Category Archives: Gambling

Casinos in Scotland Unite Against Threat of Continued COVID Closures

Casinos in England are preparing to reopen their doors after another national lockdown, but their Scottish counterparts aren’t so lucky.

Genting, Grosvenor, and Caesars Entertainment have joined forces in an effort to save casinos in Scotland. (Image: The Chips Are Down)

Under the UK’s devolved power structure, national governments have a certain amount of control over their own affairs. As such, Scotland has the power to order its own COVID-19 restrictions.

The current measures mean casinos in Scotland will remain closed while many in parts of neighboring England get back to business from December 2.

Sweden to go paperless with lottery options

For those who can pick up on the subtleties and envision the larger picture, they can see that major changes are coming to the global gaming space. The shift won’t happen overnight, but, when the gaming industry looks back ten years from now, it’s going to see a completely different environment. The latest hint of what’s to come is being provided by Svenska Spel in Sweden, which is now testing paperless lottery ticket purchases. The move to a more digital-focused gaming ecosystem continues.

Svenska Spel has teamed up with a local convenience store chain, Pressbyrån, to introduce a pilot program that will use “coupon free” lottery purchases. In four of the company’s stores – those in Kalma, Jönköping, Östersund and Stockholm, lottery players will be able to select their numbers and have them registered through digital devices that are connected to Svenska Spel’s network, foregoing the printing of any ticket stubs to be carried around in wallets.

Upon registering through the system with Svenska Spel’s system, which will require players to verify themselves with their social security numbers, the lottery numbers will then be stored in the player’s own digital account. Explains Svenska Spel’s Torgny Lilja, “We had a meeting with [Pressbyrån operator] Reitan about a year ago where we presented the self-service screens connected to a new surface-efficient platform. Reitan felt that this should suit their customers and staff. The advantage for Pressbyrån’s employees is that they also save time by not having to top up coupons and update campaign material.”

That study revealed that the physical lottery machines are starting to become more of a nuisance than an aid for retailers. They take up too much space and require employees to be involved in the issuance and processing of tickets, taking away valuable time that could be spent helping other customers. It also frees up counter space that could be used for other products or services.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Poker Players During a Global Health Pandemic

Looking for some interesting holiday gift ideas for the poker player in your life during these strange times? Perhaps, we can make your holiday shopping a bit easier.

You’ll need some creative holiday gift ideas this year for poker players. (Image: sookenewsmirror.com)

The coronavirus has changed the way we all live in 2020. Due to COVID-19, many families won’t spend time together during the holiday season. Some will most certainly ignore the CDC’s request to avoid those who are outside your own home. But the vast majority of people will likely refrain from private gatherings even during the Christmas season.

You’ll need to get a bit creative this year to keep your poker-playing friends and family members happy. Think outside the box. Or, just steal our holiday gift ideas.

South Carolina retailer uses lottery commission to feed the hungry for Thanksgiving

More often than not, it’s the prize winners who use their winnings to perform generous acts and good deeds. This Thanksgiving, a convenience store that received a $3,500 commission for selling a lottery ticket worth $350,000 is using those extra funds to give back to the community by providing meals to the hungry.South Carolina, Retailer, Holiday, Charity

Dominant Diego Ventura Wins Caribbean Poker Party Main Event

Partypoker’s Caribbean Poker Party main event is over and, after leading from the start, Diego Ventura has clinched the title and more than $800,000.

Diego Ventura capped off a dominant performance in the Partypoker Caribbean Poker Party main event to win $879,894. (Image: Partypoker Live)

Play began last night with nine players in the mix and all eyes on Isaac Haxton. The Partypoker Ambassador had the fourth largest stack and the best résumé of anyone at the final table.

However, when the final chips had fallen, not even Haxton could dislodge Ventura and stop him from taking down the $5,300 event.

Doug Polk Catches ‘Old Man Speeding’ Again, Crushes Daniel Negreanu on Day 11

Doug Polk is starting to run away from his opponent, Daniel Negreanu, after yet another dominating performance on Day 11 of the heads-up poker grudge match.

Doug Polk keeps catching old man speeding in his match against Daniel Negreanu. (Image: YouTube)

Negreanu had surprised many poker fans with his competitive performance through eight sessions. But over the past three days — more than 1,500 hands — the GGPoker ambassador has been completely dominated. Part of that Polk dominance in recent days is due to luck. Some, however, has been the result of outplaying his opponent and getting maximum value with his monster hands.

With Wednesday’s two-hour session included, Polk has now turned a six-figure profit three straight sessions. Negreanu remains confident in his play and said in his post-game interview on the GGPoker YouTube channel that he feels he’s run terrible throughout the match. And he might be right, but Polk has also effectively taken advantage of Negreanu’s loose river calling strategy. So, luck hasn’t been the only factor in the current results.