If you ever win big at the casino, it’s probably a good idea to check if you’re being followed. On March 3, police from Prince William, Virginia announced that they had arrested a man and were searching for two others in connection with a December robbery and shooting involving a Dale City who won big at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

The victim, 33 years old, had a perticularly good night at the casino on December 19, winning $39,000 playing blackjack. Surveillance footage shows a group of men followed them as they exited the casino.

On their drive home, they stopped at a Woodbridge, Virginia gas station. That’s when their pursuers made themsleves known.“As they exited the car, they were approached by multiple masked men who had just pulled into the driveway behind them.” Officer Renee Carr explained.

The group of masked men shot the victim and took his money. They also took the winnings of his acquaintance, but left him unharmed.

Last year was a good year for Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the casino operator behind the Solaire in the Philippines and others. In the third quarter of the year, the company saw a year-on-year increase in net profit of 245%, primarily attributed to the action at the Solaire, leading to an increase of almost 284% in net income. It wasn’t done yet, though, and Bloomberry kept its momentum going for the last three months of the year. As a result, its fourth-quarter net profit saw a year-on-year increase of almost 100%, while net revenue increased by 16%. Bloomberry would have been wise to bank some of that extra money because this year isn’t getting off to such a good start due to the coronavirus.

For the fourth quarter of the year, net profit came in at $27.7 million, an increase of 87% from the same period a year earlier, and quarterly net revenue settled at $215.5 million, according to a filing with the Philippine bourse. Consolidated net profit for the entire year also jumped substantially, with the final tally showing $195.73 million compared to the $142.35 million from a year earlier.

The company added in its filing, “The company’s continuous drive toward cost efficiency capped the annual growth of expenses at 13 percent, comparing favourably to the 22 percent increase in consolidated net revenues.” That consolidated net revenue reached $921.32 million by the close of the year, compared to the $759.2 million seen for the prior year.

The performance rightfully gave Bloomberry’s chairman and CEO, Enrique Razon, the opportunity to brag, “Despite increasing competitive pressure, Solaire maintained its market-leading position.” He touched on the subject of expansion at the property, explaining, “Work on Solaire North progresses smoothly. We are on track to complete the project in the second half of 2023.”

Last year was a good year for Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the casino operator behind the Solaire in the Philippines and others. In the third quarter of the year, the company saw a year-on-year increase in net profit of 245%, primarily attributed to the action at the Solaire, leading to an increase of almost 284% in net income. It wasn’t done yet, though, and Bloomberry kept its momentum going for the last three months of the year. As a result, its fourth-quarter net profit saw a year-on-year increase of almost 100%, while net revenue increased by 16%. Bloomberry would have been wise to bank some of that extra money because this year isn’t getting off to such a good start due to the coronavirus.

For the fourth quarter of the year, net profit came in at $27.7 million, an increase of 87% from the same period a year earlier, and quarterly net revenue settled at $215.5 million, according to a filing with the Philippine bourse. Consolidated net profit for the entire year also jumped substantially, with the final tally showing $195.73 million compared to the $142.35 million from a year earlier.

The company added in its filing, “The company’s continuous drive toward cost efficiency capped the annual growth of expenses at 13 percent, comparing favourably to the 22 percent increase in consolidated net revenues.” That consolidated net revenue reached $921.32 million by the close of the year, compared to the $759.2 million seen for the prior year.

The performance rightfully gave Bloomberry’s chairman and CEO, Enrique Razon, the opportunity to brag, “Despite increasing competitive pressure, Solaire maintained its market-leading position.” He touched on the subject of expansion at the property, explaining, “Work on Solaire North progresses smoothly. We are on track to complete the project in the second half of 2023.”

Last year was a good year for Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the casino operator behind the Solaire in the Philippines and others. In the third quarter of the year, the company saw a year-on-year increase in net profit of 245%, primarily attributed to the action at the Solaire, leading to an increase of almost 284% in net income. It wasn’t done yet, though, and Bloomberry kept its momentum going for the last three months of the year. As a result, its fourth-quarter net profit saw a year-on-year increase of almost 100%, while net revenue increased by 16%. Bloomberry would have been wise to bank some of that extra money because this year isn’t getting off to such a good start due to the coronavirus.

