Tag: gambling

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Entertainment

Tips for Finding a Safe Online Casino to Play Slots

Tips for Finding a Safe Online Casino to Play Slots
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Although online gambling statistics are hard to find, we know the industry is receiving more interest than ever before. Recent reports show that roughly one-fifth of the global population has gambled online at least once. One study estimates that the global online gambling market will reach a valuation of $67 billion by 2025, up from $44 billion in 2019.

Like most people, most casinos are 100% legitimate. Unfortunately, bad apples have given the gambling industry a less-than-perfect reputation. Whether you’re an expert gambler or a novice, you should know how to select a safe online casino. These tips will help you stay safe when enjoying online gaming.

Look for Licensure

Many countries don’t license online casinos. However, their citizens won’t be penalized for gambling online. Although gambling regulations are known to increase casinos’ overhead, in turn leading to lower payouts, a lack of regulations leaves gamblers little power in holding casinos accountable. Never gamble at casinos that aren’t licensed. 

Playing slots at www.mansioncasino.com/ca/, for example, is safe because it’s licensed in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory in Europe. In addition, the company holds a United Kingdom Gambling Commission Remote Operating License. These licenses add to MansionCasino’s legitimacy, making it a safe place to gamble online. You can find these disclosures on the bottom of the casino’s website. On other websites, search for terms and conditions and “About Us” pages to find license disclosures. 

Casino owners understand how important these licenses are. They may attempt to falsely claim licensure to draw in more players. You should always look for these licenses on casinos’ websites. 

After finding them, search for their license online. Find the country’s gambling authority and ask them whether the casino in question is actually registered or not. Although this step may seem overkill, it’s not. Due diligence is essential to protecting yourself online.

Set Aside Some Money to Test Payout Protocol

Nobody likes losing money. However, as a gambler, you’re already prepared to lose money from time to time. Before trusting a casino with your hard-earned money, test its payout procedures. Some online casinos can be slow to pay out or make the process more difficult than it has to be. 

Set aside a small yet substantial amount of money. $100 is a good place to start. After making an account on a casino, deposit your money. Before withdrawing money, play a few games. Don’t bother gambling much, however.

Withdraw your funds. See how long it takes. If the withdrawal goes smoothly, the casino’s probably legitimate. Don’t bother with casinos that have shoddy, untrustworthy withdrawal practices.

Another method before opening an account is to read as many online reviews as possible. Get an idea of their withdraw practices, what the process is and how long it takes. Also, look for casinos who offer many different ways to get paid. 

Talk to the Casino’s Customer Service Representatives

Every business owner understands how important good customer service is. This holds true for casinos. Illegitimate casinos won’t bother with hiring high-quality customer service representatives.

When testing a casino’s customer service, you don’t need to conduct a full-blown investigation. Ask a few general questions to see how representatives respond. Make sure their responses include good grammar. You should always ensure these responses match the casino’s online terms and conditions. 

We know that most people don’t bother reading terms and conditions. You don’t need to read the entire legal document, however. Simply search for the company’s policies using keywords. If the document’s policies match up with what customer service representatives say, the casino is likely legitimate.

 

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Entertainment

US Casino Industry Seeks Aid in Recovery

Photo by Paul IJsendoorn from Pexels

 

The ongoing pandemic has put massive dents in the revenues of several industries this year, especially in the entertainment segment – and one of the hardest-hit was the gambling industry. Casinos across the country shut down in the spring, then reopened at a reduced capacity, making it harder for them to recover. To do so, the industry will need a helping hand from the government, American Gaming Association President Bill Miller says.

The worst year in ages

The year 2020 started out promising for the US gambling industry, with its revenues showing double-digit growth in the first two months of the year compared to the similar time period of 2019. Then the pandemic hit, shutting down virtually the entire industry, reducing revenues by more than 90%. While the revenues do show some recovery as we speak, with 90% of casinos across the country reopened, they are still way beyond last year’s levels. 

The AGA’s August revenue tracker report shows that the industry’s total revenue is still almost 40% below last year’s level, with both slots and table games feeling the pressure of reduced attendance.

 

 

US Casino Industry Seeks Aid in Recovery

 

Sports and online soar

Sports betting has followed pretty much the same curve – with sports across the world shutting down for the better part of spring and early summer – but recovered as sports returned, growing by more than 30% this year. Sports betting handle has nearly doubled in August due to the month’s busy schedule.

Online casinos, in turn, have seen perhaps their best year in the US yet, with their revenues soaring by a staggering 203.3% year-on-year, to close to $1 billion. Online gaming outlets like the JackpotCity online casino are pandemic-proof as they don’t rely on in-person attendance at all. The JackpotCity offers its users a game variety comparable to those of brick-and-mortar casinos while allowing players to stay safe and virus-free at home.

iGaming has already shown some growth early in the year but with the lockdowns, it truly found its place, serving as a viable alternative for many.

