Gambling is now legal in Japan

gambling in Japan


gambling in Japan

 

Gambling in Japan is somewhat of a delicate subject and although most forms of gambling are forbidden by the Criminal Code (chapter 23), there are several exceptions to the rule with the most recent being casinos.

Before the recent amendment to the law, betting on horse racing and certain motorsports (bicycle racing, powerboat racing, and asphalt speedway motorbike racing) was and still is completely legal in the country. They are, however, only allowed by special laws that are regulated by local governments and governmental corporations. 

With tickets available from countless circuits and ticket booths throughout the country and in many cities (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya) it’s a wonder why alternative forms of gambling aren’t acceptable. But here’s where it gets particularly strange, gambling may be illegal, but Japan also permits the lottery, so much so that you can purchase tickets at some ATMs.

Tickets are usually sold between 100 to 500 yen ($1 to $5) with prizes reaching up to 100 million yen ($1 million). The prize pool for any given lottery is less than 50% of the overall sales with the rest heading to local charities and government organizations so by allowing for the lottery, the country creates funding for positive areas.

But when we look at the legalization of casinos in Japan, the method behind the madness isn’t too dissimilar from what we’ve already seen from the lottery. Maybe this is the next major step up for the development in Japan…

 

The 2018 legalization of casinos in Japan 

As of 20 July 2018, the Japanese Parliament announced that for the first time, casino gambling would be decriminalized, paving the way for new gambling-based businesses and casino revenues by the mid-2020s.

A building of ‘integrated resorts’ was announced to maximize the new laws with the capitalization of casinos, hotels, shopping centers and conference rooms all under the same roof. Think of it as a small slice of Las Vegas making its way over to the Japanese capital.

The news comes shortly after Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister voiced his support in legalizing gambling as a section of a strategy to both improve tourism and stimulate economies outside of Tokyo.

The shift in law doesn’t come as a particularly large surprise, especially when you consider the success in other areas of Asia when it comes to casinos and resorts. With Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau (home to 8 of the 10 most profitable casinos) all-seeing huge boosts to the economy, it was only a matter of time before Japan joined in on the action. 

Possible future resort sites are rumored with Osaka, Nagasaki, Wakayama and Hokkaido prefecture, but the obvious choice in Tokyo has been suggested, although is not yet formally proposed as a viable venture.

Officials state the very first Japanese casino is likely to open in the mid-2020s, but we’re expecting nothing but accelerated progress. Hardly a surprise with the backing of plenty of U.S. gaming companies including MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands Corp. pledging as much as $10 billion per resort.

With so much investment ready to make movements around the country, we’re expecting the most expensive casinos in the world to be arriving in absolutely no time at all.

 

What do the locals say?

gambling in japan

With so much buzz and coverage around the official’s decisions, the locals can often be overlooked and that appears to be the case with the casino legalization. 

Japanese opinion polls show that Tokyo’s newest revenue stream isn’t exactly what you’d call popular with those living in and around the area. With fears of increased crime, increases in addiction and damage to the economy, polls showed nearly two-thirds of those questioned opposed their legalization. 

However, the new law does come with some safeguards, seemingly looking towards Monaco and Casino de Monte Carlo for inspiration in keeping the locals at a minimum. With a maximum number of times that a Japanese citizen can visit a casino alongside a $53 entrance fee to reduce the potential for addiction, not as strict as the South of France, but we’re sure it’ll get the job done. 

It might not be to everyone’s taste, but with the law passed and serious investment hot on its tail, there’s not a lot that can be done to prevent.

 

Illegal gambling in Japan

Although one of the safest places in the world, Japan is no stranger to its fair share of crime and with the Yakuza running plenty of questionable businesses throughout the city – it’s no surprise that illegal gambling isn’t exactly rare.

In addition to the traditional casino games that you’d expect in venues around the globe, the Yakuza also promote Mahjong to be played for cash. It’s for this reason that many mahjong parlors have strong ties with the Yakuza in an effort to collect the debt from defaulting players.

But it’s not just the gangs that promote sly betting, illegal gambling opportunities are actually offered by mobile gaming sites. Japanese gamblers can engage in rock-paper-scissor tournaments to win cash prizes. Players that won 3 times in a row could benefit from a 1000 yen prize from a 315 yen buy-in or 10,000 yen for a win-streak of five

By legalizing and allowing control of the gambling industry within the country, it’s expected that the number of direct crimes committed will decrease e.g. illegal casinos, yet there are still worries about indirect increases.

 

Where to gamble legally in Japan

gambling in japan

Although we’re still waiting for any form of legal casino to open around the country, this doesn’t mean that legal gambling can’t be enjoyed with an (admittedly limited) choice of different games to wager in. 

Horse Racing 

Wagering on horse racing is probably the best you’re going to get for the moment if you’re wanting a flutter while in Japan, but with such popularity surrounding the sport, you’ll find it a breath of fresh air. 

There’s a total of 24 government-run, non-JRA tracks throughout the country, but it’s the quality of racing that doesn’t quite cut the mustard for most serious gamblers. Most horses don’t look to be in the best of shape and it leads to some dire viewing at times. But with so many variations and the unpredictability that comes with the events, it can become more like playing the lottery than hedging a sensible bet. 

That being said, if you’re looking to visit the government-run races, they’re often found running in the evening on weekdays. It’s worth the experience, even if you’re only heading there once. 

If you’re really wanting to take racing to the next level, JRA racing is your only hope. With three tracks in the Tokyo area, two in the Kansai area, two in Hokkaido, two in northern Honshu and another in Kyushu, you’re spoiled for choice across the island. However, if you’re struggling to get to the track, it’s not a problem to hop online and get a JRA account and bet online, streaming the races as you go. 

When it comes to the bets there’s plenty of exotic options including trifectas, perfectas as well as the ‘wide’ (a fun play of the quinella). Winnings will be paid when selected horses rank in first and second, first and third or second or third – a great option if you’ve got a peculiar hunch. Don’t worry if you’re struggling with the Japanese characters, you’ll be able to find an English version of the racing site from any search engine. 

If you get the chance to visit one of the big races in the calendar year, you’ll be in for a treat with tracks routinely seeing over 100,000 visitors for the racing occasions. It definitely makes for an experience, that’s for sure.

Pachinko 

If you’re not familiar with the game of pachinko, it’s exactly what you didn’t know your life was missing…

The game is essentially the Japanese equivalent of pinball that fills the void that a lack of slot machines leave a country, but it’s no hobbyist game. The pachinko market generates more gambling revenue than Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore combined and in 1994 was valued at approximately $300 billion. It’s no wonder there’s a gold-rush for casinos, not with numbers like that, and in 1994 of all times…

Pachinko parlors are everywhere in Japan and although they look and operate in a similar fashion to casinos, gambling for cash is of course illegal. Instead, the pachinko balls collected from the machine following a win can be exchanged for prizes or tokens, but not money in the parlors. Tokens can be exchanged for money, but this is at a separate location from the parlor, thus eliminating the chance for illegal activity. 

If you’re around the areas that the game is played, it’s definitely worth a visit. The activity is entirely mesmerizing that promises routine night-time entertainment for locals, and if you ask nicely, tourists too. It might not be particularly glamorous, but it’s a part of Japan we wouldn’t change for the world.

The lottery (takarakuji)

The lottery is one of the most popular forms of legal gambling that you’ll be able to find throughout the entirety of Japan. 

You can pick up a ticket directly at numerous sanctioned lottery booths, often found near train stations and in front of department stores, and will likely set you back between 100 and 500 yen ($1 and $5). There’s the chance to hit the jackpot of between 100 million and 1 billion yen ($1 million and $10 million) with each play, but only half of the revenue goes towards the prize fund, the rest you’ll find invested into local governments and charities. 

It’s not just the typical national game that you can get involved with, there’s plenty of other typical games that you play too. From scratch-offs to daily pick threes and fours, there are all kinds of different ways to play.

Get incredibly lucky and match your numbers and you’re in for another few great benefits. Not only is there absolutely no obligation to come forward to announce that you’ve got the winning ticket, but what you win is what you keep. All winnings are entirely tax-free so there are no nasty surprises when you come to claim. 

