NOGA Managing Director Reappointed for Another Two-Year Term

NOGA Managing Director Reappointed for Another Two-Year Term


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.



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Owensboro Rehabilitation Center Offers Residential Treatment for Gambling Disorders


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.



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Boomerang Jack’s Lost Mines: A New Video Slot from Red Rake Gaming


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.



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Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts Week 16 Odds, Time, and Prediction


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

Spread Odds
Los Angeles Chargers -4.5 -110
Indianapolis Colts +4.5 -110

Moneyline

Moneyline Odds
Los Angeles Chargers -215
Indianapolis Colts +180

Points

Over/Under Odds
Over 45.5 Points -110
Under 45.5 Points -110

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.



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Caesars and Casino Metro Plan Betting Location in Puerto Rico


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.



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Wind Creek Bethlehem Unveils New and Improved Poker Room


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.



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Top Stories of 2022, #9: Michigan Matures, Ontario Launches, and is Texas in Trouble?



While the No. 10 story of 2022 was centered on the triumphant return of live poker coming off a two-year pandemic, our No. 9 story of the year goes virtual – online poker regulation.

Coincidentally, last year’s No. 9 story of 2021 was Michigan dealing their first hands of online poker. This year, the Wolverine State was back in the news, while perhaps the biggest regulation news came out of Ontario, Canada.

Movement in Michigan

At the end of March, Michigan received its third online poker room with the launch of WSOP MI, which offered a full array of tournaments, cash games, and Sit & Gos. They joined the likes of BetMGM and PokerStars in the market.

“Super excited for this,” 2009 WSOP Main Event champ Joe Cada wrote on Facebook. “WSOP Michigan launches Monday, and if you’re playing any poker online in Michigan make this your go to. A lot of cool promotions in the first few months, and they will have WSOP Main Event Satellites before the summer.”

Cada would go on to become an Ambassador for WSOP MI.

Michigan Poker

What’s more, Michigan made big strides toward joining player pools with other states. In March, theMichigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) indicated they would look to join the interstate compact along with New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, which they did the following month.

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Association LLC, a Delaware-based corporation that manages the affairs of states that are a part of the MSIGA, announced that Michigan would be joining the other three states.

“The Multi-State Internet Gaming Association welcomes Michigan to its ranks, along with its nearly 10 million residents, who can now avail themselves of a full array of interactive gaming among the Association’s member states,” said Rebecca Satterfield, Manager of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association LLC and the Internet Gaming Manager for the Delaware Lottery. “The Association continues to be forward thinking and welcomes the interest of additional gaming jurisdictions in becoming party to the Agreement.”

While Michigan has yet to combine player pools, the online sites have been busy aligning their software, especially PokerStars. Look for Michigan to officially combine player pools in 2023, which given its 10 million population will essentially double the existing pool.

Stiff Competition for Ontario Market

GG WSOP

In April, news broke that the WSOP had partnered with GGPoker to launch WSOP.CA in Ontario, which they eventually did on September 30.

The new online poker room was promoted by GGPoker Global Ambassador and Canadian Daniel Negreanu, who said: “As a proud Ontario native, I’m thrilled that poker’s two greatest brands have come together to launch WSOP.CA and offer the Ontario poker community the perfect place to play online. You’ll be seeing exclusive WSOP rewards and tournaments, running on GGPoker’s amazing app - what’s not to love about that?”

WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart said the partnership with GGPoker “combines the best poker brand with the top poker software,” adding that “we’re thrilled to launch this online poker room for Ontario players.”

GGPoker wasn’t the only site to launch in Ontario as 888poker actually did in April, while PokerStars followed in June and made an immediate splash with the Ontario Platinum Series in July offering $1 million in guaranteed prize pools.

Tom Warren, Managing Director of Marketing for PokerStars, said: “In many respects, Ontario is our home market, given the first-ever hand of PokerStars was played here over 20 years ago, so we are thrilled about the new regulated environment within which our players can play. A lot has changed in that time, but our commitment to offering our players the most epic and thrilling experience in the market hasn’t – and we can’t wait to get started.”

