000 people are addicted to gambling in the country

Perhaps surprising to some anti-gambling voices in the country, the UK actually has one of the lowest problem gambling rates in Europe. The UK Gambling Commission has estimated that this ratio of 0.3% may be even lower still, but Public Health England has estimated that around 230,000 people are addicted to gambling in the country.

MPs and anti-gambling groups are not satisfied there though, and high-profile incidents such as the recent Ivan Toney betting saga continue to bring the industry into ill repute. So much so that the government recently published its White Paper on gambling reform. Among other measures, MPs are introducing advanced affordability checks and staking limits for online slots.

Spain – Rate: 0.25%

*Source: Carlos III University*

According to the problem gambling severity index, an industry-standard gauge, Spain has one of the lowest gambling rates in Europe. That said, the research needs to be taken with a pinch of salt given that it was completed in 2020 by Spain’s Carlos III University. Data sets are very few and far between for Spain’s gambling industry, but no further study has been conducted to see if this has risen or fallen since.

Notably, the survey found that the COVID-19 pandemic did not result in any significant rise in online gaming, unlike many other markets such as the US. Meanwhile, the number of gamblers using retail venues such as casinos and bingo halls fell by as much as 50% from pre-pandemic levels during the crisis.

Garzon declared he would dedicate most of the Ministry’s budget to the issue

It is not clear if these figures have risen post-pandemic, but Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs is not holding back in regard to customer protection. In October, Alberto Garzon declared he would dedicate most of the Ministry’s budget to the issue. Mainly, he said he would use funds to target problematic and fraudulent behaviors and detect problem gambling.

Spain has already cracked down on gambling advertising on TV. In 2021, the government introduced legislation preventing gambling advertising outside of the hours of 1am to 5am to protect vulnerable groups.

The post Norway Slashes Problem Gambling Rate in Half: Where Does It Rank in Europe? appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Frank Vogel…said nobody since the ex-NBA champion coach was fired by the Los Angeles Lakers in April 2022.

His step away from the public eye, following the termination of his contact in LA, has left many NBA fans scratching their heads and wondering what happened next.

So, we took it upon ourselves to do some digging and track down the lesser-spotted Mr Vogel…

Where Was Frank Vogel Last Seen?

The Nevada Independent reported on Friday that a bill was to be introduced that day into the state Senate outlining the amount of state funding lawmakers were willing to tentatively commit to funding a new stadium for the Oakland A’s MLB baseball team on land provided by Ballys’ Tropicana Las Vegas. The nine-acre plot is part of 35 acres owned by GLPI and leased for 99 years by Bally’s. The proposed stadium and entertainment site sits on a contiguous plot of land along with the casino resort hotel.

A financing package, capped at $380 million in public funds was proposed later that day in the bill with those funds contributing to the overall expected cost of the project being $1.5B.

Governor’s Office Introduced the Measure

According to updates and later reporting by the news source, a good portion of the previously announced funding structure carried over from discussions to the written proposed legislation. The draft, seen by reporters there prior to being introduced at the capitol was the first glimpse in writing of the scope of a potential financing agreement that includes $120m from Clark County (where Paradise, Nevada “The Strip” is located), and $180m in tax credits (transferable) by the state.

The Governor’s office itself introduced Senate Bill SB509 which foresees the management of a Stadium Authority undertaken by a 9-member board. The Stadium Authority itself has been authorized since 2016 and the venue it oversees and manages would reportedly be named Allegient Stadium.

Since no new revenue-based funding would be needed, only transferable tax credits, a simple majority vote in both houses of Congress, and a signature by Governor Joe Lombardo who has been in office since January of this year is all that is needed for the measure to become law. A more detailed look at the tax credits shows them to consist of tax-increment financing (TIF district) to repay county bonds and a 30-year-long exemption from taxes. GLPI/Bally’s would allow the use of the property for zero fees and create their own revenue from it by means other than rent or lease costs to the Stadium Authority or ball club.

The ball club itself would be responsible for any over-runs in costs, rather than the county or state, and the property tax exemption would be separate from the private portion of the funding needed to bring the project to fruition.

Adding to the public good and mitigating any potential unseen impacts of the deal, the measure would require the county to create a “resort corridor homelessness prevention and assistance fund”. There would be no financial input from the Authority of the project until construction is completed and then only after debt obligations are met. It would be managed by a partnership with the Nevada Resort Association and the Oakland A’s and will seek to reduce homelessness throughout the Southern Nevada resort corridor.

The corridor, which includes the Las Vegas and Reno areas, has a higher homeless rate than the national average with the Reno area suffering the greatest incidence count between the two. However, it has recently been estimated that as many as 1,500 people live “like moles” beneath the Strip area in tunnels mostly to escape the heat.

