UK Online Gambling at Record High as Overall Gambling Rates Continue to Climb

Roulette wheel with an Earth ball landing on a space with a UK flag


Staggering figures

More than one in four people in the UK are actively gambling online, according to numbers released by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).

44% of UK residents are betting in person, just missing out on the pre-pandemic mark

While 27% of people are gambling online, 44% of UK residents are betting in person, just missing out on the pre-pandemic mark of 47% from September 2019. The proliferating gambling market has caused both pride and concern for different entities.

With the recent change in prime minister, there could be updates to gambling laws coming soon. Regardless, it is safe to say that the UK will continue growing its fruitful market with or without new legislation.

Breakdown of UK gambling

The Commission’s study was analyzed by the UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT), which found that the 25-34-year-old age group saw the largest increase in participation. 43% of people in the age range had gambled at least once in the past four weeks, a 5% increase from the same period the year prior.

The 35-44 age group showed the largest increase in online gambling, rising from 29% to 32%. UKAT also shared that every age group minus the 65+ bracket increased its online gambling participation.

UKAT also revealed an increase in problem gambling rates. The 16-24 age group showed the largest increase, leaping up to 1.4% from 0.4% the year prior. 

Problem gambling has been an ever-present danger for the UKGC. There were encouraging signs earlier this year when the National Lottery reported an increase in total sales and a decrease in problem gambling rates, but the recent reveal contradicts their findings.

Nuno Albuquerque, the consultant treatment lead at UKAT, is pressing the government to publish its overdue white paper on gambling reform.

we’re still waiting for the Government’s 2005 Gambling Act reform White Paper”

“Online gambling is on the rise yet again and we’re still waiting for the Government’s 2005 Gambling Act reform White Paper—the situation is becoming dangerous,” he said. “Yes, there has been political turmoil, but we really need to see the outcomes to this long-awaited reform so that we can better protect those who gamble.”

Changes at the top

The UK’s gambling market, despite its large success, is in a decisive period. There is pressure on the English Premier League and EFL to end their affiliations with betting operators, while government oversight has been polluted by the constant changing of prime ministers.

Former PM Boris Johnson said that he would hear a white paper on gambling reform, but stepped down before he could complete his promise. Replacement Liz Truss showed no interest in the matter.

The onus is now on Rishi Sunak, who was officially waved through on Tuesday morning. However, he seems more focused on other areas in the short term.

“I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government’s agenda,” Sunak said in his first comments as the country’s 57th PM. “That work begins immediately.”

According to Finder, roughly £1.27bn ($1.46bn) is gambled in the UK annually. This year’s total could easily exceed that mark with the allure of the upcoming Qatar World Cup.

The post UK Online Gambling at Record High as Overall Gambling Rates Continue to Climb appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.

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Anti-Online Gambling Lobbyist Sheldon Adelson Takes Heat Over Shady Venetian Poker Tournament

Anti-Online Gambling Lobbyist Sheldon Adelson Takes Heat Over Shady Venetian Poker Tournament


Sheldon Adelson doesn’t run the day-to-day operations of the Venetian Poker Room in Las Vegas. But since he is the CEO and founder of Sands Corporation, the company that owns the Strip casino, and because of his anti-online gambling crusade, he’s taking some heat from the gambling world over a controversial poker tournament.

Adelson, a staunch conservative political lobbyist, has fought long and hard to prevent Americans from being able to gamble legally online. He’s partially responsible for the limited online poker activity in the United States.

The casino mogul uses his wealth as a power tool to convince Republican politicians to support anti-online gambling legislation. He feels internet gambling is bad for his bottom line, which may seem a bit odd for a man worth an estimated $35 billion, according to Forbes Magazine.

What’s This Poker Tournament All About?

The Venetian Poker Room is hosting a $250 buy-in poker tournament with a $150,000 guaranteed prize pool beginning October 21. That might seem like a wonderful opportunity to win a large sum of cash for such a little buy-in. Most tournaments guaranteeing such a hefty prize pool cost more to enter.

There’s only one problem – the tournament has a maximum guarantee of $150,000. So, if the prize pool hits $300,000, which it very well might, the house rakes in the remaining balance.

This differs from most poker tournaments that offer guarantees. In most cases, if the total cost of the buy-ins exceeds the guarantee, money continues to be added to the prize pool.

In the case of the upcoming Venetian tournament, however, the casino will take in all of the additional money.

Why is This Such a Big Deal?

The Venetian isn’t breaking any laws or violating Nevada gambling regulations by hosting the aforementioned poker tournament. And it’s true that poker players aren’t being forced to play. If they don’t want any part of the tournament, they can opt to take their business elsewhere.

But as poker superstar Doug Polk said in a recent YouTube video, this tournament sets a bad precedent for the poker industry. If all goes well and the Venetian makes bank off this event, as Polk claims, it’s likely they’ll continue hosting similar tournaments. And possibly other casinos will see the blueprint and do the same.

As Polk said on YouTube, the Venetian will likely far exceed the guarantee. They know what they’re doing. Venetian has one of the top poker rooms in the world.

The controversial tournament has six Day One starting flights beginning October 21, one each day through October 25. If each session has just 100 entrants, Venetian will break even on the tournament. But given how popular their guaranteed tournaments are and how tempting this event is, the poker room will likely have 150 or more players per session, which means they’ll rake in $75,000 or more beyond the $150,000 guarantee.