Bicycle racing (keirin)

Believe it or not, bicycle racing has been leaps and bounds ahead of horse racing for some time in Japan with a devoted fanbase and the ability to gamble on the outcome of races.

The sport was homegrown shortly after WWII and involves several cyclists completing laps as paced by a motorcycle. Towards the finish, the motorcyclist pulls away and athletes race in an attempt to be crowned victorious as they cross the line. 

Although created as a form of gambling, the event made its way into the 2000 Olympics, confirming the capabilities of the sportspeople contending. 

Boat racing (kyotei)

Boat racing has been a popular government-sponsored gambling event since 1952 following its introduction from the US.

As of current, there are over 20 venues throughout Japan with drivers completing six laps around a 600-meter course to the finish line. Both male and female riders take part in the race and to avoid any mechanical advantage, riders are allocated a boat at random on race day.

Bets can include predicting the winner, wagering on the top 2 out of 3 and/or predicting the specific combination of podium finishers. It’s definitely an interesting choice, but then again, what isn’t when we’re looking into the culture of Japan? 

J-League Soccer 

Last, but not least, comes the ability to gamble on the Japanese professional soccer league – J-league.

The system works in a similar fashion to the lottery with ‘Toto’ booths scattered around the country and although they effectively work the same, they’re much more difficult to find. You’ll usually find them located in used car lots and electronic stores, among other weird places, but once you’re in you can take advantage and place your wager.

You don’t need to know a huge amount about the sport to make your picks, just randomly make your picks and hope for the best. 



Source link

Best Alternative Casino Games To Try In Canada

Luke Garrison: Sports & Casino Author from Canada


About the author

Name Luke Garrison
Job Agate Editor for The Canadian Press

Luke Garrison is a professional writer who grew up just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He currently works at the Canadian Press and enjoys the outdoors in his free time.

Canadian bettors, and sports bettors everywhere, should be able to bet in a safe, non-convoluted way.

Most of Canada tends to gravitate toward classic casino games such as ‘Poker’ and ‘Blackjack’, but there are so many others that are a blast once you’ve learned to play. Some of the games we’re about to mention are almost certainly titles you’ve heard of in passing over the years, so why not finally find out what they’re all about?

All of the casino games we’re about to mention are table games that can be played both online and at physical casinos. The preference is truly yours! Perhaps you’ll find yourself at a casino bachelor or bachelorette party where this knowledge will be useful, or maybe you’re just looking for a new way to unwind after work. Either way, we have you covered.

Baccarat

Most Canadians have absolutely heard of ‘Baccarat’ – especially fans of James Bond! Simply put, your goal is to wager on the winning hand, which is the one that scores the highest point total. Your three betting options are ‘Player’, ‘Banker’, and ‘Tie’.

Betting odds of both the player and the banker are 1:1, whereas a bet on a tie would have either 8:1 or 9:1 odds. This is because naturally, a tie is far more unlikely than declaring a winner. Another thing to remember is that if a player bets on the banker (and the banker wins), most casinos will often take a cut of the profits (around 5%).

The next step to learning baccarat is understanding the card values. Numbers two through nine (2-9) are worth the usual face value (ex. a five would amount to five points), whereas a ten, jack, queen, or king is worth zero points and any ace is worth just one point. As a side note, card suit is irrelevant in this game.

From there, both the banker and the player receive two cards. Once the cumulative value of each hand has been determined, the first number is removed and the final score becomes the second number. For example, if you were to draw an ace and a queen, your score would be ’01’ aka ‘1’.

On some occasions, the player and/or the banker may be given a third card to add to their score. For players, this happens when their initial score is between zero and five, but the banker only receives a third card if their initial score is zero, one, or two.

In Canada, the most popular type of baccarat is called ‘Punto Banco’ which quite literally means ‘Player Banker’. Between one to fourteen players can participate in a single game, and every player who bets on the winning result will receive a payout based on their staked amount.

Bingo

Bingo is a very simple yet fun casino game that often gets brushed to the side for simply being too familiar. For most Canadians, it’s the first game of chance they were ever aware of, seeing as it’s a popular game the majority of us played as kids anywhere from family gatherings to summer camp.

Most versions of bingo are just like the classic one, with the main differences being the number of cards and balls used. ’75-Ball Bingo’ still reigns supreme, played on a five-by-five card with numbers ranging from 1-75. For those who may not know (or have forgotten), the numbers are broken down into 15 numbers per letter.

Numbers 1-15 are found under the ‘B’ column, 16-30 are only under the ‘I’ column, and so on. A winning card can be anything from a single line (either horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to a ‘Full House’, which is when you’ve filled in your entire card.

Other outcomes include multiple lines, such as an ‘X’ (two diagonal lines) or a ‘T’, which is when the top horizontal line and the vertical line under the ‘N’ have both been filled out. As another fyi, upside-down ‘Ts’ do not count.

For those that would prefer to play offline and perhaps even yell ‘Bingo!’ when they’ve won like old times, there are still physical bingo halls throughout most cities in Canada. Online bingo can sometimes be more of a slot-type game, but the same principles apply and they’re generally easy to pick up on.

It’s a great activity for those looking for a fun night out with a twist, or for those who would rather press their luck from the couch.

Craps

No casino games list would be complete without at least mentioning a dice game, and ‘Craps’ is arguably the most timeless dice game there is. Each round requires rolling two dice at once, with the player rolling them referred to as the ‘shooter’.

Anyone can bet on the shooter each round, and the dice are passed in a clockwise direction after each turn as well. This gives everyone a chance to play as the shooter. The round begins with the shooter rolling the dice so that they hit the back wall from where they are positioned around the table, in what is called the ‘come-out roll’.

After the dice have settled, their sum determines the next step. The best possible outcome is called a ‘natural’, which is when the total dice amount is equal to ‘7’ or ’11’ signifying both a winning bet and a re-roll. If the shooter were to roll a ‘2’, ‘3’, or a ’12’, they would not win but can continue rolling.

A roll of ‘4’, ‘5’, ‘6’, ‘8’, ‘9’, or ’10’, the dealer will mark that number on the table with a chip-looking object called a ‘button’. To see what a craps table looks like, please refer to our intro image at the top of this page. The marked number is also called ‘establishing a point’ and if the shooter is able to roll that same number again, they would then be declared the winner.

Conversely, if they roll a ‘7’, it’s called a ‘seven out’, which means the round would then be over. The most common bets in craps are on the ‘pass line’ and the ‘don’t pass line’, and either bet type can be placed at any time during the round as long as the point has not yet been established.

The shooter can also bet on either pass line. If the shooter rolls a natural, or the same number as their point before a seven out, a pass bet will win. On the other hand, if a shooter rolls a ‘2’ or ‘3’ or sevens out before rolling for a point, a don’t pass bet would cash.

As a chance game that has undergone a lot of development since at least the late 1700s, there’s a lot more to know, but what we’ve explained here is a good place to start.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about some new casino games, feel free to branch out from your usual favourites. You’ll be happy you did!

Sources



Source link

Emotional Difficulties for Family Members of Problem Gamblers

Dificultades Emocionales para los Miembros de la Familia de Jugadores Problemáticos


As gambling promotions, access, and opportunities continue to grow both nationally and in the Sunshine State, so does the number of people reporting problems related to it. When someone close to you has a gambling problem, it can affect your life as well. It is difficult to understand all that goes along with this hidden addiction, especially when a loved one is impacted. You must remember to put yourself first. You have the right to protect yourself and your family emotionally and financially from this disorder.

It is not within your power to change the problem gambler. They have to want to change. Importantly, know that when fighting gambling addiction, it is both you and your loved one fighting the disease together as a team. This is a hard battle and one that can rage on for some time with successes and setbacks.

One of the symptoms or side-effects of disordered gambling is pathological lying. The gambler’s brain is damaged and the only way it knows to keep the addiction alive at times is to lie about it. This is very difficult for a loved one to understand, especially if the gambler was not a liar in the past. This is part of the addiction. Many family members will unknowingly enable the compulsive gambler by lying for them in order to hide the problem from others, because of shame. Don’t try and take control of their lives. They may be living in deep shame and feel out of control and scared deep down. The first step for you is to understand you are not alone and that there is help out there for you: call or text the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual Florida Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT. There are many resources that can aid you in your battle going forward.