Unhoused Population Would Get Help from Funding Scheme

Stated reasons for the higher homeless rate include inflation, high rent, and unemployment. Direct studies of problem gambling and homelessness by causation are few and far between. While the number of homeless people in Nevada could be 3x as many as the national average it’s unclear how baseball or expanded gambling at Bally’s Tropicana Las Vegas would contribute to the problem so the fund should probably be seen simply as a way for lawmakers to capture a financial opportunity to address a very real need in the area with “found money” rather than a mitigation measure.

Earlier, the athletic club had sought $500m in public funding to relocate to a new stadium in Las Vegas but abandoned that plan when the Bally’s opportunity presented itself to them, saving the public some $120m over the previous “ask”.

The Oakland A’s AAA Farm Team, the Las Vegas Aviators of the Minor league have been in the valley as Oakland affiliates since 2019 with the club’s origins in the valley going back to 1983 as the Aviators and under other names, affiliations, and locations since 1919. The Oakland A’s have been seeking a move from California to Las Vegas since at least September 2021 amid trouble securing a new stadium in Oakland. The current arena was first opened in 1966 and last renovated in 2017 after only one other refurbishment in 1995-1996.

The Independent reports that all is not a smooth slide to home base with the deal as the Republican governor and Democratic lawmakers are struggling to address overall budget issues with less than two weeks left in the regular legislative session. Senate leaders and the governor have seemingly used stadium approval as a bargaining chip to get their way. It’s not out of the question for a special legislative session to be called to extend lawmaking business, but it’s unclear if the stadium proposal would survive such a measure or if the governor might try to use his veto power on individual segments of the state’s budget in an attempt to exert power of the Democratic lawmakers or simply keep the government running.

Fast Tracking of Bill Possible

However, special legislative rules do allow for the fast-tracking of certain bills, bypassing the regular parliamentary (bureaucratic) process and allowing lawmakers to amend important measures much quicker than normal. As the measure was introduced in the Senate it would presumably be passed there, be forwarded to the House for approval, and then arrive on the Governor’s desk for his signature or veto.

Source: A’s stadium bill language arrives, caps public financing at $380M, The Nevada Independent, May 26, 2023

The post Stakeholder Numbers Gelling for US$1.5 Billion A’s Stadium at Tropicana on LV Strip – 1/4 Public appeared first on Casino News Daily.

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Across 44 cities, there are 74 casinos in Ontario. A few of these establishments are owned and managed by First Nations, and many are governmental casinos. However, the most important question that many gamblers ask themselves is, ‘When will casinos reopen in Ontario Canada?’. Stay tuned because, throughout this article, we’ll give answers to this question.

Ontario Opens Casinos

Ontario casinos were temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but they have since reopened with changes in place. The province of Ontario no longer requires proof of vaccination to enter casino floors, indoor dining establishments, and live entertainment venues. Furthermore, most of the casinos are now open 24/7 with self-parking available for guests, and capacity limits and restrictions have been lifted.

Enhanced cleaning procedures and hand sanitiser stations are provided across casino facilities, and guests are encouraged to wash their hands frequently. Although proof of vaccination and COVID-19 screening were previously required to enter any facility in the province, they are no longer necessary. However, nearly 19,000 employees were affected by the closures of Ontario’s casinos prior to the pandemic.

Ontario’s in-person gaming-related OLG outlets, such as casinos and electronic gaming centres, were temporarily closed until at least January 26, 2022 , due to concerns over the Omicron variant. However, starting on February 17, 2022, Ontario casinos were free of almost all government-imposed COVID-19 operating restrictions. This meant that players were able to enjoy their favourite games without capacity restrictions or vaccine mandates.

After a long period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario casinos were reopening their doors to the public. The Ontario government announced that casinos could resume operations with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. This news was welcomed by the casino industry and enthusiasts alike as it provided much-needed relief for the economy.

On the other hand, the good thing about gambling online is that the pandemic had no negative effect on it. For this reason, players aged 19+ who visited the best Ontario online casino sites, were able to enjoy their games as always. Online gambling offers the convenience of playing from anywhere, but you should always play responsibly.

When Will Casinos Reopen in Ontario Canada?

If you are a player who is interested in gambling in Ontario, you may be asking yourself: ‘ When will casinos reopen in Ontario Canada?’. We’re going to tell you which of the most important casinos in the province are open. Whether it’s due to closedowns because of the pandemic or any other reasons, it’s good to know that the following establishments are open:

Ontario is home to a diverse range of casinos catering to all types of players, offering everything from sit-down poker games to stadium games and casual slots. There are several iconic casinos in Ontario, like the ones mentioned above. They offer a great selection of games, upscale amenities, and easy access to entertainment and natural wonders, such as Niagara Falls.

