Gaming operator Merkur Group UK announced several new donations for the holiday season, distributing £12,000 ($14,500) to three worthy causes. The company regularly invests in such initiatives, focusing on typically overlooked causes. Merkur maintains a significant presence in the UK and has repeatedly expressed its dedication to fostering a safe gaming environment and reinvesting in the community.

Merkur Focuses on Overlooked Causes

Merkur UK’s primary charity-focused efforts happen through its Merkur Initiative program. The charity drive finds worthy causes by consulting local staff and customers, with venues across the country contributing to the company’s community-focused efforts. COO Mark Schertle noted that the operator focused on smaller, more personal stories that might not necessarily draw much attention.

The causes that our venues are working with are those that typically might not attract support from the business world.

Mark Schertle, COO of Merkur Group UK

In its opening year of 2021, Merkur UK made 44 charity awards, focusing on smaller causes that nonetheless made a notable impact. Director of public and political relations Tony Boulton stated that charities and events with personal significance to a staff member or a customer usually had priority, assuming all due diligence checks were in order. He reiterated the operator’s goal to support local communities, focusing on the crucial role of Merkur venues.

Three Deserving Charities Received Support

Merkur used the closing days of 2022 to reward £12,000 to three more deserving charities. Action for Children focuses on helping vulnerable children and young people, focusing on family support, fostering programs, youth support initiatives, and education. Merkur will donate gifts for over 220 vulnerable children, reflecting the number of its UK venues. 

FareShare’s primary focus is relieving food poverty and reducing food waste. The organization partners closely with food retailers to distribute food that would have otherwise gone to waste to families in need. Merkur will contribute enough funds to feed 2,100 families of four during the entire holiday period, matching the number of its employees.

Last but not least, Willen Hospice will receive Christmas and Boxing Day meals for all its patients and nursing staff members. The organization cares for end-of-life patients and their families, helping people make the most of their remaining time with their loved ones.

The UK Remains a Crucial Market for Merkur

Despite its relatively recent entry into the UK market, Merkur has already established a substantial presence in the island nation, rapidly opening new venues across the country. The company’s newest location at Spalding opened in October, marking another step in the operator’s ambitious £10 million ($11.3 million) nationwide investment plan. 

Merkur used the opportunity to draw attention to its positive impact on local communities. The company focused on the new jobs created by its venues and its ongoing mission to provide unique gaming and entertainment experiences. Merkur’s charity work is another vital part of its strategy, boosting its image and name recognition while aiding worthy causes.

Provider of gaming content and software solutions to the online casino industry CT Interactive announced its global footprint has expanded after an agreement with online casino platform TimelessTech.

Access to New Global Markets            

The content deal CT Interactive signed with one of the fastest-growing iGaming platforms is set to expand its presence into new global markets, utilizing TimelessTech’s access to these markets due to the platform’s Curacao license.

Head of business development for the EMEA region at CT Interactive, Milena Tsankarska, and director of Business Development for the Americas, Martin Ivanov, commented on the development on behalf of the content provider, expressing their view on the agreement.

“We are proud that we have signed a deal with an operator as successful as TimelessTech,” said Tsankarska, hailing TimelessTech’s team of experts, boasting years of industry experience and being extremely devoted to their work.

Ivanov, on the other side, focused on the strategic aspect of the deal in his comments, stating that “through this platform [the company’s] products will reach new important markets in the gaming world.”

“CT Interactive is very a well-known and respected company in the sector,” commented Nicola Cainero, chief operating officer of TimelessTech, eager for the partnership to commence.

A subsidiary of Telematic Interactive Bulgaria AD, the operator of one of the largest casino and sports betting platforms, Palms Bet, and the first gaming company in the country to go live on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, CT Interactive has been active on the partnership front throughout December.

Expanding Presence in Europe and Latin America

The month began with a deal with Paraguay-based website operator Slots Del Sol that saw CT Interactive expand the operator’s portfolio with 60 of its games and the Hot Luck Jackpot, and continued with new game titles additions and Jackpot certifications in Colombia and Spain.

Midway through the month, CT Interactive sealed a milestone deal with Microgame to increase its market reach in Italy and then added more Italy presence via a deal with MondoGaming to provide the operator with 20 of its games and a 3-level jackpot.

In the second half of December, CT Interactive signed a deal with Planet Gaming NV to expand its product reach with several new markets and then switched its focus to Gibraltar and Malta: first, the content provider received certification as a software provider for Pariplay from the Gibraltar Gaming Commission and then, announced a deal with IZIBET to expand its presence in Malta.

