Gambling Revenue Surged 22.3% in Q3 for Macau
November 9, 2009
Way to go, Macau! In only 3 months, Macau has managed to increase its gambling revenue and the Government is now enjoying profits of 31.78 Billion patacas ($3.81 Billion). They anticipate continued revenue growth into the Q4 because of a low comparison-base effect, but are not putting their head on the block that revenues earned in Q3 will be repeated in Q4. Neither are they speculating that the revenues were attributed to the additional 220 gambling tables that were installed in their casinos within the last 3 months.
The Government will, however, meet with its 6 casino Operators to review several matters, including the number of gambling tables in Macau, restrictions on setting up of new slot machines, and the raising of the entry age limit for casinos to 21 instead of 18 as it is currently. These reviews are to prevent “unlimited expansion”, a problem they had already begun to curb 7 years ago, with the granting of licenses to SJM Holding Ltd., Las Vegas Sands Corp., Wynn Macau Ltd., Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Grand Paradise SA; and Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. This saw the end of a 40-year monopoly on casino gambling in Macau, which was enjoyed by Stanley Ho, a local casino businessman. Travel to Macau was further restricted by Beijing in an attempt to limit growth in Macau’s gambling industry and individuals from mainland China can now receive a visa for Macau only once every two months, as opposed to pre-October 1, 2009, when they could obtain a visa once a month. Further, Macau Operators have been ordered by the Government to reduce the commissions paid to Junket Operators, who bring the VIPs to the casinos to 1.25%, 0.1% less than the junket operators previously enjoyed.
Gambling revenues in Macau increased by 52% in September 2009 as compared with September 2008 and overall revenues generated in September 2009 were recorded at 10.8 billion patacas (US$1.37 billion). Whatever Macau is doing, they’re doing it very well and we wish them continued prosperity.
Get your piece of the pie at Sun Vegas Casino.
Pee-pee in the pokie
November 9, 2009
We thought this one was funny, so have a laugh on us.
The Sunshine Coast Hotel was swarmed with onlookers and patrons who watched in shock as Isaac Cavanagh, an intoxicated police officer, urinated in the gaming area of the hotel.
Apparently, Cavanagh went to use the bathroom but the door was locked and he invariably urinted in a carpeted alcove in the gaming lounge; although some reports from onlookers state that he urinated on a pokie.
Fortunately, Cavanagh was off-duty at the time of the incident, so the magistrate charged him as he would any civilian who was under the influence. Cavanagh was fined $125 and no conviction was recorded. The unfortunate thing in this case is that he may face further repercussions by Sr. Officers. By the time the case was heard in court, Cavanagh had already apologized to the hotel owners and offered to pay for cleaning the area. He expressed his embarrassment and remorse at his actions, stating that he knew the community expected higher standards of conduct from a police officer.
Stuff happens, in our opinion, so we’re rooting for you Cavanagh! Albeit hilarious, let’s hope this is the last embarrassing moment like this you have.
Australians lose $12 Billion per year on Pokies
November 9, 2009
Australians lose $12 Billion per year on Pokies
The pokie craze has taken Australia by storm. It is estimated that about 15% of Australians gamble regularly and, of this group, 5% of them play the pokies at least once per week. Losses on the pokies total to an astounding $12 Billion per annum. Statistics published by the Productivity Commission reveal that 15% of those Australians who gamble regularly suffer from problmen gambling, while another 15% are at “moderate risk” of becoming problem gamblers.
So, if these stats are correct, then what about the other 70% of Australians who gamble? Well, the Commission doesn’t clearly state how much this group spends or how much they do or don’t contribute to problem gambling. What it does state is that it recommends lowering the “intensity of play” on the pokies to limit the amount money a gambler could lose on these machines. They recommend that the bet limit be restricted to $1 per button push. This would reduce the maximum losses on one machine from $1200 to $120 and Players would only be allowed to play $20 at a time into one machine. It is perceived that this action could help reduce problem gambling by 10% and generate at least $450 Million per year.