Polk Calls for a Boycott

Doug Polk asked his followers to boycott the tournament in hopes of preventing the casino from having a successful event. But it’s unlikely his efforts will do much good.

Polk has a massive following with over 200,000 YouTube subscribers. But he mostly attracts hardcore poker fans. The controversial Venetian tournament is geared towards the recreational player, and many of those individuals don’t follow Poker Twitter or Polk’s YouTube channel.

It’s unlikely recreational players will realize what they’re getting into because the Venetian poker room only advertises the guarantee cap in the fine print. So, they’ll see nothing but a $150,000 guaranteed tournament for just $250 and think they’re getting great value.

What Does Sheldon Adelson Have to Do With Anything?

The odds of Sheldon Adelson even being aware of the questionable poker tournament are slim and none. He doesn’t participate in day-to-day operations of his poker room.

So, technically, he doesn’t have anything to do with this tournament. But that hasn’t stopped some within the poker community from using this as an opportunity to bash the Republican megadonor.

Adelson has fought to prevent Americans from gambling online for many years. He’s pushed anti-internet poker legislation at the federal level since the Black Friday scandal in 2011 which forced the top poker sites out of the US. And despite his age and wealth – he’s 86 – it appears he will continue this fight until the day he dies.



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An Interesting Hand in 8/5 ACE$ Bonus Poker

Putting Bills Into a Machine


The cards in ACE$ Bonus Poker (ABP) are just like the ones in regular Bonus Poker (BP) except there are superimposed yellow letters on four cards: “A” on the ace of clubs, “C” on the ace of diamonds, “E” on the ace of hearts, and “$” on the ace of spades. The order of the suits is alphabetical and contract bridge players will also be familiar with this order.

If you get four aces in ACE$ order, either in positions 1-4 or 2-5, you get paid 4,000 coins instead of 400. I’ve written about this game numerous times and have usually said the only changes you make to regular 8/5 BP strategy to play 8/5 ABP perfectly are to break aces full when the aces are in proper sequence for the bonus.

That is, calling the aces by their superimposed letters, from ACE55 or 6A6E$, among many others, you just hold the aces. From AE$44 or KAE$K, also among many others, you’d hold the full house. 

Turns out whenever I said that’s the only change you make to the strategy, I was wrong! (In one article I found one additional hand, A 8 “467”, but I now know there are more than that.) Breaking in-position aces full hands is the only simple adjustment to make, and for more than 99% of players that’s a useful approximation, but there are a number of cases where you holding one in-position ace, sometimes with another card and sometimes not, in ABP and make another hold in BP.  

A friend of mine, Filius Bruce, who’s a very good computer programmer, has come up with a comprehensive list of such cases. His website www.vidpoke.com. He hasn’t published the strategy for this game yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did in the near future.

Let me give you an example. In BP, where suited italicized letters indicate cards suited with each other, as do cards within quote marks, from the hand AQ “89T” you go for the straight flush in BP but hold the AQ in ABP.

Let’s see how common hand that is.

In regular BP, when we don’t care about the position of the cards, this hand arises 12 times out of the 2,598,960 possible combinations. Which in once in 216,580 hands. For reference, that’s three times as often as a dealt royal flush and exactly as often as being dealt aces with a kicker. The way we get 12 times, is the AQ can be any of four suits, and once that suit is selected, the “89T” can be any of the three remaining suits. Four times three equals 12.

In ABP, we start with the same 12 occurrences, but then we have to make adjustments for the position of the ace and the position of the queen. To indicate an ace is in ABP position, I going to underscore it — such as A. For a given suited ace, there can be two positions it can be in. That is, if it’s the ace of clubs, it’s in its proper place if it is either in the first or second position. Similarly, if it’s the ace of hearts, it may be in either the third or fourth position. So that means that only two out of five times will the solitary aces will be in proper position.

Not so obvious until you think about it, the suited queen has to be out of the way in order for the ACE$ to be in order. For example, if the ace of diamonds is in the second position, the queen must be in the fifth so ACE$ may fit into positions 1-4. If the ace of diamonds is in third position, the queen must be in the first so ACE$ may fit into positions 2-5. Once the ace is in position, only one in four times will the queen also be in position.

Since the ace and queen both must be in position for this to work, this will only happen one time in 10 times we have all five cards dealt to us — or one time in 2,165,800 deals. And when it does happen, it’s a pretty close play!

The way I get one in 10 times, is multiplying the 2-in-5 probability the ace is in the correct place by the 1-in-4 probability the queen is in the correct place. There are six different ways the “89T” can be placed in the remaining three spots. All six of these ways are equivalent insofar as the ACE$ bonus goes, so that may be disregarded.

The other hands whose plays are different in ABP than they are in BP are approximately as rare — and as close. It’s fair to say that most of us (including me), don’t want to take the time and energy to remember these rare plays. If we write them down, we will lose far more time storing and looking up the correct play than the correct play is worth!

Nonetheless, it’s an excellent achievement to identify such rare plays even if they are not particularly useful for most players.