In need of a helping hand

“Gaming has never experienced a disruption like COVID-19,” AGA President Bill Miller said in his State of the Casinos speech at the 2020 G2E conference (held online-only because of the ongoing pandemic). Not only the businesses that have seen their revenues drop significantly this year that have suffered because of this massive disruption but also the 1.8 million-strong workforce supported by the industry, not to mention the small businesses that depend on the industry to survive. 

The casino industry has managed to access some pandemic relief funds this year, Miller said, but it’s vital for it to be included in similar schemes in the future. Also, casinos need liability protection and tax relief to help save jobs and a faster switch to digital payments that would help further reduce the risk their visitors are exposed to by reducing their contact with cash – the item hardest to disinfect.

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NYC Uncategorized

Why Should New York Need to Legalize Online Gambling?

Why Should New York Need to Legalize Online Gambling?
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Legalize Online Gambling?

Legislations vary around the United States. While online casinos, lottery, and sports betting are legal in some states, other states like New York are yet to join the bandwagon. The state has the longest history of restricting any form of gambling and even elaborates on the list of offenses and related penalties.

There aren’t any big casinos in New York for that reason. However, the situation has slowly improved over time. New York residents aren’t explicitly barred from taking part in wagering activities, especially online casinos and sports betting. However, running an online gambling institution is outlawed.

What that means is while New York residents are free to wager online without risking prosecution, running an online gambling platform within state boundaries is illegal. Hence, operators catering to New York are located offshore. If you’re a New York Resident and want to explore iGaming, visit PAPunter.

The Push to Legalize Online Gambling in New York

While there’s no way to be certain if and when online gambling restrictions will be lifted, the Gaming Commission has given the nod. The decision is now entirely up to the state authorities to legalize and regulate iGaming. However, the leadership believes that authorizing online gambling will alter the Constitution.

Needless to say, it’s going to be a lengthy and hectic process. Gambling aficionados aren’t impressed. While online gambling continues to thrive in neighboring New Jersey amidst the pandemic, New Yorkers are left struggling with iGaming legalities. This is affecting the state coffers too.

According to a report from earlier this year, New Yorkers often take local commuter trains to neighboring Jersey City, Newark, and Hoboken to try their luck at sports betting during major events. Using geolocation services, New York punters legally lodge wagers on a range of sporting events from their smartphones.

The state is missing out on a major revenue opportunity, and the situation is only going downhill if this continues to thrive.

The Booming iGaming Scene in New Jersey

Since 1992, Nevada has had an unrivaled monopoly on betting operators in the United States. New Jersey was quick to learn their lesson, slowly legalizing most forms of gambling through a steady push by the state’s lawmakers. Over time, New Jersey managed to regulate the gambling industry, even monitoring the thriving online casino business within the last half-decade.

Gamblers located within the boundaries of the state can legally wager online apart from racetracks and in land-based casinos. Although New York is taking steps in the right direction, the efforts aren’t sufficient to counter New Jersey’s expansive offerings. NJ is undoubtedly the most sought-after destination for punters based in New York. Thus, hurting the state coffers a little bit more every year.

The New York administration has taken note of the issue. The 2019 Poker Bill is a step in the right direction. But the pace needs to pick up quickly in order to counteract the growing NJ influence. New York authorities should try and replicate New Jersey’s success by following the Jersey story from the start.

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Dining Indulgence NYC

Crunching The Numbers: The World’s Favorite National Food Day Belongs To Coffee

Photo: Janko Ferlic

As the world sits at home wondering what to do with themselves, international gambling company Betway has gotten to work on some very serious business: calculating the Google Search Data and Instagram hashtags of an enormous range of International Food Days over the course of a sixteen-year search history (2004-2020). Data was collected from the United States and the United Kingdom.

As people become more connected and interested in cuisine around the globe, it is interesting to see how trends in the collective taste have evolved over time, and what piques people’s curiosity. Betway ranked the most popular searches to get right down to the nitty-gritty of culinary data research.

In the fruit category, watermelon was the clear winner, followed by Avocado Day and Strawberry Day. (If you’re starting a psychedelic band, you may find inspiration here!) In fast food, Pizza Day proved victorious, followed by Burger Day and Hot Dog Day. Chew on that.

Photo by Dzenina Lukac from Pexels

In the United States, the Top 10 most searched national days designated to foods were National Sandwich Day, National Ice Cream Day, and – surprisingly – National Onion Rings Day, which has seen an increase in interest from 2004 to now, coming in with 1,500%.

Some of the days in the Top 10 won’t come as a surprise – looking at you, doughnuts and grilled cheese sandwiches – but it might shock some to see Eat a Red Apple and Eat a Peach day scoring so highly. Does the increased interest show that the USA is moving towards more fruity fulfilling food goodness?

Over the course of the sixteen-year period, people must really have been jonesing for sandwiches and feeling a need to celebrate their deliciousness, because the search percentage rose a staggering 2700% since 2004. The real sleeper hit was National Rice Ball Day, which rose 1300%.

So which day is the top dish in each category? Slicing out a victory in the fast-food category is National Pizza Day with 304,084. When it comes to breakfast, waffles reign supreme with 41,934 of the vote, beating out reliable staples like cereal and oatmeal. Lobster claws its way to success in the seafood category with 19,120, prime rib takes a prime position for meats with 2312.