With this new regulated type of gambling in place, the Commission hopes to branch over to online gambling; not because of the potential earnings that could come from this market but, instead, because of the “dangers to the gambler of a growing unregulated international industry”. According to the Commission, this action could help save the 4% of online gamblers from this unregulated form of gambling, which allows betting “24 hours a day, allows credit betting, has no intrinsic restrictions on bets size”. government hopes to recapture the 4% of gamblers who have made online gambling their preferred choice of wagering. Hence, they are appealing the the Australian government to allow online gambling if there is a strict focus on protecting the gambler from possible addiction issues.
Sounds to us like the Commission has good foresight. They understand that the $700 Million that Australians spend per year on online gambling could very well go into their economy, especially in these recessive times, and their angle is to “disguise” their concern for problem gambling with a pretty gift wrapper and bow by recommending a reduction in bet amounts. Forgive us for being cynical but online gambling is here to stay! It’s your money, so you should be able to spend it the way that you want to and online casinos give you that freedom and that luxury.
Play in Australian dollars at this casino and win as much as you want!
Titan Casino is making an effort to Conservation
October 13, 2009
Conservation of wildlife depends on us. As a species, we take from nature what and when we want, never thinking of the impact it has on our environment or wildlife. Many efforts are being made across the world to preserve our environment and wildlife. Organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), is one that needs constant funding to fight for us all in preservation of these animals. Not only do they focus on Wildlife preservation, but also for any animal anywhere in the world, even for our best housemates like our pets.
As animals can’t talk or protest, PETA ensures human interaction is possible to countries or companies who are out to exploit animals for the sake of luxury and beauty! I just love their statement: “Animals are not ours to eat; Animals are not ours to wear; Animals are not ours to experiment on; Animals are not ours to use for entertainment and Animals are not ours to abuse in any way”!
You can make a difference by playing casino slots at Titan Casino. They have dedicated slots to raise awareness of endangered animals. They introduced NEW slots games like: Panther Moon; Safari Heat and Dolphin Reef. A small contribution of takings on these slots will be given to PETA for the wonderful work they do in this field! When resources are stretched to a max in these economic times, it is a breeze of fresh air to see Titan Casino stepping up to make a difference!
Manager at Titan Casino, Robin Steele said: “We are encouraged by the launch of our new games and hope to bring much needed attention to this important issue. Titan Casino takes pride in providing world-class entertainment to our members with these exotic-themed games”
A variety of innovative game elements will be found within these new designed games. It’s time to put on your thinking cap, as you can select options throughout playing these games. Boredom should be something of the past as this is adrenaline pumping action! Find out more and play some games for a great cause by making use of this e-gaming platform at TitanCasino.com.
Beware of max. payouts
July 21, 2009
There are a few things that are so attractive as Jackpots and large amounts of even progressive jackpots. We all would like to be on the winning side of this one. Many online casinos have progressive jackpots on various games, and are not only limited to only slots or roulette.
Amounts that are paid out are different from casino to casino. There is in some cases a cap on daily and weekly withdrawals. This is to say, if your winnings are higher than the limit allowed, it will pay out over a few weeks. Most of these regulations apply with Playtech and RTG (Real Time Gaming). For instance: Joyland Casino has a cap of $9000 per month. Should you win $12 000, you will receive it over a period of 2 months. The same rule does not always apply as in the case of Microgaming software. Ensure you have read the casinos terms and conditions.
And this goes for registration, as well as cash-outs. It will appear in the casino’s term and conditions. Should your winnings fall in line with terms and conditions, you should not encounter a problem. We normally read the T&C only upon winning, and then are very sad when we can’t cash out all our winnings. It’s important for you, the player, to understand how the casino operates and software in use by a particular casino. Various versions of software are in existence and the operator modifies to fit in with their T&C.
We aim to advise you before registering at a casino to read and familiarise yourself with these T&C, not because we want to prescribed to you, but because we want to illuminate disappointment. And why do you think you neglect to understand this concept? Well, it is that we don’t think that winning the jackpot “will happen to me”. On the other hand, many reports did come through that winnings are paid out within days of winning the Jackpots with Microgaming. Make sure the casino is legit and the software can allow payouts and fall within the T&C. See here!