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Dvoress Bags First EPT Title in London After £25K High Roller Victory (£196,170)

Dvoress Bags First EPT Title in London After £25K High Roller Victory (£196,170)



The £25,000 Single-Day High Roller at the PokerStars European Poker Tour London at the Hilton Park Lane hotel has come to an end after 12 hours of play. The small and efficient field of just 19 started three hours later than was scheduled and ended up reaching its conclusion around 3 a.m.

Winning the one-day event for the grand prize of £196,170 was Daniel Dvoress who took home his first EPT title. It marks his fifth live tournament win of his career with most of the others coming in the Bahamas. This win is just an addition to his already impressive resume as the Canadian has accumulated more than $21 million in his illustrious poker career.

£25,000 Single-Day High Roller II Final Results

Place Player Country Prize Money
1 Daniel Dvoress Canada £196,170
2 Joao Vieira Portugal £123,170
3 Pablo Silva Brazil £82,110
4 Danny Tang Hong Kong £54,740

Action of the Day

The field of 19 was made out of a few re-entries and after dinner break when registration closed there were only nine players left. Dvoress was a large stack for most of the day as he began accumulating early and did not relent. He won a crucial hand right before dinner break when Mike Watson made a call against Dvoress’s overpair of kings. That gave him the big chip lead, which he would only expand upon from there and eventually use to lean on the final table.

Sam Greenwood went from second largest stack to out the door as the bubble boy in fifth after his ace-queen was out-flopped. That brought the field down to the four players who were paid.

About 45 minutes later, Danny Tang went out in fourth place after he started the day well as chip leader but ultimate met his demise when his pocket tens were slayed by the pocket eights of Dvoress when a flush was made on the river.

Three-handed play would commence for about another 45 minutes before Pablo Silva was put into an interesting dilemma in the small blind when Dvoress shoved from the button and the shorter stacked Joao Vieira was still to act in the big blind. Silva decided to call and would get unlucky with the board run out to go out in third place.

Heads-up play would last for all of one hand as Dvoress made short work of Vieira who only had a handful of big blinds but who nonetheless would still enjoy the third to second place pay jump acquired.

Hecklen Spins It Up to Win £50,000 EPT London Super High Roller (£652,700)

EPT London Main Event Begins Day 3

Julien Sitbon
Julien Sitbon

Day 3 of the EPT London £5,300 Main Event is also currently underway, with Julien Sitbon entering the day as chip leader.

80 players returned to the felt at the start of play but just 64 remain, with the likes of Ole Schemion, Erik Seidel and PokerStars Ambassador Ramon Colillas still in contention.

Martin Jacobson, who won the £1,100 UKIPT Main Event earlier on the series also has a stack, but sits near the bottom end of the chip counts.

Make sure to follow all the action in PokerNews live blog as well as keeping up with all things happening on the feature table below.

  • 1 EPT London Returns After Eight Years; Two $30,000 Platinum Passes To Be Won
  • 2 It’s Back! The PokerStars EPT Returns to London From Oct. 18
  • 3 Every Past EPT London Final Table Including Coren Mitchell’s Famous 2006 Win
  • 4 Juan Pardo Kicks Off EPT London with £10,200 Mystery Bounty Victory (£80,280)
  • 5 Byron Kaverman Comes From Behind to Win EPT London Single-Day High Roller (£273,710)
  • 6 Martin Jacobson Goes From Short Stack to Champion in UKIPT Main Event (£232,300)
  • 7 Routier Dominates £2,200 UKIPT High Roller Final Table to Win First EPT Title (£249,460)
  • 8 Spulber Bags Platinum Pass; Another Up for Grabs in EPT London £3,000 Mystery Bounty
  • 9 Hecklen Spins It Up to Win £50,000 EPT London Super High Roller (£652,700)
  • 10 MUST SEE – Crazy Runout in EPT London Main Event Boosts Ullereng; Tice Eliminated in Level 1!
  • 11 Dvoress Bags First EPT Title in London After £25K High Roller Victory (£196,170)





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Eponarescue – Gambler’s Den – Best Gambling, Poker, Slot Casino Resources

Dollar Signs


The first slot machine, the so-called Liberty Bell, was invented in 1894 in San Francisco by Charles Fey. It included three reels, one pay line, and an automated payout system. Year after year, slots began to include more reels and pay lines, and rigging some of them was a common activity that still exists today.

Unfortunately, illegal activity will always exist. This leads us to believe that indeed there are slots that are configurated to make the player lose. Moreover, with the increasing online casino world, it seems easier than ever to rig virtual slots by modifying the games’ software. However, it would be a mistake to make the assertion that ‘all online slots are rigged’.

How to Know If Online Slots Are Rigged

The answer to the question ‘Are online casino slots rigged?’ is ‘it depends’. Most online casino games follow strict rules and regulations by prominent entities that would never allow malpractice or any other form of casino hacking. Also, regulators grant licences to online casinos as long as they follow their strict criteria to avoid irresponsible gambling and cheating, whether these come from the operator or the players.

Of course, if you are not careful enough, you could end up on a scam page where slots are rigged. In order for this not to happen, in the following extracts, we will inform you about what steps to take so as to play on a legit platform where you and your money will be safe.