Some casinos in Ontario offer state-of-the-art technology games, while others are scattered throughout the province and known for their slot machines. The best Ontario casinos are overseen by regulatory bodies such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. If you’re wondering which casinos are open in Ontario, it’s best to check online as they may have different operating hours.

If you like playing from the comfort of home instead of travelling to a land-based casino, we recommend trying the best online casinos in Canada. However, bear in mind you must be 19+ and you should gamble responsibly. They offer a wide range of features that make them stand out. They are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

They also offer a vast selection of games, including popular slot titles, table games, and live dealer games, among others. These games are provided by top software developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming. Besides, they offer generous welcome bonuses, fast and secure payments, SSL encryption, and customer support available 24/7 through live chat, email, or phone.

Casinos Reopening in Ontario – OLG and First Nation Casinos

Which casinos are ropening in Ontario? Ontario’s provincial government maintains a monopoly on most forms of gambling, including casinos. However, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has partnered with several First Nations communities to operate casinos on their lands. For example, Casino Rama, located in Orillia, is owned and operated by the Chippewas of the Rama First Nation.

Other First Nations casinos in Ontario include the Great Blue Heron Casino, owned by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and the Thousand Islands Casino, owned by the Mohawks of Akwesasne. These casinos provide jobs and revenue for the First Nations communities that operate them, and they offer a range of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker.

The Ontario government has recently opened up the online gaming market to private operators, which could potentially lead to more opportunities for First Nations communities to participate in this industry. In Ontario, there are several government-operated casinos that are overseen by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

The OLG is a Crown agency that is responsible for managing gaming, lotteries, and other forms of gambling in the province. There are currently four full-service casinos in Ontario that are operated by the OLG: Casino Rama Resort, Casino Niagara, Fallsview Casino Resort, and Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino. These casinos offer a variety of gaming options.

The aforementioned casinos also feature restaurants, entertainment venues, and other amenities. In addition to these full-service casinos, the OLG also operates several smaller gaming facilities throughout the province. These include slot machine facilities, such as OLG Slots at Georgian Downs and OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack, as well as bingo halls and charitable gaming centres.

As obvious as it may sound, all the casinos mentioned throughout this article are subject to the gambling laws in Ontario. On the other hand, the revenues generated by these casinos and gaming facilities are used to support various government programs and initiatives, including healthcare, education, and community infrastructure projects.

Casino Safety Recommendations

With casinos reopening in Ontario, both visitors and employees are expected to follow strict health and safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. The reopening of Ontario casinos is a positive step forward in the recovery process and signals a hopeful future for the industry.

Now that we know the answer to the question ‘Are casinos open in Ontario?’, we would like to give a series of safety instructions to prevent the spreading of any diseases at casino facilities. Have a look at the safety suggestions in the chart below:

In conclusion, practising proper hygiene and taking precautions can greatly reduce the risk of spreading diseases at casinos. It is important to sanitize hands regularly, avoid touching one’s face, and wear a mask when possible. Furthermore, players can choose to play alone or in small groups to minimize contact with others.

As for the availability of casinos in Ontario, the province’s government maintains a monopoly on most forms of gambling, but the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) operates several full-service casinos. It’s recommended to check with the casinos directly or with OLG for the latest updates on their operations, as the situation may vary depending on current health guidelines.

Conclusion

To conclude, “What casinos are open in Ontario?” and “When will casinos reopen in Ontario Canada?” are common questions gamblers may have when planning to visit a casino in Ontario. In September 2021, casinos in Ontario were open with capacity limits and health measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, since February 2022, Ontario casinos are free of almost all government-imposed COVID-19 operating restrictions.

After a long period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario casinos are finally reopening their doors to the public. With casinos reopening in Ontario, visitors and employees are expected to follow strict health and safety guidelines. If you’re wondering which casinos are open in Ontario today, it’s important to note that the status of casino openings can change quickly.

All in all, most casinos have reopened with strict health and safety protocols in place. Overall, the reopening of Ontario casinos is a positive step forward in the recovery process and signals a hopeful future for the industry. With these casinos open in Ontario, visitors can enjoy a fun and safe gaming experience in the province.

FAQs

This article named ‘Are Casinos in Ontario Open?’ has nearly come to an end. However, we have included some commonly asked questions to solve any doubts you may have. Keep in mind that the answers will jump to the paragraph of your interest. We hope that you find the questions helpful. See them below:

The best online casinos for June are legal and safe. They hold valid gambling licences from official regulators like the UKGC and the MGA. The recommended operators feature impressive selections of games and various promotions.

List of the 10 Best Online Casinos for June:

Duelz

Duelz is the overall best casino site for June. The operator has everything you need for a great gambling experience. You can play various popular games and enjoy plenty of enticing promotions.

Ladbrokes

Next in our guide to the best casino sites in June is Ladbrokes. The operator features some of the top roulette and blackjack games. In addition, Ladbrokes provides access to excellent bingo, poker, and sports betting platforms.