Casinos are regulated by licensed agreements. Make sure the casino is not black listed before you part with your hard earned cash. Don’t be fooled by big payouts and bonuses till you are sure. Here at www.amuse.co.za, we do the research on casinos and software for you to be sure that what we suggest is factual, and casinos you can trust and credible in both the info and referrals. Casinos we have tested are: EuroGrand, 32Vegas Casino, Spin Palace, Europa Casino and many more.
So, never think it cannot happen to you! It can and will. When it does, be aware off the pitfalls.
We at AMUSE aim to please!
Canadian Company launches BetStopper
July 21, 2009
We live in a world today where the Internet connects us to everything and anything. This is not about what’s good or bad, but an article about responsible parenting. These days, children are well educated on technology and internet. It is our job as parents to protect them from harmful access to sites meant for over 18’s. This is a standard rule on gambling sites and children are creative when left with access to the World Wide Web.
How can this be? It just is a fact, as they have access to your internet; learn at school in computer science as well as from parent’s example’s. Technology is here to stay and can only get better and wider. We are well aware that teenagers are being victimised by online predators, but the same goes for online gambling. The difference is that gambling sites that are licensed do advertise for 18+ only. Children are very resourceful and can easily enter wrong dates to short-cut the screening by casinos.
We are not suggesting that you have no control, but the truth is that we are mostly not aware that children are fast learners and have access to your information. Compare this to Identity fraud. It is done to people who have not even met these criminals, but they get away with it. So can your children. At www.betstopper.ca, you can be responsible to install the software to protect your children.
The tool is also helpful to people who has an addiction problem or compulsive behaviour to gambling. Our job is done when you know that this is done today and could also be happening to you and your children. Rather be safe than sorry! Protect the ones you love and care for them by ensuring you and or your family are not a statistic! We aim to please and amuse, so please visit www.betstopper.ca for the quick and easy download.
Big winner at new Intertops Red Casino
July 1, 2009
News:
And who said you will only loose at online casinos? Just yesterday, I wrote a review on Intertops Red Casino, and found in the news today that a player has won at this casino! How’s that for coincidence?
The player known as Christopher T won a whopping $200,090 playing the T-Rex slot machine. To top it all, it was not even a progressive jackpot that he won. The RED casino was launched just over a month ago due to US legislation but at Intertops Red Casino, all USA players are welcome.
The winner said: “I decided to take a break and after a while I wanted to continue my winning streak. At the end of my play I had accumulated $200,090!” He now wants to travel to Washington and go see the dinosaurs at the Smithsonian.
This slot machine is a 25 payline 5 reel machine called the T-Rex. It is one of many new slot machines you can choose from at Intertops Red Casino. On offer is many dozens more with video poker, multi hand video poker, Aztec’s millions slots and Cleopatra’s Gold! There are many progressive jackpots to choose from and the most favourite currently is the Jackpot Pinatas with over $1.3 million!
With more than 300 instant games to choose from, the casino is living up to its Mother casino’s reputation with fast, reliable and easy hassle-free deposits and withdrawals. They offer excellence in serving you through their 24/7 agents operating customer service.
Visit Intertops Red Casino
Biggest Online Casino Progressive Jackpot:
May 14, 2009
Mega Moolah slots had a progressive jackpot winner this past week for €6.3 million at River Belle Online Casino! It is the largest progressive jackpot won in the history of online casinos. Last year’s progressive jackpot was €5.5 million.
The winner, Georgios M is a 36 year old father and husband, and a business owner from Greek decent. He said in his own words that he could not believe it when his computer announced the enormous winnings. The casino support line had to confirm his winnings and calm him down, before he believed it! And that from a €5 spin? His winnings will be paid in cash by Microgaming Progressive Network.
The chairman of River Belle’s parent Belle Rock Entertainment, Tim Johnson had this to say: “We at Belle Rock Entertainment take the utmost pleasure in seeing our players win life-changing jackpots. It is an amazing accomplishment that for a single bet of €5 a valued long time River Belle player walked away with the largest online jackpot ever won. Well done and enjoy your winnings Georgios.”