For the fourth quarter of the year, net profit came in at $27.7 million, an increase of 87% from the same period a year earlier, and quarterly net revenue settled at $215.5 million, according to a filing with the Philippine bourse. Consolidated net profit for the entire year also jumped substantially, with the final tally showing $195.73 million compared to the $142.35 million from a year earlier.

The company added in its filing, “The company’s continuous drive toward cost efficiency capped the annual growth of expenses at 13 percent, comparing favourably to the 22 percent increase in consolidated net revenues.” That consolidated net revenue reached $921.32 million by the close of the year, compared to the $759.2 million seen for the prior year.

The performance rightfully gave Bloomberry’s chairman and CEO, Enrique Razon, the opportunity to brag, “Despite increasing competitive pressure, Solaire maintained its market-leading position.” He touched on the subject of expansion at the property, explaining, “Work on Solaire North progresses smoothly. We are on track to complete the project in the second half of 2023.”

With a number of scandals swirling around the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) industry, there has been a growing demand by Philippine lawmakers to clean up the sector. Now the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are warning that they are willing to close down POGOs if issues such as unpaid taxes, illegal labor practices, and an increase in criminal activity are not resolved quickly.

PAGCOR Assistant Vice President Jose Tria, Jr., the head of licensing for POGOs, made it clear that the gaming regulator is prepared to shut down shops. “We are openly coordinating with agencies that are having problems with POGO operations in the Philippines. We are trying to help,” Tria told CNN Philippines’ News in a March 4 interview. “When it is not resolved, we will look into closing down the operations of POGOs.”

On the same day, the president’s office also jumped on the topic of POGOs. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo made it clear that the President Rodrigo Duterte is considering shutting down POGO operations entirely if irregularities continue to escalate. He explained that the president had already suspended operations when there were questions about lottery anomalies, making it clear that the Philippine president is not averse to the idea of suspending operations immediately.

There are many who are in opposition to this move, explaining that POGOs aren a net benefit to the Philippines. However, Panelo was willing to express his problems with the industry. “The fact that it has been there, I suppose there’s good in it. But of course, there are also, as we have received reports, there have been many instances of using it in illegal practices.”

With a number of scandals swirling around the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) industry, there has been a growing demand by Philippine lawmakers to clean up the sector. Now the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are warning that they are willing to close down POGOs if issues such as unpaid taxes, illegal labor practices, and an increase in criminal activity are not resolved quickly.

PAGCOR Assistant Vice President Jose Tria, Jr., the head of licensing for POGOs, made it clear that the gaming regulator is prepared to shut down shops. “We are openly coordinating with agencies that are having problems with POGO operations in the Philippines. We are trying to help,” Tria told CNN Philippines’ News in a March 4 interview. “When it is not resolved, we will look into closing down the operations of POGOs.”

On the same day, the president’s office also jumped on the topic of POGOs. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo made it clear that the President Rodrigo Duterte is considering shutting down POGO operations entirely if irregularities continue to escalate. He explained that the president had already suspended operations when there were questions about lottery anomalies, making it clear that the Philippine president is not averse to the idea of suspending operations immediately.

There are many who are in opposition to this move, explaining that POGOs aren a net benefit to the Philippines. However, Panelo was willing to express his problems with the industry. “The fact that it has been there, I suppose there’s good in it. But of course, there are also, as we have received reports, there have been many instances of using it in illegal practices.”

Despite a few bumps along the way, Japan’s government still has big plans to offer expanded gambling options in the country, and the countdown to an official launch slowly progresses. Nagasaki is on the short list of regions that could, eventually, host an integrated resort (IR). In anticipation of the introduction of the industry, Nagasaki International University is mulling over the idea of offering an IR Management Course to help prepare those interested in a career in gaming management to get a head start.

According to local media outlet Nagasaki Shimbun, the course would be integrated into the school’s Faculty of Human Sociology of its International Tourism Department. It could also lead to the creation of a brand-new department at the school, and comes as a result of the Nagasaki prefecture’s interest to have the university, as well as others in the area, introduce an education curriculum specifically for the gaming industry.

Currently, Japan doesn’t have any higher education facilities that offer courseware specifically for gaming-related jobs. Hospitality courses exist, which can lead to management positions in casinos, but having an IR course will help ensure that Japan’s casino-resort market finds the best local talent to lead the activity.