Legit online slots which can be played on legal online casino sites are not rigged. Results are generated randomly, but it is frequent to see players who think that the results are rigged when they start losing. Whereas some unlicensed online casino platforms may be rigging their slots, there are plenty of safe online slots that are not put up.

How Does the Slots Software Work?

Online slots are quite different from physical slots because they work with a series of codes and algorithms. They are designed to imitate the reels from the old days, but with unique features and impressive graphics. The games are lines of codes which can be played on the screen. Let’s have a look at how video slots’ software works.

The return to player rate, or RTP, is the theoretical indicator of how much the machine will return to players in the long run. Frequently, the RTP of a slot ranges from 80% to 99%. The higher the percentage, the more a player should expect to win after a long period of time. Then we have the variance, which tells you how often you could hit a specific combination.

Slots that don’t land winning combinations very often but could pay big rewards are referred to as high-variance slots. On the contrary, if the game offers small winnings, but on a frequent basis, it is said that it has a low variance. Another significant factor to take into account is the RNG (Random Number Generator).

Laptop Gambling

The RNG is a code written into the architecture of the game. RNG codes are not designed to work in a certain manner, but they randomly generate results via the algorithms while the slot reels are spinning. The fair aspect of RNG is that the outcome of the game cannot be predicted.

The slots’ systems don’t have memory, which means that they cannot dictate when to allow a win or a loss. Another aspect that cannot be changed in a legit slot is how much a player can get. This is precisely something that also happens in the best payout slots, where the jackpot could be hit anytime, and sometimes, more than once.

Main Gambling Regulators

The iGaming industry is remarkably controlled by regulators. These are entities such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gambling Association, the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, and many others around the globe. They make sure that fair play is carried out effectively and grant licences only to the operators that tick all the right boxes.

Then, there are RNG testing agencies such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs who inspect the games and provide certificates of online gaming software to ensure fair play. An important certificate for an operator to get is an RNG certificate, which is a seal of approval from a certified testing body that confirms that an online gambling platform adheres to RNG standards.

Law Balance

Among all the requirements that they demand are the RTP and RNG mentioned before in this article, which they can verify by inspecting the games. Also, they have the power to investigate iGaming companies if there is suspicion of money laundering. They also look into responsible gambling partnerships and the restriction tools the casino has.

Regulators also oversee software developers. Online casinos are usually partnered with game developers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt and Red Tiger. All in all, it would be remarkably hard to skip the regulators’ rules for legit iGaming companies. That’s why we always recommend looking for the regulators’ logos at the bottom of the operators’ sites.

Responsible Gambling – Habits, Actions and Main Organisations

Now we will introduce you to responsible gambling. RG is a compulsory element in every gambling enterprise. This department prevents gambling addiction and underage usage. You can also find the RG logos of the organisations partnered with the casino at the bottom of its page. Two associations who are also partnered with the UK’s top online slot casinos are GamStop and BeGambleAware.

 Fun and Responsibility Balance

A useful tool that any online casino’s customer can use is the self-restriction instrument. By setting up spending limitations and temporary self-restrictions, you will keep your gaming habits under control. Furthermore, when you sign up for a legal gambling site, you’ll most likely be asked to provide information about your job, income, and other aspects that will make you eligible or not to play online.

In the case a player has been spending more than what their monthly income suggests, the responsible gambling department gets in touch with this person immediately to study their case. If addiction evidence is spotted, the customer could be temporarily or even indefinitely banned. Keep in mind that the last one interested in promoting addictions is the operator since they could face notorious fines.

Tips to Play Online Slots Safely

In order for you to avoid online slots that are rigged, we have created a series of tips which we hope you will find helpful. Even though winning when playing online slots could seem hard sometimes, it is not impossible as long as you follow the right tips. Check them out in the chart below:

💲 No Deposit Bonuses and Low Wagering Go for online casinos that offer no-deposit bonuses. You can also make sure that the wagering requirement is low, which guarantees quick cash out of your bonus winnings.
🧑 Make Sure Customer Support is Reachable It is essential to be able to reach CS effectively in case you have any type of issue. The more contact methods the operator has, the better: live chat, free phone, and email. Make sure your preferred casino has at least one of them.
💳 Check the Payment Methods Security Verify if safe and secure payment methods such as PayPal are available. A remarkably significant security tool is SSL encryption, which protects your bank and personal details.
⚖️ Stick to Licensed Online Casinos A legal operator must be licensed by a legal institution which regulates gambling activities. Find out which is the regulator of the online casino you want to play at.
🖥️ Play Games by Renowned Software Providers Red Tiger, Evolution, NetEnt, Pariplay, Pragmatic Play, 1×2 Gaming, and Leander, among others, are established game developers that only work with legit casinos.
🖃 Look for the Regulators, RG and Developers’ Stamps Look for the operator’s partnership stamps which are displayed at the bottom of the page.

Summing up, there are several main aspects to watch out for when looking for online slots to play safely. Now that you have better criteria to distinguish between a legit gambling site from another that is not, we can give a better response to two questions:

  • Can online slots be rigged? – Yes, a legal slot could be hacked and modified in order to rig its functionality. Also, a particular slot could be created with the objective to make the player lose, making them think they will win, but with a detrimental outcome for their pocket.
  • Online slots – are they rigged? – Most video slots belong to official online casino sites that are regulated by legal institutions which grant licences. This means that the vast majority are not rigged. However, you could always end up on an unreliable platform where malpractice is carried out.

