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The iGaming industry features excellent online casinos and top-rated game providers. As more and more game providers enter the market and aim to provide games that engage and entertain players, it's become a competitive way to play. There are many fantastic software providers on the market right now, with new faces appearing from time to time. Each software provider has its winning formula that makes betting more exciting. Casino Platforms When it comes to playing online, there are many different platforms available. Software providers continuously optimise how they create casino games to suit other platforms. Whether you're opting to play on desktop, mobile, or via your tablet, software providers designed and optimised the platforms found at online casinos. While those who create games and design casino platforms may not necessarily be the same companies, they work hand in hand. Having games that run smoothly on a platform that is easy to navigate makes the experience of online gambling a win. Slot and Table Game Providers Playing at an online casino is all about freedom of choice. Whether playing online slots, table games, scratch cards, or even games like Sic Bo and Keno, game providers do all of the heavy liftings when creating games that players love. Many fantastic software providers work around the clock to create casino games that punters want to play. Providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, and Quickspin always look for new ways to push the mark and release games that excite casino customers. Online slots, in particular, are trendy and give providers a chance to show off their skills. So it's no surprise that these games of chance have skyrocketed in the last five years, with providers working on graphics, soundtracks, and game mechanics that blow players away. Live Casino Software Finally, live dealer casino games are some of the best in the business. They give players the chance to experience table games as they would in a land-based casino without ever leaving home. Perfect for those w
Canada is unveiling a new lottery - one that Canadians have been asking for. Lotto Max will launch in September and is the newest game from the Canadian National Lottery. For the first time ever, there will be additional $1 million prize once the jackpot reaches $50 million, giving players an extra incentive to play. Tickets will go on sale September 19, 2009 and the first draw will be held on September 25, 2009 with draws being held every Friday night until a winner has been found. Jim Lightbody, the BCLC Vice President of Lottery Gaming and Interprovincial Lottery Corporation President, says that "Lotto Max will give Canadians what they've been asking for. Unique to Canada, the Maxmillion prizes will revolutionize the lottery as Canadians currently know it." Details... details... Once the jackpot hits $50 million, any additional money added will be allocated into a series of Maxmillions prizes worth $1 million. Each $1 million will have its own individual draw and set of winning numbers. Players will receive three chances to win, with seven numbers each set per $5 play. The base jackpot will be $10 million and will grow until won or reaches the $50 million mark, in which the Maxmillions play takes over. In order to win the jackpot, players must match 7 out of 7 of their numbers from one to forty-nine. Odds of winning any prize are one in 6.6 per play and winning the jackpot is one in 28.6 million per play.
For lottery players, a recent legal settlement involving thousands of compulsive gamblers and Loto-Quebec is generating lots of mixed feelings. Gamble for fun, not for addiction At stake is the issue of gambling addiction. Loto-Quebec is a responsible gaming organization and they have reaffirmed their support of addiction-free gambling with a legal settlement to the tune of millions of dollars. But it's not only Quebec that's being affected by the news. There are presently multiple cases scattered throughout Canada. Details of the out-of-court settlement are still being finalized and a hearing is scheduled in Quebec City for March 2010. The present deal is the result of a class-action suit which was filed in 2001 by a group of pathological gamblers. The large group of plaintiffs numbers almost 120,000 and they are seeking compensation in Quebec. Video Lottery Terminals The gambling addicts and their lawyers are placing blame on VLTs for their gambling addictions. They are hoping that the out-of-court settlement will send a strong message to the respective government agencies responsible for allowing such activities. In response, Loto-Quebec has added that no scientific studies confirm that VLTs are responsible for gambling addiction. Treating problem gambling will take time, but the financial compensation of $5,000 per claimant would place a burden of almost $700 million on Loto-Quebec. The final settlement figure is expected to be closer to $50 million. Responsible gaming provider The settlement clearly reflects Loto-Quebec's commitment to responsible gaming practices. Whether all claimants come forward with evidence of their gambling addiction and treatment, or not, is another issue, but the fact remains that a reimbursement is forthcoming. Some observers feel that it's only the lawyers who will benefit while the claimants squabble over dollars as they try to produce evidence of their treatments.