Peter-Paul de Goeij will remain The Netherlands Online Gambling Association’s managing director for another two years. The organization’s board recognized his focus on modernization and overall contribution, lauding his efforts to elevate NOGA as a worthy representative of the country’s gaming industry. Former chairman Eric Konings also maintained a position in the Association and will contribute towards upcoming projects.

NOGA Represents the Largest Dutch Operators

The Netherlands Online Gambling Association represents the country’s most renowned online gambling providers, focusing on improving the Dutch gaming industry via constructive dialogue and cooperation. The organization currently includes 13 high-profile operators licensed in several European countries. LiveScore Bet is the latest addition to their ranks, joining in September after receiving its license from the Dutch regulator.

NOGA members share their knowledge and expertise with Dutch regulators to protect the integrity of the country’s gambling market and maintain responsible gaming standards. An example of the organization’s commitment is its 2021 petition to the national gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) to reduce gambling ads for land-based operators. At the beginning of December, NOGA also launched a charity campaign to help local sports teams struggling with rising energy costs.

De Boer Has a Proven Track Record

Much of the Association’s success is the direct result of its capable leadership team, and managing director Peter-Paul de Goeij has played a crucial role in the organization’s rise to prominence. Joining the trade body in 2019, he was instrumental in bringing NOGA to the limelight, attracting new members, and transforming it into a true industry representative. Former NOGA chairman Eric Konings also remained part of the Association, joining de Goeij in spearheading NOGA’s expansion efforts.

NOGA board of directors chairman Remko de Boer congratulated the two members on their reappointment. He added that both men had been invaluable in establishing fruitful relationships with stakeholders and industry peers, transforming the organization for the better. De Boer welcomed Konings and de Goeij’s future contributions, expressing hope that they would maintain the Association’s substantial momentum.

“We are pleased to have been able to commit them to us for a longer period of time and to ensure future success.”

Remko de Boer, NOGA board of directors chairman

Konings and de Goeij expressed their gratitude to the board members for their reelection and reiterated their commitment to NOGA’s future objectives. De Goeij promised to continue his ongoing efforts in propelling NOGA to new heights, expanding its tasks, activities, and membership base.

I look forward to working with Eric and everyone at NOGA… to promote safer gambling and fulfill our responsibility as an industry.

Konings and de Goeij

Peter-Paul de Goeij, NOGA managing director

De Goeij’s new tenure commences on 1 January, and his initial efforts will likely revolve around the industry’s ongoing acclimatization to the Dutch KOA act, which overhauled the country’s gambling regulations. Judging by his impressive track record, he should be more than a match for any future challenges in NOGA’s mission to shape a healthy and responsible gaming industry.

On Tuesday, the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling issued a statement, according to which Boulware Mission in Owensboro has started to offer residential treatment to people with gambling disorders.

First Gambling Disorders Center in Kentucky

The substance abuse center is the first in the state of Kentucky that offers both outpatient and residential treatment for gambling addiction. The treatment services will be provided to adult men between 18 and 75.

RonSonLyn Clark, who is the coordinator of the addiction recovery program at Boulware, commented that the issue of gambling addiction in Kentucky was getting bigger and bigger and this led to the decision to offer such a service.

Michael R. Stone, executive director of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, also stated that this treatment is highly needed because of the increasing problem gambling and disorders.

Gambling in Kentucky Begins to Highlight Addiction Problem

According to statistics, 5 percent of the Kentucky population could suffer from gambling problems or addiction. A survey from IPSOS released in 2021 by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) reported that 78 percent of adult Kentuckians were engaged in gambling activities last year and over $2 billion was spent on legal gambling.

The government of Kentucky was to receive approximately $2 billion in revenue in 2022. Per the latest conducted study in the state, there were 64,000 addicted gamblers, 165,000 problem gamblers, and 15,000 Kentucky college students who experienced a gambling problem. 26 percent of high school seniors have been engaged in gambling activities at least once in their lifetimes.

The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, founded in 1995, is a non-profit organization, which is dedicated to increasing the awareness of gambling disorders, providing education and assistance, and advocating for treatment.

More Funds Needed for Adequate Treatment

In October 2022, advocates from Responsible Gambling met Kentucky lawmakers to discuss potential public funding for addiction and problem gambling treatments and campaigns for raising awareness.

Mike Stone, executive director for the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, met with members of the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations and spoke about the growing numbers of gambling addicts and other people with problem gambling behaviors.