If you are the spouse of the disordered gambler, you may feel fear, anxiety, anger, and you may act out in ways you normally wouldn’t – like overdrinking or overeating. These can all be normal reactions, so don’t hesitate to find a trusted friend you can share your feelings with. Keeping it a secret will do nothing but make it worse. The stress of living day to day with disordered gambling impacts the whole family, including children. Signs of difficulty can arise , trouble concentrating on schoolwork, experiencing family arguments, domestic violence, food insecurity, and homelessness.

Look after yourself first – that is all you really have any control over. Take care of your finances and your health. Socializing with others can help clear your head to keep you from being overwhelmed and consumed, and exercising can help you work through the stress. The FCCG’s 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine and gamblinghelp.org website can connect you to many resources such as such as the FCCG’s Peer Connect Program, the FCCG’s Financial Debt and Budgeting Toolkit (Budget Tool), Legal Assistance Resources and Supports, the FCCG’s A Chance for Change” Recovery Workbooks, and many more!





Source link

Dificultades Emocionales para los Miembros de la Familia de Jugadores Problemáticos

Dificultades Emocionales para los Miembros de la Familia de Jugadores Problemáticos


A medida que las promociones, el acceso y las oportunidades de juego continúan creciendo tanto a nivel nacional como en el Estado del Sol, también lo hace el número de personas que informan problemas relacionados con ello. Cuando alguien cercano a ti tiene un problema con el juego, puede afectar tu vida también. Es difícil entender todo lo que conlleva esta adicción oculta, especialmente cuando un ser querido se ve afectado. Debes recordar ponerte a ti mismo en primer lugar. Tienes el derecho de protegerte a ti y a tu familia emocional y financieramente de este trastorno.

No está en tu poder cambiar al jugador problemático. Ellos tienen que querer cambiar. Es importante saber que al luchar contra la adicción al juego, tanto tú como tu ser querido están luchando contra la enfermedad juntos como un equipo. Esta es una batalla difícil y una que puede durar algún tiempo con éxitos y retrocesos.

Uno de los síntomas o efectos secundarios del juego desordenado es la mentira patológica. El cerebro del jugador está dañado y, a veces, la única forma en que sabe mantener la adicción es mentir sobre ella. Esto es muy difícil de entender para un ser querido, especialmente si el jugador no era mentiroso en el pasado. Esto es parte de la adicción. Muchos miembros de la familia habilitarán inconscientemente al jugador compulsivo mintiendo por ellos para ocultar el problema de los demás, debido a la vergüenza. No trates de tomar el control de sus vidas. Ellos pueden estar viviendo en una profunda vergüenza y sentirse fuera de control y asustados en el fondo. El primer paso para ti es entender que no estás solo y que hay ayuda disponible para ti: llama o envía un mensaje de texto a la línea de ayuda confidencial, multilingüe y disponible las 24/7 de Florida para Problemas con el Juego al 888-ADMIT-IT. Hay muchos recursos que pueden ayudarte en tu batalla hacia adelante.

Si eres el cónyuge del jugador desordenado, puedes sentir miedo, ansiedad, enojo y puedes actuar de maneras que normalmente no lo harías, como beber en exceso o comer en exceso. Estas pueden ser reacciones normales, así que no dudes en encontrar un amigo de confianza con quien puedas compartir tus sentimientos. Guardarlo en secreto no hará más que empeorar las cosas. El estrés de vivir día a día con el juego desordenado afecta a toda la familia, incluidos los niños. Pueden surgir signos de dificultad, problemas para concentrarse en las tareas escolares, discusiones familiares, violencia doméstica, inseguridad alimentaria y falta de vivienda.

Cuídate a ti mismo primero, eso es todo lo que realmente puedes controlar. Cuida tus finanzas y tu salud. Socializar con otros puede ayudarte a despejar la mente y evitar sentirte abrumado y consumido, y hacer ejercicio puede ayudarte a manejar el estrés. La línea de ayuda 888-ADMIT-IT de la FCCG y el sitio web gamblinghelp.org pueden conectarte con muchos recursos, como el Programa Peer Connect de la FCCG, el Kit de Herramientas de Deuda Financiera y Presupuesto (Budget Tool), Recursos y Apoyos de Asistencia Legal, los Cuadernos de Trabajo de Recuperación “A Chance for Change” de la FCCG, ¡y muchos más!





Source link

Vegas Values Report – Details on the Best Casino Promotions in Las Vegas!

Vegas Values Report - Details on the Best Casino Promotions in Las Vegas!


See the best Las Vegas casino promotions! Come back the second Sunday of each month to find the best values in Las Vegas. Updated by Scot Krause, our Las Vegas promotions reporter. 

Here’s what we found!

Sahara: Tuesdays & Wednesdays in July. Earn 3,000 Tier Points and receive a $25 Gas Gift Card. Maximum of four $25 Gas Gift Cards may be redeemed per Infinity Rewards account, per person, per promotional day.

 

Four Queens/Binion’s: Earn 150 points on July 4 and receive a FREE Stars and Stripes Tumbler.

 

Silverton: Play for Ribs – July 2, 9, 16 & 23. Each Tuesday in July, earn 400 points and receive one-half rack of ribs at Sundance Grill. Players must bring their coupons on Tuesdays and redeem their prize on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

FREE Slot Tournament with over $2,000 in prize money! – The publishers of the American Casino Guide have created a website to play in slot tournaments for FREE! A new tournament begins the first of each month and last all month long. No download is needed and you can play right away!  You get 7,500 credits to play and the top scorers win a  prize – and you can play up to five times for FREE! To play, or for more details, go to: https://www.freeslottournaments.com/  Please note that you must be 18, or older, to play. Good luck!

JW Marriott Las Vegas: Vitalant Blood Drive on Saturday & Sunday, July 6 & 7 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom for this important July weekend blood drive. All donors at this drive receive: A voucher for 50% off breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Market Place Buffet (courtesy of Rampart Casino.) A limited-time, exclusive “Team Donor” T-shirt. (Offer is redeemable by email and opt-in is required into Vitalant’s Donor Rewards Program.)

Rampart: On Wednesday, July 17, players earning 50 same-day points will receive two-for-one entry to the Market Place Buffet. Regularly priced at $32.99 per person, the buffet is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.  

Tuscany: Join the Club. All New Members are guaranteed $150 (over 3 visits) in Free Slot Play. Free slot play is awarded $50 per visit. Must return in person for each additional $50 over the month. Offer for New Club Members only. Must be 21+. All rights reserved. Limited time offer. Effective 6/22/24 – the deal is now essentially a $50 free-play bonus for new members. When you sign up you get $40, plus $10 for an email address, with no additional requirements. After that, it’s possible to get another $50 on each of two separate trips, but now there’s a requirement to earn 250 points ($500 coin-in) for each. That’s a 10% bonus and still a good deal, but nothing like it was originally. Additionally, there’s a 7-day wait between return redemptions for non-locals. 

25 FREE Casino Coupons! – Get FREE match play bets, 2-for-1 shows, dining and room discounts, plus other great deals with the FREE casino coupons on our website and apps. To see what FREE coupons are currently being offered, visit our Casino Coupons page and print out the coupons yourself! We continue to add new coupons, so please check back often. 

Plaza: Coffee & Pastry Wednesdays. Earn 100 slot points and receive a FREE specialty coffee & pastry from Coffee Bar. You also get to keep your points. This offer is valid on Wednesdays during venue’s normal business hours. Visit kiosk on casino floor for a voucher.