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has published a study by the Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. The report focuses on the gambling habits of Canadian girls and women from 15 years and older. VLTs are highlighted as the major draw for female gamblers and the report airs concerns about both their ease of availability and the speed at which players can get hooked. The report makes the harsh recommendation to at first reduce accessibility to and ultimately remove VLTs from social meeting points, such as hotels and bars. The advice however, is not welcomed by all and with the Manitoba government receiving revenue of $350 million from gambling in 2008, this solution has not only been criticized as draconian by some but has wider financial implications. Furthermore, a 2009 Statistics Canada survey which found that 56% of Manitoba respondents take part in some form of gambling, many do so casually, without forming any addiction. Other report recommendations such as setting up gambling awareness campaigns and prevention programs specifically aimed at women are much more widely welcomed. Saskatchewan's Approach The neighboring state of Saskatchewan isn't considering removing VLTs from bars and restaurants but is addressing the issue with a different approach. Christine Tell, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, explained that site operators of VLTs undertake training to help them identify problem gamblers. Tell also highlighted the financial implications of such a move, declaring that the revenues from VLTs not only benefit the province but hotels and bars too. Rural areas in particular contain many institutions where VLTs attract customers and make a real difference to their bottom line. The Manitoba report may not have convinced Saskatchewan to make any drastic changes but Tell did confirm that the provinces are reviewing the treatment programs they have in place for gambling addicts.
There are many reasons why playing at online casinos is advantageous over playing at land-based casinos, not least of which is the higher payback percentages. Online casinos are better placed to offer their customers higher payout percentages because their overhead costs are so much lower than those of their land-based rivals. And if that sounds like just heresy, many online casinos publish verified statistics on their payout percentages on their websites. Canada's own Maple Casino is just one example. According to statistics verified by eCOGRA, the independent player protection organization, Maple provides its customers with very positive payout percentages, with an overall payout of 97.92 percent on money spent on all games. A closer look shows a payout of 97.92 percent on slot games, 95.36 percent on poker games, and a staggering 105.65 percent on table games. And with eCOGRA ensuring that all its member online casinos stay in line, there are lots of benefits for customers at many other online casinos out there too!
Gross gambling revenues at land-based casinos in the United States fell 5.5 percent in 2009, according to figures released last week. According to the figures published in the 2010 edition of State of the States: The American Gaming Association Survey of Casino Entertainment, total revenue was $30.7 billion, marking the second consecutive year in which casino revenues dropped. The figures were taken from casino revenues in the 13 US states that have commercial casinos (not including casinos located on Indian reservations). The hardest hit was felt in Nevada and New Jersey, the two states in which most of the country's land-based casinos are located. In Nevada, gaming revenue was down 10.4 percent and tax revenue was down 10 percent. In New Jersey, gaming revenue fell 13.3 percent and tax revenue fell 18.6 percent. The drop was felt in the southern state of Mississippi too, where gaming and tax revenue both fell 9.4 percent. The news was not all bad, however, with New Jersey's losses turning into gains for east coast rival Pennsylvania. The keystone state reported a revenue increase of 21.6 percent, thanks in part to the two new casinos that opened there last year: the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem and the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.
The Canadian national team hasn't seen FIFA soccer World Cup action since 1986, but that's certainly never stopped dedicated Canadian fans from enjoying the world's biggest party - and for them, South Africa 2010 is no different. As the knockout stages of the tournament get underway, all Canadians have reason to be glued to their TV screens as each and every game is played with a new sense of urgency. Why Canada Cares In addition to their passion for the game, many Canadian fans have alternative reasons for caring about World Cup 2010 - some of which are the great World Cup betting specials offered to Canadian clients by Victor Chandler's online sportsbook. More Betting Markets Now that the games can be decided by extra time or even penalty shoot outs, Victor Chandler has diversified its range of betting markets - giving you a lot more to celebrate than just the goals and final score. The specials include (and this is only a fraction of what's available): Timing of the goals Number of corner kicks Goal scorer shirt numbers Red cards awarded Scoring chances of individual players With every minute of play holding winning potential for VC Bet customers, it's little wonder they're following intently. World Cup Las Vegas Las Vegas isn't a World Cup venue this time around, but Las Vegas Casino is hosting World Cup fans this summer. Luxury vacations for two are up for grabs every day on which soccer games are played. The 5-star prize goes to the client who's placed the most bets at the close of each day's gambling. This promo ends on the day of the World Cup final (July 11th) - so get in there!