The classes are expected to begin as soon as this April. If the IR department itself is created, it would come most likely in 2022, which is still ahead of the launch of the first three IRs in the country. That launch is expected to occur sometime in 2025 or 2026, depending on how quickly Japan can complete the final parameters of the operational framework.

Despite a few bumps along the way, Japan’s government still has big plans to offer expanded gambling options in the country, and the countdown to an official launch slowly progresses. Nagasaki is on the short list of regions that could, eventually, host an integrated resort (IR). In anticipation of the introduction of the industry, Nagasaki International University is mulling over the idea of offering an IR Management Course to help prepare those interested in a career in gaming management to get a head start.

According to local media outlet Nagasaki Shimbun, the course would be integrated into the school’s Faculty of Human Sociology of its International Tourism Department. It could also lead to the creation of a brand-new department at the school, and comes as a result of the Nagasaki prefecture’s interest to have the university, as well as others in the area, introduce an education curriculum specifically for the gaming industry.

Currently, Japan doesn’t have any higher education facilities that offer courseware specifically for gaming-related jobs. Hospitality courses exist, which can lead to management positions in casinos, but having an IR course will help ensure that Japan’s casino-resort market finds the best local talent to lead the activity.

The classes are expected to begin as soon as this April. If the IR department itself is created, it would come most likely in 2022, which is still ahead of the launch of the first three IRs in the country. That launch is expected to occur sometime in 2025 or 2026, depending on how quickly Japan can complete the final parameters of the operational framework.

A couple of weeks ago, slot machines at several casinos across the country suddenly went haywire. From Louisiana to Oklahoma to Massachusetts, a handful of gambling houses reported issues with their slot machines. While those outages were ultimately resolved, it now seems that a couple of other casinos had problems with their own one-armed bandits. However, in this case, a much-dire picture is emerging, as the two casinos involved, both in Las Vegas, appear to have been the target of a ransomware attack that affected their entire operations.

The Four Queens Resort and Casino and Binion’s Gambling Hall, both sister properties owned by TLC Casino Enterprises, saw massive outages last week that forced machines to be taken offline. This past Monday, at least at Four Queens, the slots were back in operation, but were still unable to print winning vouchers. Binion’s, on the other hand, appears to be back in business.

Computer Business Review (CBR) explains that, for a few days, payouts at the venues’ machines were only possible in cash.  Websites for the two casinos were down, and loyalty program processing and paying for accommodations and other amenities was made virtually impossible. CBR goes so far as to assert that the stoppage was due to a hack, but it isn’t clear what type of malicious attack may have been carried out – it may have been a ransomware attempt, or it may have just been a hacker with too much free time on his hands.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is apparently aware of the issues and has launched an investigation. It issued a statement indicating that it is “monitoring the situation,” but refused to provide any additional information. TLC has remained silent on the subject, as well.

A couple of weeks ago, slot machines at several casinos across the country suddenly went haywire. From Louisiana to Oklahoma to Massachusetts, a handful of gambling houses reported issues with their slot machines. While those outages were ultimately resolved, it now seems that a couple of other casinos had problems with their own one-armed bandits. However, in this case, a much-dire picture is emerging, as the two casinos involved, both in Las Vegas, appear to have been the target of a ransomware attack that affected their entire operations.

The Four Queens Resort and Casino and Binion’s Gambling Hall, both sister properties owned by TLC Casino Enterprises, saw massive outages last week that forced machines to be taken offline. This past Monday, at least at Four Queens, the slots were back in operation, but were still unable to print winning vouchers. Binion’s, on the other hand, appears to be back in business.

Computer Business Review (CBR) explains that, for a few days, payouts at the venues’ machines were only possible in cash.  Websites for the two casinos were down, and loyalty program processing and paying for accommodations and other amenities was made virtually impossible. CBR goes so far as to assert that the stoppage was due to a hack, but it isn’t clear what type of malicious attack may have been carried out – it may have been a ransomware attempt, or it may have just been a hacker with too much free time on his hands.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is apparently aware of the issues and has launched an investigation. It issued a statement indicating that it is “monitoring the situation,” but refused to provide any additional information. TLC has remained silent on the subject, as well.

A couple of weeks ago, slot machines at several casinos across the country suddenly went haywire. From Louisiana to Oklahoma to Massachusetts, a handful of gambling houses reported issues with their slot machines. While those outages were ultimately resolved, it now seems that a couple of other casinos had problems with their own one-armed bandits. However, in this case, a much-dire picture is emerging, as the two casinos involved, both in Las Vegas, appear to have been the target of a ransomware attack that affected their entire operations.