Plaza: Every weekend this summer features a live fireworks show Friday night at 9:15 p.m., through Aug. 30 for Labor Day weekend. Inspired by the fireworks shows at Disneyland, the Plaza’s Welcome to the Weekend Summer Friday Fireworks will light up the sky above downtown Las Vegas and be part of a festive summer block party atmosphere at the property’s Carousel Bar and rooftop pool deck. The fireworks shot from the Plaza’s towers will be visible to the thousands of tourists and locals in downtown Las Vegas as well as for miles beyond. Plaza hotel guests will be able to enjoy the fireworks from an exclusive viewing party on its rooftop pool deck where the fireworks will be “ignited” by a special guest pushing a detonator button on an oversized TNT box. To attract even more people to stay downtown, the Plaza introduced the only all-inclusive hotel room package starting at $125 per person per night. The package includes bottomless drinks, breakfast and dinner, a free bingo session, waived resort fees, and more. Rooms must be booked online by June 30 for a stay June 1 through July 1. The Friday night rooftop pool party for hotel guests will feature the Frozen Firecracker, a special red, white, and blue cocktail made with strawberry daiquiri, pina colada, and blue lemonade spiked with Don Q Rum. At Carousel Bar the summer party vibe continues every Friday night with a DJ and the specialty cocktail Watermelon Agua Fresca made with Mi Campo tequila, Jägermeister, rose aperitivo, watermelon juice, chamoy, and aloe leaves as a garnish.

FREE 14-day Gold Membership at videopoker.com – No credit card required! – videopoker.com is operated by Action Gaming, the developer of the most popular games including: 3-play, 5-play, 10-play, 100-play, Ultimate X, Quick Quads, and Super Times Pay. It’s the only place you can play the same video poker games found in casinos. We have a special, exclusive offer that allows you to get a Free 14-day Gold membership and no credit card information is required! With this Gold membership, besides playing your favorite video poker games, you will also learn the proper strategies for playing all of your hands. Plus, you will have the ability to change the pay tables to match up to the same pay tables that you will find in the casinos where you like to play! Try it free for 14 days with no need to enter any credit information – only by using this link – www.videopoker.com/acg

M Resort: Will host its Fourth of July fireworks in partnership with the City of Henderson. To honor and celebrate the Henderson community and neighboring Las Vegas locals, the resort will offer spectators an extended 15-minute firework display choreographed to music on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4 beginning at 9 p.m. Additionally, a special performance by Cover Lane will start at 7:45 p.m. at M Pool. Cover Lane is an acoustic duo – featuring Vegas Golden Knights anthem singers, Carnell “Golden Pipes” Johnson and Lynnae Meyers – that performs favorites from the last seven decades. While free public viewing of the fireworks will be available from many areas inside and surrounding the resort, M Pool will offer a special reserved firework viewing area with access for guests all day starting at 10AM through the conclusion of the fireworks. Admission to the M Pool reserved area is priced at $30 plus taxes and fees for adults and $10 plus taxes and fees for children ages 10 and under. Access will be limited and seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

Mandalay Bay: Foundation Room inside Resort & Casino presents Laced Up Lounge, taking place during Sneaker Con. Hip-Hop sensation MANN will perform live at the rooftop venue on Saturday, July 20. Doors open at 9 p.m. The event is FREE and open to the public.

House of Blues: Inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the House of Blues Gospel Brunch has performances:  July 7 & 21 and August 4 & 18. All performances start at 10 a.m. Tickets are on sale now at houseofblues.com/lasvegas/gospelbrunch. Groups of 10 or more can call the House of Blues box office at 702-632-7600 for reservations. Tickets for Gospel Brunch at House of Blues are $64.50 (adults), $37.50 (children three – 11), plus applicable fees.  

Video Poker Training Software– One of the best ways to improve your playing skills is to use video poker software. By practicing with software you will easily be able to identify the best-paying machines in any casino, plus you will be able to practice playing those games so you can play at a near-perfect level. Our website has a page to get details on the bestselling video poker software:  Winpoker. It is available in both an instant download format, or on a CD to play on your Windows computer. For more information, go to our video poker software page.

House of Blues: Inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is bringing thrills and chills to brunch with a horror-themed Haunted Brunch, opening Sunday, July 28. Haunted Brunch is a fully immersive and one-of-a-kind Vegas brunch experience, filled with nods to your favorite spooky characters and horror movies. Dancers, acrobats and ghoulishly talented specialty acts weave their way through guests as they nosh on brunch, and at any moment, could provide an unexpected spine-chilling jump scare. Comedian Hailey Brooks, as seen on stage at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, plays host as the “Spirit-Guide” for the hair-raising experience, and will keep guests on the edge of their seats. The sense-heightening atmosphere complements the delectable all-you-can-eat brunch buffet of scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, waffles, country potatoes, Danishes, fried chicken (with hot honey on the side), jambalaya, mac and cheese, collard greens, southern salad and coleslaw. Guests can also sip on an array of scary-good cocktails including a Witches Brew, combining Amsterdam vodka, fresh lime juice, sweet and sour, and a Chambord float, or the Green Goblin, made with Bacardi rum, Malibu, pineapple, and a Midori float. The spooky audience participation continues throughout the brunch with mimosas being poured from a ghost-busting proton pack. Doors open at 10 a.m. and all the scariness starts at 11 a.m. Tickets for Haunted Brunch are $59 for GA seating and brunch, or $74 for VIP front row seating, brunch and a mimosa cocktail. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com 

Circa Sports: The Nevada-based sports betting brand has brought back the popular professional football contests Circa Million VI and Circa Survivor with its biggest payout yet – $16 million, no rake. With signups launching May 24 at 9 a.m. in all Circa Sports Nevada locations, this marks the largest prize pool ever for contests of this kind. For the 2024-2025 season, Circa Survivor will return with a $10 million prize guarantee and Circa Million VI with a $6 million guarantee. Sign-ups at all Circa Sports Nevada locations are open until September 7th at 2 p.m. during the first week of the professional football season.

The Circa Survivor contest winner will win $10 million guaranteed plus more if entries exceed this amount. Circa Survivor will consist of up to 20 legs throughout the year, one for every week of the football season plus two special holiday weeks. Each week, participants will choose a team to win straight up, but the player cannot pick the same team twice for the duration of the season. Thanksgiving + Black Friday and the Christmas leg (Wednesday/Thursday games) will each be considered their own contest weeks. Entries are $1,000 each, with a maximum of 10 entries per participant. An entrant can purchase additional entries if they lose their original entries on the opening Thursday night or Friday night games. All entrants will receive a Circa Survivor 2024 hat. Entries are eliminated from the contest by selecting a team that subsequently loses or ties its game that week. If more than one entry remains after 20 legs, the pool will be split equally amongst all the entries that successfully submitted a selection during the leg. An entrant cannot go into the Saturday deadline with more than ten active entries. Each team can only be selected once each entry during the contest season. During the season, picks are due at 4 p.m. PST every Saturday or before kickoff of the selected games. For Thanksgiving and Black Friday, picks are due by 10 p.m. PST the preceding Wednesday night. For Christmas, picks are due by 9 a.m. PST on Wednesday, December 25.

Circa Million VI will deliver $6 million guaranteed in total prizes, with a $1 million first place prize that comes with a coveted Circa Sports blue jacket. The contest is no rake, and any extra fees go into the quarter- and full-season prize pools. $3.65 million will be allocated amongst places two through 100 and $300,000 of prizes per quarter will be awarded every four to five weeks. The last place booby prize winner will receive $100,000 and second to last place booby prize winner will receive $50,000. Each player will make five picks against the spread each week via the Circa Sports Nevada mobile app, a Circa Sports kiosk or over the counter at any of the six Circa Sports locations in Nevada. One point will be awarded for each correct selection and one-half point for each push. Each entry for Circa Million VI is $1,000, with a maximum of five entries per person. All entrants will receive a Circa Million VI hat. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 100 places for the season, the top five places within each quarter of the season, the last place and second to last place full season score and the last place score within each quarter of the season. Contest point spreads will be posted every Thursday around 10 a.m. PST, with selections due by 4 p.m. Saturday. During Thanksgiving week, point spreads will be posted at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

For more information, visit circasports.com. Sign-ups and entries for both contests can be made now at any of the following Nevada Circa Sports locations in Las Vegas and Sparks:

•         Circa Resort & Casino
•         the D Las Vegas
•         Silverton Casino Lodge
•         Tuscany Suites & Casino
•         The Pass at Water Street
•         Legends Bay in Sparks, NV

Players can sign-up for the contests at any of the Circa Sports Nevada locations, and entries for players outside of Nevada can register a proxy to submit picks from within the state. Additionally, Circa Sports will return with their “Contest Weekend” celebrations throughout various locations in Nevada, with more details to come in the following weeks.