In conclusion, there might be a few fraudulent online slots that don’t use RNG technology. Nonetheless, casinos have trustworthy auditors who test their RNGs and payout percentages. We recommend looking at the internet scam blacklists so as to spot cheating online slots. Make sure you play on a licensed platform because they will never intend to rig their slots.

One last time, answering the question ‘Are online slots rigged?’, we confidently say that most are not, but you could always encounter the exception to the norm, so watch out. Take your time to broaden your knowledge of how these games work by reading articles like this one. Finally, make sure you play regulated titles powered by top software developers at legit casino platforms.

FAQ

This article on online slots has come to an end. However, we have taken some time to prepare a few frequently asked questions in case you have been left with doubts. We have tried to be short and clear in our answers, but keep in mind that they also jump to the specific paragraph for you to get deep into the topic.

1️⃣ Is it true or false that online slots are rigged?

In the last years, there has been a boom in the iGaming world. It would be a mistake to say that online casino slots are rigged, but illegal activity will always exist. Legit slots that take part on a licensed operator’s site are definitely not rigged. However, if you’re not careful enough, you could end up playing on a scam page.

2️⃣ How do the online slots’ informatic mechanisms work?

Online slots are lines of codes that can be played on the screen thanks to three main software aspects. The RTP is the average percentage of returns a player gets after being in a slot for some time. The variance tells you how often you could hit a specific combination, and the RNG generates results randomly while the reels are spinning.

3️⃣ How can I make sure that online slots are regulated?

The iGaming industry is remarkably controlled by regulators such as the UKGC, the MGA, the GGC, and many others around the globe. Regulators make sure that fair play is carried out effectively, and grant licences to operators that meet a series of requirements. Among all the requirements that they demand are RTP and RNG, which they can verify by inspecting the games.

4️⃣ Can responsible gambling prevent rigged slots?

Responsible gambling is a key element in iGaming companies. Responsible gambling prevents gambling addiction and underage usage. RG logos of the organisations partnered with the casinos, such as GamStop, can be found at the bottom of their pages. A useful RG tool that an online casino customer can use is the self-restriction instrument.

5️⃣ What tips could I follow to avoid playing rigged online slots?

So as not to end up playing scammed online slots, you could follow a few tips. Firstly, you should make sure the page has reliable customer service. Secondly, being able to make secure payments with methods such as PayPal via SSL encryption is a must. Thirdly, look for top providers, regulators and RG logos at the bottom of the operator’s page.





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Betfred fined almost £2.9m over gambling safety check failings | Gambling


The bookmaker Betfred has been fined nearly £2.9m for failings in its social responsibility and money-laundering controls, after accepting tens of thousands of pounds from gamblers without performing adequate safety checks.

One customer was allowed to lose £70,000 over a 10-hour period just a day after opening their account, the Gambling Commission said.

Another was only subjected to controls to ensure they were gambling safety after losing £10,000. The next interaction did not occur until four months later when the customer had deposited £323,715 and lost £69,371. The regulator also identified flaws in the company’s controls to prevent money laundering.

Betfred, which is owned by the billionaire Tory donor brothers Fred and Peter Done, will pay a £2.87m penalty. That is the equivalent to approximately two days of revenue for the company, which paid the brothers a £50m dividend last year.

The bookmaker will also receive an official warning from the Gambling Commission.

Leanne Oxley, the commission’s director of enforcement and intelligence, said: “This is a further example of us taking action to investigate and sanction alarming failures.

“We expect this gambling business and all other licensees to review this case and look closely to see if they need to make further improvements to demonstrate active compliance. Where standards do not improve, tougher enforcement will follow.”

The fine for Betfred, one of the UK’s most established high-street bookmakers, comes at a time when the industry is under scrutiny amid a government review of the gambling laws introduced by the Labour government in 2005.

Since the review was announced there has been a rush in the industry to demonstrate improved commitment to safer gambling, while several big operators have been penalised for licence transgressions.

Earlier this month, Betway was fined more than £400,000 after its marketing material was found on the children’s section of the West Ham United website.

In August, Entain, the Ladbrokes Coral owner, was told it could lose its licence after it was fined £17m for a string of failings related to its inaction as individual customers spent hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The gambling industry has so far resisted calls from campaigners to impose strict affordability checks to prevent people spending unsustainable sums, saying controls that were too intrusive would infringe upon civil liberties.

A Betfred spokesperson said: “We will work with the UK Gambling Commission and continually review all our anti-money laundering and social responsibility policies. During our assessment, the commission found no evidence of criminal activity. We remain committed to providing a safer gambling environment for our customers.”



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How To Identify And Help Seniors With Gambling Addiction

Preventing the Link Between Crime & Problem Gambling


National Senior Citizens Day is August 21st of each year and is an opportunity  to express thanks to older Americans for their contributions to making our families, our communities, and our country better. 