The council asked the state authorities to allocate resources from tax revenues gained from gaming operations for the payment of treatment services and awareness and prevention initiatives.

Boulware Mission Inc is an alcohol and drug detox rehabilitation center, which focuses on substance abuse treatment services. It provides substance abuse treatment as well as long-term, comprehensive services for homeless men.

The leading casino games studio, Red Rake Gaming, announced the release of a new action-packed video slot game. The company said Thursday it launched “Boomerang Jack’s Lost Mines,” a new 5×3 reel slot game that offers interesting features, stands out with quality graphics and gives online players a chance to score big payouts.

Boomerang Jack’s Lost Mines Metrics Overview

• Reels: 3-5
• Rows: 5
• Paylines: 25-50
• RTP: 95.3%
• Hit Freq: –
• Max Win: 4,836x
• Volatility: High
• Min/Max Bet: 0.10/25

An Adventure in the Incredible Kalgoorlie Mine

Boomerang Jack’s Lost Mines tells the story of an adventurer called Jack that visits Kalgoorlie Mine, an incredible location that holds unseen treasures. The main character seeks treasures and hopes to discover secret gems. Combining the gems and symbols awards the online players different prizes and unlocks engaging features.

Red Rake Gaming’s New Video Slot Features

Red Rake’s new video slot stands out with stunning graphics and quality sound effects. The game features different symbols such as the standard card game symbols from 10 to Ace. Also, there are unique symbols that grant the players chance for different prizes. Red Rake’s new title features a Wild symbol and Gem coin symbols as well.

The game supports more than 100 different currencies and is available in nearly two dozen languages. The recently released video slot, according to Red Rake Gaming is currently in the process of receiving certification in the UK, Spain, Italy, Malta and other major European jurisdictions. Besides a desktop computer, Boomerang Jack’s Lost Mines slot also supports mobile gameplay and allows adaptation of the screen for both landscape and portrait mode.

Free Spins, Diamond Wins and Reel Expand

There are plenty of functionalities that boost the player’s excitement in Boomerang Jack’s Lost Mines. Online players can combine gems and gain access to additional awards, free spins and more. By combining blue, green and red gems, players can activate free spins.

This triggers a special stage during which the player can collect additional prizes and benefit from Diamond wins. Those are special chests that can contain a direct prize, more free spins or diamonds that stack up toward monetary awards such as “Mini,” “Minor,” “Major” and “Grand.” Last but not least, Boomerang Jack’s Lost Mines slot offers the option to expand its reel and change from 5×3 with 25 pay lines to 5×5 reels with 50 pay lines.

The Indianapolis Colts are hoping that with the help of their fans at Lucas Oil Stadium, they’re going to be able to end their four-game losing streak. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the main motivation to win the MNF game is to get one step closer to the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts Week 16 Odds

Spread

Moneyline

Points

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
• Date: Monday, December 26, 2022
• Time: 8:15 PM ET
• How to Watch: ESPN

Los Angeles Chargers have Their Eyes on the Playoffs

The Chargers are 8-6 on the season, and with three more games to go, their playoff future looks bright. Their chance of making the playoffs is 80% right now. If they beat the Colts, that number will go all the way to 98%. What this practically means is that they could book their playoff ticket even before the final week of the regular season.

So, the big question is can they win the Monday Night Football game? The answer is yes. That is, the Chargers certainly have the manpower needed to beat a mediocre opponent such as Indianapolis. They’re also in good shape right now with a 3-1 record in their last four.

The Bolts’ latest game was a win over the Tennessee Titans, a team that’s very tricky to beat in 2022. Brandon Staley’s men, however, managed to outsmart the Titans’ hard defense, eventually beating them 17-14.

Quarterback Justin Herbert didn’t have a great game (28/48 for 313 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions), but LA’s runners did their job marvelously. Running backs Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley were the ones to score the two touchdowns for the Chargers in that game.

Have the Indianapolis Colts Given Up?

The Colts are 4-9-1 in 2022, which means that they practically stand no chance of getting to the postseason. They did start the season well but then entered a horrible run with a 1-7 record since mid-October.

To make things even worse, last week they were on the losing end of the NFL’s biggest comeback. The Minnesota Vikings beat them 39-36 even though they had a 36-0 lead at halftime. After dropping such a lead, you got to feel bad. They probably don’t have the confidence nor the motivation necessary to upset the Chargers in the Monday Night Football game.

Sure, their fans at Lucas Oil Stadium will try to cheer them up, but we doubt they’re going to achieve much. In fact, the best they can hope for is to not get humiliated by the Chargers.