Jerry’s Nugget: $8,250 Bingo Big Game: August 3 at 2 p.m. Play for an hour long of big payouts that include four $1,000 coveralls and one $1,000 Bonanza, plus thirteen payouts of $250. Entry is $35 and includes reserved seating, one six-on pack, and one Bonanza for the Big Game. Entry tickets are for sale at the Jerry’s Nugget Bingo Hall. Play the warm-up session one hour prior to each Big Game with 10 games paying $100 each and only $15 to play.

Palms: FREE concert series:
July 20: All-Star Jam: Doors open at 7 p.m., with a DJ, cocktails, and party atmosphere. Band takes the stage at 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 23: Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles: Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with a DJ, cocktails and party atmosphere. Band takes the stage at 9:00 p.m.
Aug. 24: UnZepped: Reimagines legendary Led Zeppelin songs: Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with a DJ, cocktails, and party atmosphere. Band takes the stage at 9:00 p.m
To Reserve your FREE Ticket for All-Star Jam, Click HERE
To Reserve your FREE Ticket to Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles, Click HERE

Get our FREE App! – We are no longer publishing our annual guide book with casino coupons. However, all of the detailed casino information from our book on all US casinos is now available for FREE on our website, as well as on our FREE iOS and Android apps. Get the American Casino Guide Android app NOW!    Or, download the iOS app NOW!   Also, if you already have the app installed, be sure to upgrade to the latest version to enjoy all of the benefits it offers.

New coupon for Mob Museum admission discount is now available in the American Casino Guide app and on the website on the FREE coupons page.

FREE No Deposit Online Casino Bonuses!: Like to play at online casinos? Our sister website has more than 30 exclusive offers that give you FREE casino cash when you open a new account! No credit card is required and no need to deposit any money! To see the offers, go to: https://www.americancasinobonuses.com

Ongoing Las Vegas Casino Deals

We also give information on the best promotions in Las Vegas that are offered on a continuing basis. Click to see the latest edition of the Ongoing Vegas Values reports

 



Source link

The Importance of Account Verification for Casino Withdrawals

Online Poker Winnings



Why is Account Verification for Casino Withdrawals Important?

Players at online casinos can get frustrated when they have to wait a while for their winnings. Indeed, there is little more annoying than an online casino that seems to be dragging its heels in this area.

An issue that can often result in delays for casino withdrawal transactions being processed is problems relating to account verification.

Casinos will often require their customers to be fully verified before they will proceed with a withdrawal request as a result of their Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.

Without passing the KYC checks by providing the casino account verification required documentation, it is even possible that casino players will be unable to access winnings.

What KYC Means at Online Casinos

Standing for Know Your Customer but almost always referred to as KYC for short, this is the process by which the casino is able to verify a customer, ensuring they are who they claim to be.

The KYC process at each online casino varies, but it always works in a fairly similar way. Casino players will find that some verification can happen automatically when they sign up for an account.

Those who make a deposit using a debit card – Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are all widely accepted – at the casino cashier might be able to go through the KYC process without even realising.

But for those who have chosen an alternative payment method, such as e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill, or even other options like cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, then KYC checks may need to be passed manually.

A lot of the time, players will have to provide identification documents before they can withdraw funds out of a casino account for the first time. The purpose of this is to go through the KYC process.

Broadly speaking, the aim of KYC is to fight financial crimes such as money laundering, which is a common issue that online casinos need to address.

A lot of fraudsters have targeted online casinos as a way to launder money, which is why passing KYC checks has become a must for all players these days.

How Can Players Pass KYC Checks Quickly?

Players can get ahead of the game by passing their KYC checks as soon as they sign up at casinos. Most casinos have an area where documents can be securely uploaded for KYC purposes.

Casinos should make it clear exactly what is required but ID documents normally accepted include:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • National ID card
  • Bank statement
  • Utility bill

Documents like utility bills and bank statements will need to be dated within the last few months if they are to be accepted. Photographs of passports and driving licences need to be clear, rather than blurry.

Those who do not want to use the documents uploader at an online casino site to pass KYC checks will also often be able to send them in as attachments to an email.

Each online casino is different, but customer service will be able to advise on the method to go for. Players will be informed via email when the checks are completed and they have passed through KYC.

Passing KYC checks in advance of making a withdrawal out of the casino cashier can be a good idea as it means the process for a transaction should be smooth, resulting in faster payouts being made.

Impact of KYC on Withdrawal Times

Even at sites that promote themselves as instant payout casinos, issues with KYC checks being passed can have a significant impact on withdrawal times at the cashier.

Players who are yet to be fully verified are likely to find there are delays for their withdrawals as a result. Indeed, some online casino sites may even refuse to process a transaction until KYC is passed.

Some online casino sites only provide account verification for casino withdrawals on typical working days during office hours as well.

This means attempting to withdraw winnings on a Friday evening without having previously passed KYC checks can add a couple of days further delay to the process.

It is difficult to say how long passing KYC will add to the transaction times at the online casino.

Some sites are simply faster than others and can check documents within a matter of hours, allowing players to move forward and withdraw their winnings with a matter of urgency.

Others are not quite as efficient and this can lead to a frustratingly long wait for their customers.

One thing to keep in mind is that using cryptocurrency to make a deposit at the casino is anonymous, with players therefore able to avoid sharing their financial information with operators.

At some crypto casinos, there are no KYC checks to pass as a result, which means players might be able to get their hands on money they have won from spinning the reels a lot quicker.

However, it can be a red flag for some casino players if a site does not require any KYC documents.

How Personal and Financial Information is Protected During the KYC Process

Players are right to wonder about security when going through KYC verification for casinos.

After all, it can be concerning to have to hand over important forms of ID such as a copy of a passport, or even a bank statement that will contain a lot of personal and financial information.

The good news is that online casinos tend to take safety and security very seriously. Encryption is in place to make sure that hackers should never be able to access this information.

Look out for security standards such as SSL encryption as this helps to show data will be kept safe.

Casino sites also have privacy policies in place. Players should always try to make time to read these documents whenever they are signing up for an account with a new online casino.

Legal and Regulatory Aspects of KYC

Something to remember about account verification for casino withdrawals is that the legal aspect of KYC can be different depending on where a player is in the world.

As an example, Australia has the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, which was passed in 2016 and is regulated by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).

Players in neighbouring New Zealand, meanwhile, follow KYC requirements that have been guided by the AML/CFT Act. This says that a customer’s full name must be verified, along with their current home address and their date of birth.

The Money Laundering Regulations of 2007 detail the United Kingdom’s KYC requirements. Players are likely to need to provide proof of their full name, residential address, and date of birth to pass KYC checks in the UK.

Playing at online casinos is getting more popular in the United States all the time. US-based casino customers need to provide an identification number – a Taxpayer Identification Number (like a SSN or EIN) – as well as personal information like their name and address.

North of the border, Canada has the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA), which is enforced and regulated by the Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

Canadian casino customers are able to send in copies of documents such as a birth certificate, driver’s licence, passport or permanent resident card as acceptable forms of verification.

It is clear that passing KYC checks is something many casino customers must get to grips with.

But the good news is the process does not need to be stressful or complicated, nor does it need to provide major delays when trying to withdraw winnings out of the casino cashier.

About the author

Jamie Smith, Guest Author at BestCasinoSites.net

Name Jamie Smith
Job Freelance Writer Specialising in iGaming

Jamie Smith is a writer with almost 5 years experience in the iGaming industry. He graduated Journalism and he is interested in providing informative and engaging content.

Gambling related content should be informative, engaging and free from clutter and confusion.



Source link

Expected Economic Impact of the Increased Gambling Tax in India

Typewriter With A Sheet Reading Tax Return



We will go through GST’s controversial levy and the expected impact of the increased gambling tax in India. We will also provide detailed information regarding public response and what representatives of the Indian gambling industry think of the situation. Feel free to use the links below that will take you to a relevant section of the blog.

India’s Controversial Levy and Effects from Tax Increase

The controversial levy, GST – The Goods and Services Tax Council[1] has the tax increase already in power and plans an estimated revenue of 140 billion rupees that is to be collected from online gambling operations as the next financial year goes by.

This has impacted heavily the Indian online casinos without any doubts. Public concerns are voiced, and gamblers in the country have already been affected.