Over in the UK, there were substantially fewer searches, but the British public seemed most keen to learn about Pancake Tuesday, National Pizza Day and National Burger Day. The data shows that Britons love soup! Homemade soup to be precise, with +5,800% increase in the number of people searching for this national day. 

Yorkshire Pudding Day, a British classic, comes second with a 3,200% increase in interest. Of course, National Tea Day makes the Top 10, though some will be surprised at its low placement.

Taking a quick look around the globe, it turns out that Australia is crazy for chocolate, with Nutella Day taking the top spot with 1,300%. World Chocolate Day is also number one in India with +1,271%, whilst in New Zealand, International Falafel Day is number one with +1,700%.

Overall, Coffee Day seems to be the winner of the combined searches. National Coffee Day came in hot, scoring 611,414. This national day made a mug out of other foodie favorites such as pie and peanut butter to take our top spot. Fire up that percolator and pour yourself a cup of hot java.

Every day is International Coffee Day in our hearts. Mark your calendars!

 

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Dining Featured Hotels Living NYC Travel

A Rocking Good Time at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

They say that Rock n Roll is a lifestyle–a way of life. You can build cities out of it. And while Tampa, Florida wasn’t built on Rock n Roll, Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is. And with the completion of their expansion, Tampa, Florida, is finally ready for you to rock and roll all night and party every day. 

So what would you need to live the rock star life? Glitz, glamour, and opulence. And Hard Rock is filled with it. Bright lights fill the gambling floors, offering every kind of game for every price point. Swim through the sea of lights, and you’ll find a restaurant, a venue, or recreational experience. Want a stack of pancakes? Fresh sashimi? A perfectly marbled steak? Or maybe you want to grab a drink and watch live music? It’s all there. 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

And live music is everywhere. Hard Rock Tampa features multiple stages, ranging in size from hundreds to more than a thousand. Their largest stage holds 1500 people and hosts internationally-renowned singers, comedians, and performers. Between all of their locations, you are guaranteed a show, with more as you get closer to the weekends. 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

If you are just there to relax, you’re also covered there. A beautiful pool ringed with cabanas, and a long poolside bar forms the center of the hotel and casino. Stop by for a swim, or a full day lounging in the sun. Finished with your tan? Hang out at the bar and watch a game over drinks. Just to the side of the pool, explore Hard Rock’s ‘Rock Spa & Salon,’ where you can treat your body and spirit with their brand new 26,000 sq ft facility. Enjoy a massage, a therapeutic facial, or a workout class in Hard Rock’s state-of-the-art fitness center. Hey–even rock stars need time to relax. 

Architectural Photography

And the food. I mentioned it earlier, but it is worth mentioning again. Restaurants range from casual and cool, like the Hard Rock Cafe, to the stately, with Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. Both, by the way, feature live music. Whatever food you want, they’ve got it. A special shout-out to Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, and their supreme cuts of meat–I even follow their Executive Butcher on Instagram just to see the latest cuts. But don’t miss out on your chance to try out all 13 of their dining locations. 

Council Oak Hard Rock
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa takes its Rock n Roll soul to heart. Its vast collection of memorabilia, its multiple venues, its delicious food, is all a celebration of our urge to cut loose, indulge, and treat yourself in ways that you can’t at home. If you want to rock and roll all night, Hard Rock is always open. 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

If you’re interested, check out www.seminolehardrocktampa.com and subscribe to Downtown Magazine to read more in-depth coverage in our Spring issue.

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Categories
Entertainment

How to Stop Underground Casinos in NYC

How to Stop Underground Casinos in NYC
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Unfortunately, gambling isn’t legal everywhere. You can find casinos scattered all over the United States, but there are laws in place that prohibit wide-scale gambling. New York is one of the states that has started to take a more progressive approach to gamble legalization, but they aren’t quite there yet. While plenty of players like to get their betting fix via the internet these days, some still choose to participate in underground operations. 

How can underground casinos be stopped in NYC for good? 

Legalize Online Casinos

As it stands, legal gambling options are very limited in New York. Lawmakers have tried and failed to legalize different forms of gambling, including sports betting, over the years. The smartest way to eliminate illegal underground casinos would be to legalize online and land-based gambling on a broad scale.

While New York has still not exactly taken a liberal approach when it comes to promoting gambling legislation, there are still a handful of legal New York online casinos available to local players. You will also find a number of land-based casinos populating the state, several of which are located near racetracks. There are several other casinos that can be found on various Indian Reservations. So, while the state’s government may be hesitant to legalize full-scale casino gaming, there are still legal ways to bet if you’re in New York.

There is no clear-cut way to completely vaporize the entire illegal gambling problem facing New York. However, I do believe the best way to try and crack down on such operations would be to legalize gambling on a much wider scale. New York cannot afford to continue to let neighboring states be more progressive in that regard. 

Giving underground casino patrons a legal alternative to underground operations is a natural first step toward fixing the problem. Fortunately, it seems as though it is only a matter of time until New York starts to take steps toward full-scale gambling legalization.