Chargers vs Colts Predictions

The Colts are 2-4 at home this season, but they didn’t get embarrassed in any of those games. In fact, they covered the spread in 50% of those games. This time, the spread is set to four points, but we doubt they’re going to cover it this time. Instead, we think the Chargers are going to beat them by at least one TD.

Picks: Los Angeles Chargers to win and cover the spread.

Caesars Sportsbook, a division of Caesars Entertainment, the largest casino-entertainment company in the US, announced plans to open a new Caesars branded sportsbook in Puerto Rico. The launch is completed via a partnership between Caesars Sportsbook and the largest casino in Puerto Rico, Casino Metro.

Casino Metro and Caesars to Open Retail Betting Location

Under the terms of the new deal, announced Wednesday, the duo plan to introduce a new sportsbook called “MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook.” The new sports betting retail outlet is expected to deliver exciting experiences for Casino Metro guests.

According to Caesars, the new retail sportsbook at Casino Metro will offer 12 self-service betting kiosks as well as three betting windows. The overall space of the project spans more than 7,000 square feet and is expected to offer 25 LED TVs, as well as boards that display odds for the convenience of the bettors. Caesars confirmed that Casino Metro has already started the expansion of the venue which will be the home of the new retail betting outlet.

The Duo Plans to Expand Its Partnership in the Future

The launch of the location itself is planned for the second quarter of next year, Caesars explained. Besides retail betting, Caesars Sportsbook and Casino Metro revealed plans for the launch of a mobile sports betting application for Puerto Rico next year, but the introduction remains subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

What’s more, Caesars did not rule out further expansion via “other satellite wagering locations” in line with the regulations in Puerto Rico. Still, additional details are yet to be confirmed about the aforementioned expansions between Caesars and Casino Metro.

The Collaboration Brings Excitement for Caesars, Casino Metro

Eric Hession, Caesars Digital’s president, said that the retail location complements the company’s plan for the regulated betting market in Puerto Rico. At the same time, he explained that the company wants to deliver unique experiences for the bettors by leveraging its knowledge. Finally, Hession said that Caesars found the best partner by selecting Casino Metro and predicted that the collaboration will bring unique experiences for sports betting fans.

“As we pursued sports betting in Puerto Rico under its unique framework, we wanted to align with the best possible partner that would provide deep, localized knowledge of the market.“

Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital

Ismael Vega, Casino Metro’s general manager, added that the company is glad to announce the “MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook” brand which will help create more than 30 new jobs. He added that the casino constantly seeks to innovate which is why introducing sports betting was a “natural step.” Finally, Vega said that the company is excited to collaborate with an industry expert such as Caesars for the launch of sports betting.

Famous as one of the best resort and casino locations in Pennsylvania, Wind Creek Bethlehem, announced it opened the doors of its new luxury poker room.

Wind Creek Bethlehem Revamps Poker Room

Managed by Wind Creek Hospitality, the authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which is the only federally recognized Native American tribe in Alabama, Wind Creek Bethlehem is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Poker fans that visit the venue are in for a treat after Wind Creek Bethlehem announced Wednesday it introduced a new and improved poker room offering unique amenities.

Joseph DeFranza, Wind Creek Bethlehem’s poker room manager, shared his excitement saying that the new poker room seeks to deliver new experiences for the venue’s guests. At the same time, he pointed out that the poker room stands out with amenities that further complement the experience and convenience of the players.

“We wanted to provide our Guests with a Poker Room that is second to none. This room elevates an already exciting game with new, built-in conveniences that enhance the player experience.“

Joseph DeFranza, poker room manager at Wind Creek Bethlehem

The Poker Room Offers Plenty of Amenities

According to Wind Creek Bethlehem, the amenities of the luxurious poker room include complimentary beverages, as well as an improved poker lounge that can accept guests that are waiting to join a poker game. For the convenience of poker players, there’s also a table-side messaging service. The poker room offers convenience in terms of payment as well. Visitors to the poker room can use the services of a dedicated cage cashier.

The newly revamped poker room features 20 action-packed tables. Not unexpectedly, in line with the new poker room, Wind Creek Bethlehem introduced daily poker events that further contribute toward the positive experience for the visitors.

The popularity of poker in the US, similar to sports betting, continues to increase. Besides retail poker games, Pennsylvania offers online poker as well, after legalizing the activity five years ago, back in December 2017.