This decision has provoked discussions and debates among industry officials, including shareholders and economists. In short, the industry representatives fear that the move has “hammered their earnings and impacted many gamblers“, all because of the already increased tax.

Important Details Regarding the Decision

The tax has increased, and this move stems from the fact that the Indian government wants to even out other industries and boost the revenue generated by the online gambling space – iGaming, casinos, and sports betting.

It is clear that the increased gambling tax has severely impacted not only the shareholders, but individual gamblers themselves, mostly in a negative way. Several factors are to be considered:

  • Increased costs on all operations of the gambling industry in India
  • Gamblers prone to negative changes
  • Overall service price increases
  • Negative effect on the smaller gaming businesses

It is clear that the 28% levy on funds collected by gambling operators will be imposed on every bet the user places. This has struck a major blow to the betting industry and investors, the government says, all caused by its move back in October 2023.

By implementing this, officials believe the process will have a significant financial effect in the Indian gambling industry. Gambling operators will be forced to act due to this whole situation. The tax was increased back in October, and GST estimates a revenue of 140 billion rupees that is to be collected over the next financial year, all coming from gambling operations.

Indian Representatives’ Responses

Secretary Sanjay Malhotra revealed that GST collections overall averaged 1.7 trillion rupees each month, and it is expected that it will be increased to 1.8 trillion going into the next financial year. A staggering change that will surely have economic backlash.

Malhotra proposed a return on tax in the 2025 fiscal year. He indicated that the government is estimated to receive around 75 billion rupees for the current financial year up to the end of March, reflecting a significant increase from 16 billion from the previous year. Chief operating officer Aaditya Shah stated that “the tax rate implementation of 28% has brought significant challenges to the gaming industry“.

He claims that the higher the tax rate implementation, the higher the impact on companies’ cash flows. Since the tax has already been implemented, negative impacts are already seen.

Future Prospects and Economical Impact

Looking objectively at the situation, we can provide an estimate of the turn of events that these changes will lead to going forward. We noted that the government expects to receive 75 billion going into next year, which is a significant increase.

Sheet of Paper Showing Stocks

But how does this impact the industry, the shareholders, the players, and all related entities? Indian officials have stated that the addition of the 28% tax has hammered their earnings and warns of an impact on gamblers”. GST’s decision has affected the whole Indian online gambling industry.

According to India’s Minister, the 35 billion rupees in tax that was generated from October to December last year means that the industry has stabilized, but not for long. He believes that the framework that has been conducted in April of 2024 will not change taxes.

Public view is another topic of concern. This increased tax has led to disturbances among regular gamblers because of higher costs and lower returns. This may lead to addiction, which is another concern. Unfortunately, all of this points to a drastic, negative impact on the Indian gambling industry[2].

We are currently unsure if responsible gambling organizations such as BeGambleAware[3] or GAMSTOP will have any changes on their end or any regarding the current situation. It goes without saying that they have a huge role in the gambling industry.

Wrapping Up – Our Final Thoughts

It is time to conclude our article and present you with our concluding thoughts and remarks. The staggering tax increase has had a significant impact on India’s gambling industry, and its effects are already felt, but only time will tell how they will further develop.

Shareholders, gamblers, officials, and all related entities have voiced their concerns about it, and our current prospect on how this develops seems more negative than positive.

We are curious as to how the events will unfold, and we can say with certainty that the current facts we have give a promising estimate of the situation. We can only hope the gambling industry pulls through and players can partake and have fun in this ever-growing industry.

References and Useful Links

The section below will provide some of the research materials we have used to compile this article and make it as accurate as possible. Feel free to click on the links that will take you to the relevant resources.



Source link

How this Classic Card Game has Evolved

Playing Blackjack At A Casino



Early Origins

Like most other casino games, the history of blackjack is quite long. A few centuries long, in fact. The game we know as blackjack today has changed quite a lot from the original version.

In other words, the very first version of blackjack was somewhat different to the modern one. However, it had enough of the same core features that it can still be classed as blackjack.

So where does the blackjack timeline begin? The earliest mention of the game is in the short story ‘Rinconete y Cortadillo’, found in the book Novelas Ejemplares by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes.

This book was published in 1601 or 1602. In the short story, the two main characters are cheaters who play the game ‘veintiuno’ (which translates as ‘twenty-one’).

It’s mentioned that when playing this game, the goal is to get to 21 but without going over this number. Also, the ace card can be worth either 1 or 11.

These are two rules that the modern version of blackjack still has. It’s safe to say that the game was being played around the beginning of the 17th century.

The first record of it being played in casinos comes from around the start of the 18th century in France. It was called ‘Vingt-et-Un’ (French for ‘21’).

What’s interesting is that there was an earlier French game called ‘Ferme’ in which up to a dozen players tried to get as close to 16 as possible. This game had a lot in common with blackjack.

There was also a Spanish game called ‘One and Thirty’ where you had to reach 31 using at least three cards. This could have been a development of the game mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes’s short story.

Blackjack games spread from mainland Europe to Britain and the US in the 19th century. By the end of the century, the name ‘Blackjack’ was being used for the game, and its rules were mostly in line with today’s.

The Invention and Impact of Basic Strategy

If you’ve played blackjack yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll know about basic strategy. This is a cheat sheet of sorts that tells you what the best move to make is.

It was first published in the article ‘The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack’, which appeared in the Journal of the American Statistical Association. There wasn’t just one writer of this article; there were four.

These four men, collectively known as The Horsemen, were Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel and James McDermott. They were interested in the statistics and mathematics behind blackjack.

Basic strategy comes in the form of a table. You use the dealer’s face-up card and your own two cards to see what move is statistically best for you. There’s a basic strategy table for every version of blackjack.

It’s a very useful resource for people learning to play the game. It’s also useful for those wanting to perfect their strategy and hopefully make a profit.

The best blackjack sites give players as much information as possible about the game. This includes running through basic strategy and providing examples of tables for players to use.

The Card Counting Revolution

What popularised basic strategy was the publication of the book Beat the Dealer in 1963. In this, writer Ed Thorp, an American math professor and blackjack researcher, verified the strategy, confirming that it suggested the optimal moves.

This attracted a lot more people to the game. They saw blackjack not as a game of luck, but as a game where there was a guarantee you could make the best move, no matter what.

Since you could always play optimally by using basic strategy, you could, in theory, have a decent chance of winning. When compared to an entirely luck-based game like roulette, blackjack seemed more appealing.

While basic strategy was a great help, some people wanted to go further. They tried to find a more effective way of beating the game and improving the player’s chances of winning.

This is how card counting became popular. It’s a blackjack strategy that involves keeping track of what cards have come up and using this knowledge to work out who has the advantage.

The strategy isn’t about remembering every single individual card that’s appeared. Instead, it assigns a point value to each card. As the game progresses, you keep score and use this to determine your moves.

That’s just a basic summary of card counting. It’s somewhat complex, though many people have been able to use it successfully and make a profit from playing blackjack.

In fact, people have been banned from casinos for using the card counting technique. While it’s not technically illegal in the UK, in the US, it’s against the law to count cards using an external device or person.

Casinos are well aware of card counting and will ban anyone who they think is trying to use the technique. This is despite the fact that the technique never guarantees a win.

Employees, including croupiers overseeing blackjack games, keep an eye on players and look out for signs they’re counting cards. People also monitor CCTV footage and pay attention to suspicious players.

The technique became even more well known thanks to various books and films. A prime example is the 2008 film 21, about six MIT students who won millions from Las Vegas casinos by card counting.

The film is based on the book Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich. While it’s non-fiction as it’s supposedly based on real-life events, it’s said to have various inaccuracies and made-up details.

But what about online blackjack? Can you count cards in digital versions of the game? The answer, to put it simply, is no. The reason you can’t use the technique is because decks are regularly shuffled.

Blackjack games, even digital ones, typically use 6-8 decks. The act of shuffling the decks after a round essentially makes card counting pointless.

This is also true for live versions of the game, which you’ll find at most online casinos. These are real-life games you can take part in through your online casino account.

The croupier typically shuffles the decks of cards after every round to prevent players from counting cards. No matter how you play blackjack, there’s no point in trying to count cards.