Florida is a destination for older adults, who flock to the state, as do their younger counterparts to enjoy the weather, the beaches, the entertainment, and the lifestyle. As gambling is among recreational activities enjoyed by many seniors, it is not surprising that so many retirees are relocating to the Sunshine State. Per the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest estimates, Florida has the largest percentage of senior citizens (21% or 4.2 million) [1], which doesn’t appear to be slowing.  To document the number of relocations, in 2020, 167 people moved into Florida for every 100 who left, whereas in 2021, that number doubled to 210 inbound residents for every 100 who left, meaning more than twice as many people moved into the state than left it [2]. Further, Tampa was among the top three metro areas that experienced the largest number of new residents from 2010 to 2020, along with Orlando and Miami [3].

For many seniors, gambling provides a social outlet, giving them a place to go and meet others at a time in their lives when they enjoy the socialization.  For others, gambling seems like a fun way to have a little excitement and maybe win some money along the way. As one grows older, some have found that gambling offers a way to fill empty or free time, brought about since retirement or following the loss of a loved one. Over time, slowly, gambling may become viewed as a necessary activity to provide excitement, relief from boredom or sadness, or a place to belong. And some find themselves spending more and more money gambling and less time in other activities. Since gambling may have seemed like a harmless activity in the beginning, it can be difficult to see it in a different light. 

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling wants Floridians to know, whether they are living on fixed incomes or not, that while special circumstances may present when gambling becomes a problem among senior citizens, one contact to 888-ADMIT-IT will help them and their families to start their paths to recovery, one step at a time.  Keep in mind seniors have less time and fewer financial resources to recover from social, financial and, particularly, the medical and psychiatric consequences resulting from disordered gambling, so seeking prompt assistance is important and supports are available around the clock. Remember, it’s never too late to start recovering, so this National Senior Day, secure the help you or a loved one needs.

In addition to a breadth of resources and referral organizations, 888-ADMIT-IT can provide self-help workbooks for seniors in print and in audio, for those who experience visual difficulties.  Moreover, 888-ADMIT-IT offers self-help guides for loved ones, who frequently experience many of the same symptoms as their problem gambling counterparts. Beyond a Peer Connect program and an Online Program for Problem Gamblers, 888-ADMIT-IT refers to certified gambling addiction professionals, self-help organizations, and provides diverse supports pending individual circumstances and needs.

If gambling is presenting difficulties in your life or in a loved one’s, Your One Sure Thing, 888-ADMIT-IT can provide the services you need.  The HelpLine may be reached by phone (888-ADMIT-IT or 888-236-4848), text (321-978-0555), email ([email protected]), chat (gamblinghelp.org), via the 888-ADMIT-IT mobile app (https://landing.appypie.com/888-admit-it), or on social media.

  1. Reference: Rubin, E. (2022).  Elderly population in U.S. by state. Consumer Affairs. Retrieved Population Over 65 by State (2022) | ConsumerAffairs.
  2. Reference: Hayes, K. (2022). New Yorkers and Californians Flock to Florida. Florida Realtors. Retrieved New Yorkers and Californians Flock to Florida | Florida Realtors.
  3. Ibid.



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HighStakes Poker Review (2022) – All-inclusive analysis


One of the biggest of High Stakes Poker is the wide variety of payment methods it supports. The payment methods include those that utilize fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies. Players can choose a payment method that best works for them.

Payment methods accepted on the platform include Neteller, PaySafe, Skrill, Luxon, Visa Electron, Bitcoin, Ethereu, USDT, USDC, Dogecoin, Visa, Paysafecard, Asian Banking, Dankorf, PaySafe Cash, Carta Bleue, CartaSi, and MasterCard.

Other deposit methods are Giropay, Epay Bulgaria, Direct Debit, Diners, Dankort, Maestro, Klarna, JCB, Direct idealA, NetPay, American Express, MuchBetter, Astropay Cash, Nordea Solo, and American Express.

The site has additional payment methods, including Indian Banking, Trusly, AliPay, Resurs, Rapid Transfer, Przelewy, and PostePay. The payment method you pick largely depends on what’s available to you and in your country.

By providing a wide variety of payment methods, High Stakes Poker seeks to accommodate players from across the world. With many players participating in the poker room, it’s possible to get someone to play with every time you log in to your account.

The good thing with the online poker provider is that it allows individual players to negotiate the maximum withdrawal amount. However, this privilege is only available to the high rollers who can deposit or withdraw any amount.

Players have to wait for varying lengths of time to make a withdrawal from the website. When withdrawing from eWallets, you might have to wait for 24 hours before receiving your funds. If it involves large amounts, you might have to wait for several days before the funds get deposited into your account.



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Are Online Slots Rigged? ▶️ The Mechanisms Behind Slot Machines

Three Slots


The first slot machine, the so-called Liberty Bell, was invented in 1894 in San Francisco by Charles Fey. It included three reels, one pay line, and an automated payout system. Year after year, slots began to include more reels and pay lines, and rigging some of them was a common activity that still exists today.

Unfortunately, illegal activity will always exist. This leads us to believe that indeed there are slots that are configurated to make the player lose. Moreover, with the increasing online casino world, it seems easier than ever to rig virtual slots by modifying the games’ software. However, it would be a mistake to make the assertion that ‘all online slots are rigged’.

How to Know If Online Slots Are Rigged

The answer to the question ‘Are online casino slots rigged?’ is ‘it depends’. Most online casino games follow strict rules and regulations by prominent entities that would never allow malpractice or any other form of casino hacking. Also, regulators grant licences to online casinos as long as they follow their strict criteria to avoid irresponsible gambling and cheating, whether these come from the operator or the players.