OntarioPokerStars

Ontario Setting the Stage

While the Ontario market is fenced-in, meaning players can only compete against other players located within the province, and the population is limited, the most notable thing is what it could mean for the future of poker, especially for the WSOP and GGPoker.

For the past few years, the two companies have enjoyed a partnership during the live WSOP in Las Vegas, which will continue into the foreseeable future. However, GGPoker is not currently licensed in the United States, so for the past decade, WSOP.com software in New Jersey and Nevada has been run by 888poker. That will change at some point in the future.

WSOP CA in Ontario utilizes GGPoker’s beloved software, and it’s essentially setting the stage for what’s to come in the United States if/when GGPoker is able to get its foot in the door. It could take several years, but those in the industry feel that it’s only a matter of time before they do.

As such, the 2022 launch of regulated online poker in Ontario will likely serve as a watershed moment in the history of online poker.

Best Online Poker Sites - Play the Top Online Rooms

Quick Texas Update

Texas poker

Texas does not offer online poker, but there was actually considerable movement in their live gray market. The Lone Star State currently allows poker rooms to operate under a social club model despite gambling being illegal in Texas.

Back in March, PokerNews did a weeklong road trip through Texas visiting more than two dozen rooms. At the time, poker in Texas was thriving, and while that’s still true, they’ve experienced some road bumps in the latter half of 2022.

Texas Card House Dallas had its Certificate of Occupancy revoked, which led to a series of court dates with back-and-forth results. Heading into the new year it appears the case will ultimately make its way to the Texas Supreme Court, which would have game-changing implications, be them good or bad, for cardrooms throughout the state.

The issue needs to be determined one way or the other as players are at risk in certain parts of the state, which was evidenced by an October raid at the Watauga Social Lounge Poker Club.

A month ago, Texas lawmaker Gene Wu (D-Houston) introduced House Bill 732 to address the “social club” loophole. He told PokerNews in an interview that his intentions aren’t to ban poker in the state, but instead leave it up to individual counties to determine legality.

“We’re supportive of full legalized gambling across the state,” the Democratic politician said.

The Texas Legislative Session convenes the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years (it’s a biennial system), so poker players in Texas will have to wait until 2023 to see what ultimately develops.

Check out our interview w/ Texas Lawmaker Gene Wu here!

Name Surname
Chad Holloway

Executive Editor U.S.

Executive Editor US, PokerNews Podcast co-host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.





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Best iPhone Slot Machines (Free and Real Money)


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.

Tip:

Look out for the pot of gold scatter. It triggers the free spins feature and can award up to 2,000x for nine on the reels. The free spins feature offers up to 30 spins with a 3x multiplier.

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.

Note:

Winds of Wealth comes with a couple of top-notch bonus features. First, it has stacked mystery symbols that morph into one random symbol – this can create epic wins. There’s also a free spins feature with up to 25 bonus rounds up for grabs.

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.



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Star Entertainment Stocks Slide on News of NSW Tax Scheme


Star Entertainment Group issued an announcement on the Australian Stock Exchange Monday, seeking to urgently engage with the New South Wales Government after NSW Treasurer Matt Kean announced a potential reform to the NSW casino tax regime.

The treasurer’s announcement stated that two Sydney casinos would be paying over $300m more in annual taxes on poker machines (slots) and gaming tables.

Star stocks (ASX code: SGR) were down about 15% on the news.

The treasurer intends to increase taxes on Star’s casino in Pyrmont and the Crown Sydney, which has no poker machines, enough to raise $364m in order to take care of pandemic-affected communities and those hit hardest by floods and wildfires.

Clubs NSW maintains that the big casinos don’t pay the same amount of taxes on their machines as the local clubs and hotels do.

The clubs have been at the forefront of opposition to Premier Dominic Perrottet in his quest to make all gambling machines in the state “cashless” in order to stem the tide of money laundering that is believed to occur through the devices.

Remediation to Regain Community Trust

The closing statement in The Stars’ ASX announcement included, “The Star seeks to fast track cashless gaming and carded play to deliver safer gambling, whilst also continuing on a remediation path to return to suitability and earn back the trust of the community.”

Kean said about gaming machine taxes: “It’s important that casinos pay their fair share of tax. These reformed tax rates will replace the existing regime under which casinos pay less tax on poker machines than hotels and clubs.”