To sum up, card counting is frowned upon by casinos. If you practise it, there’s a good chance the establishment will find out sooner or later and ban you from the premises.

The thing is, Thorp’s book actually became a hindrance more than a help. Since it popularised card counting, the result was that lots of people tried it and casinos decided to take action.

If the technique hadn’t been popularised, there’s a chance it might not be something worthy of a ban today. But casinos around the world know all about it and don’t want players to use it.

Modern Blackjack

Today, blackjack is a hugely popular game that millions of people around the world enjoy playing. There are two main versions of it: real-life and online.

Real-life games of blackjack are played in land-based casinos, gaming venues, social clubs and more. In these games, someone acts as the dealer while everyone else is a player who’s trying to beat the dealer to 21.

As for online blackjack, it works a bit differently, as the dealer is an automated computer program that, just like real-life dealers, has to follow set rules.

Then there are live dealer blackjack games. As mentioned previously, these use a real-life croupier and physical equipment, with people able to take part through their casino accounts.

One of the latest innovations is virtual reality blackjack. This is where someone wears a VR helmet and is made to think they’re in a casino where they can play digital versions of blackjack.
The game has come a long way. There’s no telling where it might be heading next!

About the author

James Gibson, Guest Author at BestCasinoSites.net

Name James Gibson
Job Freelance Writer Specialising in iGaming

James Gibson is a freelance content writer with passion for slot and game guides. He proclaims responsible gambling and aims at providing accurate and confirmed information.

Moderation is key. Gambling is best enjoyed when you stick to limits and you’re the one in control.



Source link

Celebrity Endorsements: Influencing Indian Gambling Trends

Hand Controlling a Puppet



What is Celebrity Endorsement in Online Gambling?

Celebrities can shape trends, attitudes, and behaviors, making them powerful agents in society. Their lifestyles and choices are often emulated by fans, who see them as role models. However, this influence also carries responsibility, as it can impact the values and decisions of impressionable youth.

Gambling Statistics for India

The endorsements influencing Indian gambling trends can easily be blamed for the exponentially growing gambling industry (casino and fantasy sports), which for 2024 is expected to reach 153+ billion Indian Rupees.

This adds to the need for regulations for online gambling even more. The survey is done to ease the creation of corrective measures and help make gambling a regulated sport.

Celebrity endorsements influencing public perception can be found even at the online casino sites in India. That is why there is a suggestion for the gambling apps not to target specific groups of people and to be labeled.

Those and similar measures are considered because of the issues created by celebrity gambling endorsements. The main concern is the underage gambling and problem gambling because young people are inclined to something recommended by a famous person.

Celebrity Endorsement Test Results

Every aspect of our lives is affected by the latest trends set by popular people. In this blog post, we will turn your attention to Professor Dheeraj Sharma and Dr. Madhurima Mishra‘s test to examine the extent of celebrity endorsements influencing Indian gambling trends and public perception.

Their study was conducted on 1000+ people between 17 and 28 years old. The goal was to check the influence on young people that celebrities vs non-celebrities have when it comes to gambling apps and online casinos.

The studies prove that when celebrities recommend gambling apps, gambling intent multiplies. However, if there is a responsible gambling warning, the appeal of the gambling app decreases.

The same applies when non-celebrities endorse online gambling. Only in this case, the initial attention is lower because there is no attractive, familiar or trustworthy popular person.

According to Dr Madhurima Mishra, if such endorsements continue without regulation, it can lead to many issues like addiction and debts. That is why the Indian government should look for ways to protect young people from celebrity endorsements.

Issues Arising from Celebrity Gambling Endorsements

Brain Washed Young Person

With a massive fan following and cultural sway, celebrities often set trends and shape the behaviors of impressionable youth. The most successful celebrity endorsements are responsible for normalization and glamorization of gambling. These endorsements can lead to a series of negative consequences.

  • Misleading Perception of Gambling: The loudest proof of recent celebrity endorsements gone wrong is gambling portrayed as a fun, easy way to achieve quick riches without emphasizing the risks involved. This can create a false perception among young people that gambling is a low-risk, high-reward activity, leading them to underestimate the potential for addiction, financial loss, and mental health issues.
  • Increased Accessibility: Online gambling platforms, promoted by celebrities, are just a click away, making it easier for young people to access them, especially at a gaming café. In India, where a significant portion of the population is tech-savvy, this accessibility can lead to a surge in underage gambling, as the allure of fame-endorsed activities might entice minors.
  • Gambling Addiction: Research indicates that adolescence is a vulnerable period for developing gambling addiction. Celebrities promoting online gambling can inadvertently contribute to an increase in gambling-related problems among young people. Addiction at a young age can disrupt education, finances, and social relationships, with long-lasting effects on mental health.
  • Normalization of Risky Behavior: When popular figures endorse gambling, it can normalize what is essentially a risky decision. Young minds may start to view gambling as a socially acceptable pastime rather than a potentially harmful habit. This normalization can lead to more individuals engaging in gambling without understanding its consequences.
  • Pressure to Participate: Peer pressure is a significant factor in decision-making. Celebrities advocating for online gambling can create a sense of pressure among young fans to participate in order to fit in or emulate their idols. This can especially affect those who look up to these stars for guidance and identity formation.
  • Financial Vulnerability: Young people in India, often with limited financial literacy and disposable income, might be tempted to spend beyond their means in pursuit of gambling wins. Celebrities’ endorsements can exacerbate this issue by downplaying the financial risks involved, leading to debt and financial distress, especially when gambling at high-roller casino sites.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: India has a diverse cultural fabric with varying attitudes towards gambling. While some regions have a more relaxed view, others see it as morally questionable or even prohibited. Celebrities promoting online gambling could inadvertently disregard these sensitivities, potentially causing social disharmony or encouraging going against certain cultural or religious beliefs.
  • Lack of Responsible Gambling Messages: Endorsements rarely come with messages promoting responsible gambling practices, such as setting spending limits or seeking help in case of addiction. This absence can lead to young people not being equipped with the tools to make informed decisions about their gambling habits.

The celebrity endorsements influencing Indian gambling trends and public perception mitigate these dangers. There is a need for stricter regulations on celebrity endorsements for online gambling, ensuring that campaigns include responsible gambling messages and are targeted away from minors.

Public awareness campaigns should also be launched to educate young people about the potential gambling pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of responsible actions. A collaborative effort between industry regulators, celebrities, and society at large is necessary to protect the vulnerable from potential harm.

How Young People in India Can Be Protected?

Decreasing Endorsement Influence

A multifaceted approach is required to eliminate the danger of celebrity endorsements influencing the public perception of young people in India. Ads with celebrity endorsements must undergo restrictions and be supported by community engagement. Here is how to solve the issues:

  • Regulatory Measures: Strengthen and enforce strict guidelines for advertising and endorsement of gambling products. This includes new online gambling regulations, like in Sikkim[1] province, an update of the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and harsher punishments for the violations.
  • Celebrity Responsibility: Encourage celebrities to adopt ethical endorsements and raise awareness about the harms of gambling. Celebrities who endorse gambling should be required to participate in public service announcements that highlight responsible gambling practices and potential risks.
  • Education and Awareness: Integrate gambling education into school curricula, focusing on financial literacy, risk awareness, and the psychological impacts of addiction. Use social media platforms to disseminate positive messages, creating campaigns that target young people with real-life stories and facts about the consequences of irresponsible gambling.
  • Parental Involvement: Educate parents about the dangers of online gambling and provide tools for monitoring and restricting children’s access to such sites. Encourage open communication within families about the potential pitfalls of gambling, empowering parents to set a good example by modeling responsible behavior by using safety software.
  • Mental Health Support: Enhance mental health services to address gambling addiction, making it easier for young people to seek help without stigma. Provide accessible counseling and support groups specifically tailored to address gambling-related issues like India’s National Council of Problem Gambling[2] and Gamblers Anonymous[3].
  • Alternative Activities: Promote alternative recreational and sports activities that do not involve gambling. For example, encouraging horse riding instead of just wagering on Indian horse races or playing other popular sports.
  • Societal and Cultural Reinforcement: Foster a societal culture that values responsible choices and discourages gambling as a means to instant success. Community leaders, religious institutions, and cultural organizations can play a crucial role in reinforcing these values.
  • Monitoring and Research: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of these measures and research to understand changing trends and the evolving impact of gambling endorsements on young people. This data can inform future policies and interventions.