Of course, if you are not careful enough, you could end up on a scam page where slots are rigged. In order for this not to happen, in the following extracts, we will inform you about what steps to take so as to play on a legit platform where you and your money will be safe.

Legit online slots which can be played on legal online casino sites are not rigged. Results are generated randomly, but it is frequent to see players who think that the results are rigged when they start losing. Whereas some unlicensed online casino platforms may be rigging their slots, there are plenty of safe online slots that are not put up.

How Does the Slots Software Work?

Online slots are quite different from physical slots because they work with a series of codes and algorithms. They are designed to imitate the reels from the old days, but with unique features and impressive graphics. The games are lines of codes which can be played on the screen. Let’s have a look at how video slots’ software works.

Dollar Signs

The return to player rate, or RTP, is the theoretical indicator of how much the machine will return to players in the long run. Frequently, the RTP of a slot ranges from 80% to 99%. The higher the percentage, the more a player should expect to win after a long period of time. Then we have the variance, which tells you how often you could hit a specific combination.

Slots that don’t land winning combinations very often but could pay big rewards are referred to as high-variance slots. On the contrary, if the game offers small winnings, but on a frequent basis, it is said that it has a low variance. Another significant factor to take into account is the RNG (Random Number Generator).

Laptop Gambling

The RNG is a code written into the architecture of the game. RNG codes are not designed to work in a certain manner, but they randomly generate results via the algorithms while the slot reels are spinning. The fair aspect of RNG is that the outcome of the game cannot be predicted.

The slots’ systems don’t have memory, which means that they cannot dictate when to allow a win or a loss. Another aspect that cannot be changed in a legit slot is how much a player can get. This is precisely something that also happens in the best payout slots, where the jackpot could be hit anytime, and sometimes, more than once.

Main Gambling Regulators

The iGaming industry is remarkably controlled by regulators. These are entities such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gambling Association, the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, and many others around the globe. They make sure that fair play is carried out effectively and grant licences only to the operators that tick all the right boxes.

Then, there are RNG testing agencies such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs who inspect the games and provide certificates of online gaming software to ensure fair play. An important certificate for an operator to get is an RNG certificate, which is a seal of approval from a certified testing body that confirms that an online gambling platform adheres to RNG standards.

Law Balance

Among all the requirements that they demand are the RTP and RNG mentioned before in this article, which they can verify by inspecting the games. Also, they have the power to investigate iGaming companies if there is suspicion of money laundering. They also look into responsible gambling partnerships and the restriction tools the casino has.

Regulators also oversee software developers. Online casinos are usually partnered with game developers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt and Red Tiger. All in all, it would be remarkably hard to skip the regulators’ rules for legit iGaming companies. That’s why we always recommend looking for the regulators’ logos at the bottom of the operators’ sites.

Responsible Gambling – Habits, Actions and Main Organisations

Now we will introduce you to responsible gambling. RG is a compulsory element in every gambling enterprise. This department prevents gambling addiction and underage usage. You can also find the RG logos of the organisations partnered with the casino at the bottom of its page. Two associations who are also partnered with the UK’s top online slot casinos are GamStop and BeGambleAware.

 Fun and Responsibility Balance

A useful tool that any online casino’s customer can use is the self-restriction instrument. By setting up spending limitations and temporary self-restrictions, you will keep your gaming habits under control. Furthermore, when you sign up for a legal gambling site, you’ll most likely be asked to provide information about your job, income, and other aspects that will make you eligible or not to play online.

In the case a player has been spending more than what their monthly income suggests, the responsible gambling department gets in touch with this person immediately to study their case. If addiction evidence is spotted, the customer could be temporarily or even indefinitely banned. Keep in mind that the last one interested in promoting addictions is the operator since they could face notorious fines.

Tips to Play Online Slots Safely

In order for you to avoid online slots that are rigged, we have created a series of tips which we hope you will find helpful. Even though winning when playing online slots could seem hard sometimes, it is not impossible as long as you follow the right tips. Check them out in the chart below:

💲 No Deposit Bonuses and Low Wagering Go for online casinos that offer no-deposit bonuses. You can also make sure that the wagering requirement is low, which guarantees quick cash out of your bonus winnings.
🧑 Make Sure Customer Support is Reachable It is essential to be able to reach CS effectively in case you have any type of issue. The more contact methods the operator has, the better: live chat, free phone, and email. Make sure your preferred casino has at least one of them.
💳 Check the Payment Methods Security Verify if safe and secure payment methods such as PayPal are available. A remarkably significant security tool is SSL encryption, which protects your bank and personal details.
⚖️ Stick to Licensed Online Casinos A legal operator must be licensed by a legal institution which regulates gambling activities. Find out which is the regulator of the online casino you want to play at.
🖥️ Play Games by Renowned Software Providers Red Tiger, Evolution, NetEnt, Pariplay, Pragmatic Play, 1×2 Gaming, and Leander, among others, are established game developers that only work with legit casinos.
🖃 Look for the Regulators, RG and Developers’ Stamps Look for the operator’s partnership stamps which are displayed at the bottom of the page.