So, don’t think it can never happen to you. Georgios also thought that that online jackpot’s is to lure one in to play, and that few ever win. But as we can see, it pays to play at online casinos! Just make sure you play at licensed accredited casinos!
South Africa will regulate online gambling
April 27, 2009
South Africa is going a new and very interesting way to regulate online casinos.
According to the CEO of the National Gambling Board (NGB), Thembi Moja, the local online gambling market will finally be regulated in a couple of months after years of debates.
10 licences will be granted to operate an online casino in South Africa. The gaming servers of the operators must be in South Africa. The process of who can apply and who might be able to run an online casino legally in SA is not decided yet to our knowledge. One can hope it will be a fair process and no corrupt elements will be part of it.
What makes the South African approach different compare to any other countries is the tight regulations of financial transaction.Every player needs to have a dedicated gambling account with any SA bank and this account can only be funded by credit card. The Reserve Bank will monitor these accounts together with the banks and a maximum balance of R20.000 will be allowed.
The Internet Gambling Tax Bill provides for a 6% tax of the gross gaming revenue. Take into consideration the local online gambling markets is estimated to already be between R400 Million to 1 Billion, this gambling tax will bring the state a substantial amount of money.
It is another try from a country to make money from internet gambling through regulations, but the problem remains the same. The Internet doesn’t have borders. The reality is that a SA operator will have the benefit to market his products on TV, newspapers and any website in South Africa, but has a huge disadvantage to most other global operating online gambling company. These organizations are set up in a way that they pay next to no taxes and the will have automatically more money to spend of marketing and player retention.
Why should a South African go through the hassle of opening a gambling account? A simple Google search will offer him tons of casino better offers and maybe even better service. What happens if you win R100.000 in a SA online casino? You are only allowed to have R20.000 in you gambling account?
The fact of the matter is, before we don’t have a global set of internet laws and regulations, countries will always say: We must fight illegal online gambling and online casino operators will always say: These countries are fighting us, we never even consider moving our operations there and start paying taxes.
South Africa releases the Interactive Gambling Tax Bill 2008
April 26, 2009
In 2006 the National Gambling Board in South Africa released a report outlining the necessity for legalizing online gambling in South Africa; highlighting the fact that land-based gambling and online sports betting were already existent. In response the South African government tripled their efforts to get the ball rolling on this project and to ensure that effective regulations (especially in the form of control systems geared at identifying problem gambling, money laundering, and other criminal activities) were put in place.
Now two years later online gambling is one step away from being legalized in South Africa and the government is now on the verge of tapping into the millions of dollars in tax revenue the industry generates.
South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel, has released for comment the Interactive Gambling Tax Bill, a special tax law on interactive gambling, which will impose a 6% tax on gross gambling revenue from internet gambling.
The tax is provided for in the National Gambling Amendment Bill, an amendment to the National Gambling Act, which did not provide for legalized interactive gambling. The amendment, therefore, allows for online gambling, which will be strictly regulated and monitored.
Several gambling operations in South Africa are waiting in the wings for the passing of the Interactive Gambling Tax Bill. One such operation is Betting World, a sportsbetting site, which intends to add online Poker to its gambling offering. Other smaller gambling sites will also benefit from the anticipated influx of new Players who will now take comfort in knowing that they can bet online without any hassles.
The Interactive Gambling Tax Bill will be tabled in Parliament during the first half of 2009. Comments on the legislative proposals must be sent to the Treasury before March 1, 2009.
The full text of the Bill can be found on the Treasury’s website.
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Recent News
- Online Baccarat Course
- Gambling Revenue Surged 22.3% in Q3 for Macau
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- Pee-pee in the pokie
- Australians lose $12 Billion per year on Pokies
- Titan Casino is making an effort to Conservation
- Beware of max. payouts
- Canadian Company launches BetStopper
- Big winner at new Intertops Red Casino
- Son of Barry Richards dies