The endorsements influencing Indian gambling trends apply to the top online gambling sites in India. There are a few misleading celebrity endorsement examples, which, fortunately, have not caused great damage because the operators have taken measures.

By implementing these strategies, India can work towards mitigating the harmful effects of gambling endorsements on its youth, protecting them from the pitfalls of addiction and financial instability, and promoting healthy decision-making.

FAQ

This FAQ section addresses inquiries regarding the impact of celebrity endorsements on Indian gambling trends and public perception. Read the answers to popular questions regarding how famous figures shape attitudes and behaviors in the industry.

*️⃣ What are celebrity endorsements in gambling in India?

Generally, the celebrity endorsements in gambling involve prominent figures, like actors and sports stars, promoting online gambling platforms or specific games. The celebrity endorsements influencing Indian gambling trends and public perception are supported by the operator’s games list, bonuses, and features for players.

*️⃣ Why do brands use celebrity endorsements for casino apps in India?

Brands use the most successful celebrity endorsements for casino apps in India to harness their star power, increase credibility, and attract a wider audience, thereby boosting user engagement and revenue. However, there are a few endorsement issues, including the potential normalization of gambling, targeting vulnerable groups, and misrepresentation of risks associated with gambling.

*️⃣ Do celebrity endorsements work on the Indian gambling market?

The endorsements influencing Indian gambling trends leverage trust and influence, effectively attracting new customers. To protect young people, regulations should enforce age-gating, responsible gambling messaging, and restrictions on advertising during youth-oriented content, alongside educational programs on the risks of gambling.

*️⃣ Are gambling endorsements dangerous to young people in India?

Celebrity endorsements influencing public perception can be dangerous for young people in India, potentially normalizing risky behavior and encouraging underage participation. Professor Dheeraj Sharma and Dr Madhurima Mishra’s test study sheds light on these issues, providing empirical evidence to inform stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, and safeguard measures, thereby contributing to a healthier gambling environment.

*️⃣ Are gambling endorsements legal in India?

The legality of gambling endorsements in India is complex and varies by state. While no law explicitly prohibits such celebrity endorsements and consumer behavior that follows them, several states have regulations restricting or banning gambling advertisements. Strict online gambling can indirectly impact celebrity endorsements.

References

  • Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008. Gambling licensor for the Sikkim province, India. Available at: www.sikkim.gov.in (Accessed 20 May 2024)
  • India’s National Council of Problem Gambling. Gambling support for Indian players. Available at: www.ncpgambling.org (Accessed 20 May 2024)
  • Gamblers Anonymous India. Gambling addiction helpline and support groups. Available at: www.gamblersanonymous.org (Accessed 20 May 2024)



Source link

Abstinencia de Juegos Problemáticos y Abstinencia Post-Aguda (PAWS)

Problem Gambling Withdrawals and Post-Acute Withdrawals (PAWS)


Hacer cambios y detener comportamientos problemáticos de cualquier tipo es muy difícil. Nos gustaría ayudarte a comprender mejor lo que experimentarás física, emocional y biológicamente una vez que hayas tomado la decisión de dejar de jugar. Recuerda siempre que no estás solo en este camino. Puedes llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto a la línea de ayuda 888-ADMIT-IT en cualquier momento para hablar con un especialista que puede conectarte con recursos gratuitos para guiarte en tu viaje.

Es importante entender que cuando dejas de consumir sustancias o de jugar, puedes experimentar abstinencia, depresión y ansias. Los estudios muestran que cuando una persona ingiere una sustancia química como drogas o alcohol, la sustancia estimula el centro de recompensa/placer del cerebro. ¿Sabías que el mismo proceso ocurre al jugar? Esto es lo que te hace sentir bien y por qué, para algunas personas, el juego puede convertirse en una adicción. En el cerebro y el cuerpo hay algo llamado neurotransmisores que liberan sustancias cuando es necesario. Algunos de estos neurotransmisores involucrados en la sensación placentera de la adicción son: dopamina, serotonina, adrenalina y endorfinas. Un par de ejemplos serían cuando haces ejercicio o realizas cualquier actividad cardiovascular donde tu corazón late con fuerza, te sientes más relajado y con menos dolor. Este es el neurotransmisor llamado endorfinas que te hace sentir mejor. Si estás tomando antidepresivos, que son recetados por un médico, los antidepresivos activan los neurotransmisores de dopamina y serotonina, lo que te hace sentir mejor. Con el juego compulsivo, solo necesitas pensar en jugar o recordar una apuesta pasada para activar estos neurotransmisores. ¡Esto hace que sea más difícil detenerse! Aunque no estés ingiriendo nada, ¡aún ocurre un cambio químico en tu cerebro!

En ausencia del juego problemático o abuso de sustancias, el cerebro libera estos neurotransmisores por sí mismo cuando necesitamos sentirnos bien. Alguien que sufre de juego problemático comienza a depender de una fuente externa para liberarlos. Después de un tiempo, a medida que la adicción progresa, el cerebro olvida cómo liberarlos por sí mismo, y la persona se vuelve dependiente del juego para sentirse bien. El resultado se llama ansia, causada por el cerebro que quiere el estimulante. También puede haber depresión o abstinencia. Hay dos pasos en el proceso de abstinencia:

  1. La abstinencia aguda puede tener síntomas que duran de 3 a 10 días después de detener el comportamiento.
  2. La abstinencia post-aguda (PAWS) ocurre con el tiempo, con síntomas que pueden durar hasta 18 meses o más.

Algunos pueden tener ansias de abstinencia por el resto de sus vidas. Puedes leer los blogs en el sitio web gamblinghelp.org para aprender cómo lidiar con estas ansias.

Durante el proceso de abstinencia, hay ciertos momentos en los que el cerebro se está curando y aprendiendo a reiniciarse o repararse a sí mismo. Estos momentos pueden ser particularmente difíciles y causar ansias y síntomas depresivos. Si estás trabajando en tu recuperación, estate atento a estos momentos observando tus comportamientos. Aquí hay algunas cosas a tener en cuenta en estos momentos:

  • Irritabilidad
  • Reacciones exageradas
  • Ansiedad
  • Dificultad para concentrarse
  • Sentir rabia
  • Pérdida de memoria a corto y largo plazo
  • Pensamiento rápido y repetitivo
  • Problemas de sueño
  • Sueños sobre el juego
  • Baja energía
  • Dolores de cabeza
  • Cambios de humor
  • Menor tolerancia al estrés
  • Impulsividad

Los primeros 60 a 120 días de recuperación son críticos, porque no solo estás pasando por cambios físicos (abstinencia), sino que también estás tratando de hacer cambios en tu vida y solucionar los problemas causados por el comportamiento. La recaída puede ocurrir, así que espérala. Si te deslizas y juegas, aprende cómo y por qué sucedió, levántate y sigue adelante con la recuperación. El mejor enfoque sería encontrar a una persona de confianza y compartir con ella esta información y cuáles son tus pensamientos y comportamientos en torno a las ansias y la abstinencia. Debes darle permiso para decirte lo que está notando, y no puedes enojarte por ello. Ten cuidado de no usar esto como una excusa para jugar y tratar de culparlos por la recaída.

La recuperación puede ser una batalla minuto a minuto, pero si perseveras en cada batalla ¡ganarás la guerra! Escribir en un diario tus pensamientos y comportamientos te ayudará en estos momentos porque puedes volver atrás y leerlo y recordar cómo lo lograste. No estás solo en tu recuperación. La línea de ayuda 888-ADMIT-IT tiene muchos recursos para ayudar, incluyendo el Programa en Línea para Jugadores Problemáticos de la FCCG (OPPG), Grupos de Autoayuda como Jugadores Anónimos, el Programa Peer Connect de la FCCG y los Cuadernos de Trabajo de Autoayuda “A Chance for Change”, por nombrar solo algunos. ¡Llama o envía un mensaje de texto las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, o abre un chat en vivo en gamblinghelp.org!





Source link