There are some excellent online slots over at the Party Casino and none are more popular than the Marvel slots that are on offer there. Well with this online review of each of the four Marvel online slots on offer the decision which game to play will be an easy one to make. The Amazing Spider-Man online slot is a 5 payreel, 25 payline slot which is great fun to play. In terms of gameplay this slot offers the special Spiderweb feature, this is a bonus game that allows players to win even more money and makes this one amazing slot to play. We rate Spider-Man as one of the best of the four for playability and prizes on offer. The Fantastic Four has some truly Fantastic graphics in store for players and a feature game that awards free spins meaning that players have an even better chance of making it to the big jackpots on offer. The animation and bonus games on offer put this game in the number two spot. The Incredible Hulk is a great looking game with 25 paylines and multipliers and bonuses to be won in buckets. The icons going around the screen include the Incredible Hulk symbol and the big green guy is also the wild symbol so watch out for him as when he comes money is always following. Thor was an incredible film and the only one of the four to be in 3D, the game of the film is just as filled with special effects including superb sound effects and animation on offer. There is a special free game within the Thor online slot that gives players the chance to win absolutely huge amounts of money once it is activated. All of these games give players the chance to win the special Marvel Jackpot. This is a progressive jackpot that just keeps getting bigger and bigger the more people play. Get down to the Party Casino now and find out just how much money and how much fun all four of these amazing slots have on offer.
Online gambling company bet365 made its name as a leader in sports betting, but today it is equally strong in the field of online video slots, boasting 20 of the highest quality progressive jackpot games on the net. Marvel-Themed Slots (7 Games) Games in Playtech’s Marvel comics range all link to the same four jackpots: Power, Extra Power, Super Power, and Ultimate Power. Just pick your favourite comic superhero and use their respective superpowers for a chance at hundreds of thousands of dollars. Iron Man features the indestructible hero, with his icons able to double up and combine at expanding wilds. X-Men features your favorite mutants like Beast, Cyclops and Iceman as they work to save humanity. Daredevil stars Matt Murdock himself and bonus features including a mystery power round. Fantastic Four features Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, The Thing, and their enemies. Elektra doesn’t feature Jennifer Garner, but it’s still that same Ninja assassin working to overcome her past. Blade likewise doesn’t feature Wesley Snipes, but the graphics and explosions more than compensate. The Incredible Hulk will smash police cars and enemy helicopters as he makes the way towards the cash. Other Themed Slots (8 Games) Wall Street Fever, a 5-reel, 5-payline slot, is one of Playtech’s highest-paying progressives. Gold Rally is the only known 9-reel, 8-payline slot, and no surprises for guessing its theme. Beach Life has reels and a holiday theme, and its jackpot has been known to top $1m. Diamond Valley is a 5-reel, 5-payline game with a mining theme and wide range of symbols. Safecracker is a 3-reel, 1-line, a bonus game slot with one challenge: to crack the code. Queen of Pyramids is a 5-reel, 9-payline Egyptian-themed slot with 38 different ways to win. Cinerama is a 5-payline, 3D slot with two bonus games. It’s perfect for low wager players. Fruit Mania has 5 reels, 5 paylines, one bonus game, and enough fruit to feed a nation. Based on Card and Table Games (5 Games) Megaball, Megajacks, 10-Li
“Olympics 2012” feature on top of the list of sports markets at online sportsbooks, as well it should. The 2012 London Olympic Games are the biggest sporting news of the summer, and a tremendous sports betting opportunity. The list of markets runs long on William Hill Sports. Each day are new markets – new competitions, qualifiers and finals, sorted by gender, weight classes, and of course sports. Odds for specific matches, overall winners, number of medals (Gold, Silver or Bronze) and many other categories – all will keep you busy, fascinated with the opportunities that these Games bring along. You do not need to be an expert of Olympic freestyle swimming or the 800m run competition. But don’t rush to bet on sports markets you are familiar with, if the odds are poor or the result a given. William Hill Sports and other sportsbooks give you a greater breakdown than you could ever imagine, including (for basketball): top scorers, the margin at the end of each quarter, and the end result, of course, too. So if you think you know the USA Men’s Basketball Team will win the next match against Nigeria, you might have a hunch that the US Team will start slow, in which case a bet on the first quarter margin might be your niche. In other words, opportunities are plenty. But they run only until August 12!