Summing up, there are several main aspects to watch out for when looking for online slots to play safely. Now that you have better criteria to distinguish between a legit gambling site from another that is not, we can give a better response to two questions:

  • Can online slots be rigged? – Yes, a legal slot could be hacked and modified in order to rig its functionality. Also, a particular slot could be created with the objective to make the player lose, making them think they will win, but with a detrimental outcome for their pocket.
  • Online slots – are they rigged? – Most video slots belong to official online casino sites that are regulated by legal institutions which grant licences. This means that the vast majority are not rigged. However, you could always end up on an unreliable platform where malpractice is carried out.

In conclusion, there might be a few fraudulent online slots that don’t use RNG technology. Nonetheless, casinos have trustworthy auditors who test their RNGs and payout percentages. We recommend looking at the internet scam blacklists so as to spot cheating online slots. Make sure you play on a licensed platform because they will never intend to rig their slots.

One last time, answering the question ‘Are online slots rigged?’, we confidently say that most are not, but you could always encounter the exception to the norm, so watch out. Take your time to broaden your knowledge of how these games work by reading articles like this one. Finally, make sure you play regulated titles powered by top software developers at legit casino platforms.

FAQ

This article on online slots has come to an end. However, we have taken some time to prepare a few frequently asked questions in case you have been left with doubts. We have tried to be short and clear in our answers, but keep in mind that they also jump to the specific paragraph for you to get deep into the topic.

1️⃣ Is it true or false that online slots are rigged?

In the last years, there has been a boom in the iGaming world. It would be a mistake to say that online casino slots are rigged, but illegal activity will always exist. Legit slots that take part on a licensed operator’s site are definitely not rigged. However, if you’re not careful enough, you could end up playing on a scam page.

2️⃣ How do the online slots’ informatic mechanisms work?

Online slots are lines of codes that can be played on the screen thanks to three main software aspects. The RTP is the average percentage of returns a player gets after being in a slot for some time. The variance tells you how often you could hit a specific combination, and the RNG generates results randomly while the reels are spinning.

3️⃣ How can I make sure that online slots are regulated?

The iGaming industry is remarkably controlled by regulators such as the UKGC, the MGA, the GGC, and many others around the globe. Regulators make sure that fair play is carried out effectively, and grant licences to operators that meet a series of requirements. Among all the requirements that they demand are RTP and RNG, which they can verify by inspecting the games.

4️⃣ Can responsible gambling prevent rigged slots?

Responsible gambling is a key element in iGaming companies. Responsible gambling prevents gambling addiction and underage usage. RG logos of the organisations partnered with the casinos, such as GamStop, can be found at the bottom of their pages. A useful RG tool that an online casino customer can use is the self-restriction instrument.

5️⃣ What tips could I follow to avoid playing rigged online slots?

So as not to end up playing scammed online slots, you could follow a few tips. Firstly, you should make sure the page has reliable customer service. Secondly, being able to make secure payments with methods such as PayPal via SSL encryption is a must. Thirdly, look for top providers, regulators and RG logos at the bottom of the operator’s page.



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A Review of Quatro Casino

Legal Online Casinos for Canadians | List of Top Legal Casinos


Quatro Casino has plenty of offers for new customers as part of their welcome bonus. For instance, with your first cash deposit, you receive a match bonus of up to $100 and up to 700 free spins. I got to enjoy free spins EVERY DAY for 7 days after making my first deposit. One of the best online casino bonuses around! It gave me something to look forward to after work every day. Not only do I get free spins each day, but I was excited to be playing my spins on a new game.

These free spins are to enable you to try out Quatro Casino each day. I thought this was a great offer. There are a few things you need to do in order to claim your free spins and bonus every day.

First, you have to download the software, install it and then register to play before you deposit. You will need a Real Quatro casino account for this which you can set up on the same day.

The signup bonus and spins depend on the amount you deposit in your Quatro Casino account on the first deposit. The more you deposit, the better the welcome bonus and the more spins you receive. For instance, for your first $10 deposit, you receive 10 free spins for the first 7 consecutive days and a $10 bonus.

For your first $20 deposit to the casino, you receive 20 free spins per day for the first 7 consecutive days and a $20 bonus. And on your first $100 deposit or more, you will receive the maximum bonus of 100 free spins every day for 7 consecutive days and a bonus of $100! That means that once the money hits your online casino account, you will be rewarded with the free spins and bonus. The best value is to make a deposit of $100, as you receive the best bonus and a HUNDRED free spins each day.

The bonuses and free spins at Quatro Casino kick in from day 1, after you make your first deposit into your account. Free spins are allocated on consecutive days upon login. It will depend on the game that you choose, such as Reel Gems, Avalon, Golden Princess or any of the others. On day 1, free spins are awarded on Immortal Romance, day 2 free spins on Avalon, then free spins on Reel Gems on day 3, CR Millionaires Club is the game to claim free spins on day 4, Golden Princess has your spins on day 5, Mega Money Multiplier has free spins on day 6 and Forbidden Throne’s free spins are the last ones on day 7. Don’t forget to log into Quatro Casino every day to claim your bonus spins otherwise they will expire! The way each new day is calculated for your free spins, is 24 hours after the time of your first deposit.



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