The Four Queens Resort and Casino and Binion’s Gambling Hall, both sister properties owned by TLC Casino Enterprises, saw massive outages last week that forced machines to be taken offline. This past Monday, at least at Four Queens, the slots were back in operation, but were still unable to print winning vouchers. Binion’s, on the other hand, appears to be back in business.

Computer Business Review (CBR) explains that, for a few days, payouts at the venues’ machines were only possible in cash.  Websites for the two casinos were down, and loyalty program processing and paying for accommodations and other amenities was made virtually impossible. CBR goes so far as to assert that the stoppage was due to a hack, but it isn’t clear what type of malicious attack may have been carried out – it may have been a ransomware attempt, or it may have just been a hacker with too much free time on his hands.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is apparently aware of the issues and has launched an investigation. It issued a statement indicating that it is “monitoring the situation,” but refused to provide any additional information. TLC has remained silent on the subject, as well.

Explosive allegations are being lobbed in Kenya. Nation Sport have reported that a group of investors entered Kenya posing as multinational companies, but instead corrupted local sports with match fixing.

To accomplish that goal, the group proposed sponsoring Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clubs Sofapaka and Sony Sugar, who agreed to a deal.

Two companies run by the investors, Quantdragon Limited and Living 3D Holdings, made cotnracts with the clubs that would allow them to bring in their own players and staff. For Sofapaka, Living 3D Holdings brought Portuguese national Divaldo Alveson on board as head coach. Alveson has a history of manipulating matches, having been banned for three months by the Lithuanian Football Federation while he was coaching top-tier league team Pakruojis.

Living 3D Holdings was also able to get Sofapaka to agree to move their weekend matches to weekdays. As part of the contract, it was explained that this move would “provide mileage for sponsors as weekday fixtures draw more viewers than weekends,” but that was not the case at all. Weekday games have far less viewers, which would allow for greater manipulation of games with less risk of being caught.

With 39 players returning to action at The Commerce Casino, it took four two-hour levels to reduce the field to just 11 by the close of Day 4 as the L.A. Poker Classic gained momentum and lost legends along the way.

As Day 4 began, it was Balakrishna Patur who led the way on well over two million chips, but despite surviving to the close of play, Patur would remain at that level when he bagged chips. Whether he deals well with reaching a plateau between days we’ll only know when play restarts on Day 5, but Patur will be a threat.

It was Isaac Baron who grabbed the lead as the day ended and having been the leader at the end of Day 2, Baron recovered from a slight dip on Day 3 to reach the top of the leaderboard at this crucial stage. One hand that helped him progress with the most chips was when he was all-in with the ace-king of spades against Blair Hinkle’s ace-king, and saw three spades make him a flush by 5th street to eliminate Hinkle before the play went to three tables.

Plenty of other big names had already departed. Ali Imsirovic (39th) and John Hennigan (34th) each cashed for $24,375, while J.C Tran (29th) and Mike Eskandari (25th) joined Hinkle in 27th as they all cashed for $28,275. Other former champions were out too, with Dylan Linde one of the biggest names to get close to the business end of the tournament, but not close enough, cashing for $58,215 in 14th place.

Atlanta area sports franchises are throwing their support behind a piece of sports betting legislation in Georgia‘ Senate, despite concerns some have about the practice.

Lawmakers in the Peach State introduced a bill last week that would give the Georgia State Lottery system the ability to authorize and oversee mobile sports gambling. Senate Bill 403 would authorize the activity, making a referendum to ammend the state constitution unneccesary.

In a hearing before the Senate Regulated Industries Committee on Tuesday, Steve Koonin, CEO of the Atlanta Hawks pro basketball team, insisted the team doesn’t want to be involved with offering wagers, but supported the effort. He told lawmakers that those who gamble on sports bring a lot of passion to the industry. He also explained that those who wager on a game are 19 times more likely to watch games. “What we hope to receive in return is generations of fans who love the games we present,” Koonin said.

If passed, Bill 403 would authorize Georgians to place wagers on professional, college, and Olympic sports, excluding horseracing. Mobile betting would be allowed anywhere in the state’s border, but only for those 21 or over.