Kean’s announcement would seem to have blindsided Star executives who earlier this month were given 12 months to “get their house in order” to avoid a levied license suspension and were ordered to pay a $100m fine for anti-money laundering failures in the past and a lack of urgency in remedying its practices and controls.

The Star’s CEO and Managing Director Robbie Cooke noted that when all tax regimes are taken into account, as much as 80% of Star profits are handed over in the form of taxes.

Cooke said: “We are not sure how the Government modeled its financials nor the basis for suggesting The Star does not pay its fair share of taxes.

Specifically, in addition to state gaming taxes, The Star also pays millions in corporate taxes, with total taxes paid as a percentage of The Star’s profits being around 70%, and as high as 80% in the last 5 years when all the tax regimes are considered.”

New Tax Rate for July 2023

According to The SMH, the government proposes a top tax rate on poker machines of 60.67% with the new regime going into effect in July 2023. That rate would bring the state’s pokie tax rate in line with a new rate announced in Victoria’s state budget that exceeds the percentage paid by clubs and hotels.

Monday’s drop in share prices brought the already battered stock down nearly 40% over the last year, adding to an earlier sustained skid of about 25% in the face of and aftermath of the Bell inquiry that found systemic problems with the compliance culture of the casino giant.

A previous tax agreement struck in 2020 but abandoned by the government after Star had its license suspended with a 12-month delay in effect would have saved the operator over $1b in taxes through 2041.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rival operator Crown Resorts’ spokesperson said: “The impact of these changes will depend on the final details of the tax and other pre-existing arrangements we have in place at Crown Sydney.”

Crown Sydney has guaranteed the government at least $1b in taxes over its first 15 years of operations.

Source: Star share price plummets following NSW casino tax increase proposal, The Sydney Morning Herald, December 19, 2022

The post Star Entertainment Stocks Slide on News of NSW Tax Scheme appeared first on Casino News Daily.

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Kindred Opens a Tech Office in Bengaluru


Kindred Group, a global holding encompassing a variety of gaming brands, has unveiled a new Tech hub in Bengaluru, the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The company hopes to quickly expand the hub, helping it bolster its tech pipeline.

The New Hub Should Be Working at Full Capacity by the End of 2023

As announced by Kindred, the plan is to have the office running with a team of 100 workers by the end of the upcoming year. The group will seek talented developers and support staff to join its team.

According to the announcement, the new hub in Bengaluru will greatly increase Kindred Group’s tech capacity. Furthermore, an extra Tech hub will support the company’s existing teams in Europe, the United States and Australia.

Kindred is already looking for members of its new local team and hopes to get the hub operational in the second quarter of 2023. If everything goes according to plan, the Bengaluru Tech hub will be working at full capacity by the end of that year. The solutions produced by the Indian team will be rolled out in regulated markets all over the world, providing a lot of growth opportunities for team members.

Kindred Will Offer Tons of Career Opportunities to Locals

Although Kindred will open an office in Bengaluru, the company noted that it will not offer products it services in the region. Instead, the company looks to tap into India’s rich pool of talent. The group described the Indian city as a long-known “center of technical excellence and talent.”

Considering the city’s reputation, Kindred has no doubts that it would quickly find excellent workers. The company promised that it will offer locals exciting opportunities to work in the global gaming sector and develop their technical skills.

Kindred Group’s deputy chief technology officer, Soren Thornlund, spoke about the new hub, saying that the company is thrilled to establish a foothold in Bengaluru. He lauded the city as a great tech center and said that Kindred is excited to offer locals a great career in the gaming sector.

We are thrilled to be opening a new tech hub in Bengaluru. We look forward to building our team by bringing highly talented, experienced engineers into our tech function.

Soren Thornlund, deputy CTO, Kindred Group

Kindred is a company that is very committed to developing technologies for the gaming sector. Thanks to this and its commitment to its workers, the company was recently named the Top Career Company in Sweden. The group received this award thanks to the many career and development opportunities it offers to graduates and professionals alike. It is no doubt that Kindred will now offer these same opportunities to people in Bengaluru.



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