Besides poker, Wind Creek Bethlehem offers a variety of other gambling games such as slots, and table games including roulette and blackjack. It’s no surprise that the venue offers a sportsbook as well, tapping into an activity that has been growing rapidly in the last few years.

Updated: December 21, 2022

Looking for the best slot games for iPhone with no download required? I put together this list of games with brilliant bonus features and giant jackpots with you in mind.

You’ll find free games as well as the best slot machine games for iPhone for real money. I include titles with progressive jackpots, too, so you have a shot at life-changing payouts if you play those titles.

I begin with a free slot and work our way through the list of best slots for iPhones. Ready to spin? Let’s go!

African Rhino

African Rhino is set on the hot savannah. It has 1,024 ways to win, and symbols include rhinos, crocodiles, eagles, and various card suits.

This game is fairly simple in terms of features. It has wilds that boost wins by up to 27x and a free spins bonus round with all wins tripled.

You can play this and other free iPhone slot games at Slots Casino: Vegas Slot Games. This app gives all players a 10 million coin bonus and has over 50 free slots.

Rags to Witches

• Real Money
• Theme: Halloween
• RTP: 96.21%

No list of the best iPhone slots would be complete without a game from Betsoft. The graphics, game features, and jackpots are second-to-none. Rags to Witches is one of its Halloween slots, and it’s well worth checking out.

This slot has nice 3D graphics with lanterns, candles, bats, candies, black cats, and witches on the reels. Bonus features include a free spins feature with 10 spins and a progressive multiplier, wilds on the middle reels, and four progressive jackpots.

To win the jackpots, you need to spin the prize reel for a shot at the Mini, Minor, Major or Mega jackpots. You can see how large the prizes currently are on the right side of the reels.

You can play this and other iPhone slot machines at Wild Casino. There’s a $5,000 welcome bonus for all new players and hundreds of excellent games.

Raging Rhino

Raging Rhino is a hugely popular real money slot that has been successfully adapted to a free version at many of the top iPhone slot sites. It has 6 reels, 4,096 ways to win, and it has a progressive jackpot so you can win lots of coins.

What bonus features does it offer? It has 3x multipliers, a free spins feature with up to 50 free spins, and stampeding reels for a shot at winning the jackpot.

You can play Raging Rhino at Jackpot Party Casino. It offers up to 20 million free coins for all new players, and there’s an endless and constantly updated selection of games.

Aztec’s Treasure

• Real Money
• Theme: Aztec
• RTP: 95%

Aztec’s Treasure is one of the progressive jackpot video slots from RealTime Gaming. As the name suggests, it’s an Aztec-themed slot. You’ll see symbols like pyramids, masks, jewelry, princesses, and more on the reels.

This slot is fairly simple in terms of bonus features. It has 5 reels, 20 paylines, a free spins bonus round with up to 25 gratis spins, and a 3x multiplier. There’s also a progressive jackpot that can be triggered randomly.

You can play this slot at El Royale Casino. It’s one of our top-rated casino sites and has a welcome package worth up to $20,000. There are over 100 real money iPhone slots to choose from, so be sure to check it out.

9 Pots of Gold

• Real Money
• Theme: Irish
• RTP: 96.24%

9 Pots of Gold is an Irish-themed video slot powered by Microgaming. As a typical Irish slot, it has leprechaun hats, four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, and green lucky 7s on the reels.

This is one of the best iPhone slot games at Betway. I recommend this casino for UK and Canadian players in particular, but players from many other countries are welcome. This casino has plenty of generous bonuses and offers fast, reliable payouts.

Bubble Bubble 2

• Real Money
• Theme: Witches
• RTP: 96%

Bubble Bubble 2 is one of RTG’s most popular slots, and it’s one of the top slot games for iPhone. It’s themed on witches with symbols like cauldrons, mice, candles, owls, and witches’ hats on the reels.

The game has 50 paylines, wild symbols that multiply wins by 3x, and three different free spins features. The free spins rounds have extra wilds, full-reel symbols, and more.

You can play this slot at Las Atlantis Casino. All new players get a 280% deposit match with multiple reloads up for grabs. There are hundreds of iPhone slot games with real money to choose from.

Winds of Wealth

• Real Money
• Theme: Asian
• RTP: 96.04%

I always look for Asian-themed slots, and this is a gorgeous one from Betsoft. It’s set in Japan with paper lanterns, fans, ornaments, and geishas on the reels.

You can play Winds of Wealth at BetUS Casino. There’s a 150% deposit match waiting for all new casino players, and there’s an ever-growing library of iPhone slot games to keep you entertained for a long time to come.