All British Casino

All British Casino was launched in 2012 and has since gained significant popularity among UK players. The operator stands out with its top-notch mobile casino app. You can play your favourite casino games on both iOS and Android devices.

Coral

Coral is also among the best UK casino sites for June. There’s really nothing missing on the site. Slots, table games, live dealer tables, bingo, poker, sports betting – you name it. Coral is suitable for low and high rollers alike.

Fun Casino

Fun Casino is exactly that – fun. The operator works with over 20 of the leading software providers in the world. You can play games by studios like NetEnt, NYX, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Thunderkick, Evolution, and more.

Mr Mega

Mr Mega features some of the most popular online slots making it one of the top 10 online casinos in June. Starburst, Da Vinci Diamonds, and 88 Fortunes Megaways are just a few of 1000+ titles on the site.

Betiton

This is another fantastic addition to the best casino sites for June. Launched in 2020, Betiton is a relatively new operator, but it’s quickly becoming one of the players’ favourites. The attractive welcome bonus may have something to do with that.

Casumo

Like the rest of the best online casinos for June, Casumo has many advantages. Probably the biggest one is the outstanding live casino with over 100 live roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker tables. The platform is powered by Evolution and Playtech.

Monopoly Casino

Our ranking of the best online casinos in the UK for June continues with Monopoly Casino. This user-friendly, instant-play platform has an exciting selection of online bingo games, including Monopoly Bingo, 75-ball bingo, and 90-ball bingo variations.

Rainbow Riches Casino

The last of the best casino sites in June is Rainbow Riches Casino. The operator works with legal and secure payment providers and offers fast withdrawals. Another great advantage is the excellent 24/7 customer service.

Regardless of whether you play at Rainbow Riches or any of the other best online casinos for June, you won’t be disappointed. These are high-quality operators with state-of-the-art platforms promising lots of fun and attractive potential winnings.

A leading iGaming technology company and a solutions, products, and services provider to the industry, Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) announce the change in the company’s leadership. According to GiG’s official release, Group CEO Richard Brown has agreed with the company’s Board of Directors to resign from the position on the 31st of December 2023.

Strategic Review:

The agreement follows the Board’s strategic review carried out in February with an aim to optimize the Group’s operations. As a result of the review, the Board considers the GiG‘s restructuring as the best way to proceed. According to the company, the formation of two separate corporate groups will best fit in with with the corporate strategy. Indeed, the Board intends to split GiG into the GiG Media entity and the Platform & Sportsbook operations.

Two Entities:

The Board is reportedly satisfied with the progress of the strategic review that will enable each of the two new entities to completely focus on their respective activities simultaneously adding value to the entire corporation. GiG Media will reportedly continue operations under the same senior leadership while the Board has already started searching for the best match for the Platform & Sportsbook CEO position.

Smooth Transition:

Petter Nylander, Chairman of the Board of Directors, reportedly said: “Richard has done a tremendous job with GiG over the years and the Company is in a very good position driving shareholder value going forward. We are pleased that Richard has agreed to stay until the end of the year to secure a smooth transition.”

According to a source, Brown first joined GiG Media in 2017 to be promoted to the Group’s CEO in 2019. He reportedly provided a stable leadership for the company during the pandemic and boosted the division’s operations to record growth levels. He has now agreed with the GiG Board to stay with the company until the end of the year to facilitate a seamless transition and alignment to the strategic review goals.

Richard Brown, CEO of GiG, added: “It has been a true honor and privilege to be part of Gaming Innovation Group’s development over the past 8 years and the last 4 years as CEO, leading an incredible group of people towards, as I see it, the unparalleled strategic position across the B2B value chain that the group has created. I have no doubt that the teams throughout the organization and the management groups of the respective business units have the skills and passion to continue the growth of the business towards its financial and operational targets.”

Crystal Palace is the first English Premier League (EPL) team to partner with a sportsbook operator since the recent announcement of the front-of-shirt gambling sponsorship ban.

logos on sleeves will still be permitted after the ban goes into effect

The London-based side will have Kaiyun Sports as a left-sleeve sponsor when the 2023-2024 EPL season begins in August. While clubs can no longer have a gambling sponsor on the front of shirts, logos on sleeves will still be permitted after the ban goes into effect before the 2026-2027 season. Experts believe the price that teams can command for these sleeve positions will soon rival what companies have been paying for front-of-short positions.

Kaiyun Sports is an Asia-focused online gambling operator. It plans to launch an online casino and sportsbook for people in the UK and has partnerships with other notable soccer teams, including Real Madrid.

Talking about the new agreement, Crystal Palace Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber said: “As Asia’s largest digital sports platform, Kaiyun has a strong and consistent reputation for delivering sports and entertainment options for users.”

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