Category Archives: In The Biz

Landing International secures 100% control of JejuShinhwa World project

Hong Kong-listed property developer Landing International Development Ltd. has added another South Korean casino under its belt.

The investment firm announced in a Tuesday filing that it has gained 100 percent control of a foreigner-only casino project, the JejuShinhwa World, on Jeju Island in South Korea.

Landing International already holds 50 percent of the Jeju casino project. The company, however, said in December that it planned to take over the remaining 50 percent stake for a consideration equal to the $380.76 million, which was already contributed to the Jeju scheme by firms, plus a premium of $41.0 million.

Landing International bought the stake from Genting Singapore Plc, which announced in November that it was selling its participation on the Jeju Island casino venture in order to focus on other projects, which includes a possible integrated resort license application in Japan.

Man files lawsuit over rigged lottery jackpots

Hundreds of thousands of lottery players who were allegedly cheated by an insider’s long-running scheme to rig jackpots should be reimbursed for their losing tickets, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday that seeks class action certification.Insider Buzz, Legal, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Hot Lotto, Technology, Computerized Drawings, Fraud, Crime, Multi-State Game, Court, Lawsuit

Lawsuit accusing Atlantic Lottery VLTs of ‘deceptive’ practices gets green light

Two video lottery terminal (VLT) users have cleared a hurdle in their legal fight against the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) over practices that they claimed are deceptive, dangerous and illegal.

The legal battle dates back to 20017, when lead plaintiff Douglas Babstock and Fred Small filed a lawsuit accusing ALC of designing its VLT line of games to be deceptive. In the lawsuit, Babstock said the machines—which he started using in the late 1990s—“gradually sucked away his money” and took over his life.

To have the lawsuit certified, the group’s lawyers dug deep into the past and found a more than 300-year-old act, known as the Statute of Anne, 1710, or the Gaming Act, which allows those who have lost money in gambling to sue for recover three times the value of the money they lost.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Justice Alphonsus Faour certified the lawsuit after he said Babstock and his group persuaded him “that their conceptualization of this case is workable.”

Maryland lays down daily fantasy sports rules

The state of Maryland has lay down the ground rules for daily fantasy sports, which according to some analysts will level out the playing field between big and small time operators.

According to the Legal Sport Report, the regulations provide baseline oversight of the industry and consumer protections in the Old Line State.

“Daily online fantasy sports games have a significant presence in Maryland,” state Comptroller Peter Franchot, who in July 2016 announced the proposed regulations, said. “It is entirely appropriate that we enforce basic rules to ensure the games are fair, anti-competitive abuses are declared out of bounds, and appropriate taxes are paid.”

Unlike the regulations implemented in other states, Maryland’s ground rules to be more DFS-friendly. The state of Maryland, according to some analysts, levels the playing field between small players and DFS giants by not requiring these operators to complete any registration process or pay any registration fee.

NFL Wild Card weekend Saturday games betting preview

The Houston Texans (9-7) were supposed to be better than their current record after spending $72 million for quarterback Brock Osweiler in the offseason. After all, Houston had the same mark a year ago with Brian Hoyer under center before getting blown out 30-0 at home in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com

On Saturday, the Texans host the Oakland Raiders (12-4) as four-point home favorites rather than sitting as three-point underdogs like they were against the Chiefs last postseason. The big difference this time around for their opponent though is that the Raiders will be without starting quarterback Derek Carr, seemingly giving Houston an edge there.

However, Osweiler has been underwhelming at best, which is a major reason his team is +6600 to win Super Bowl LI after winning the AFC South again.

NFL Wild Card weekend Saturday games betting preview

The Houston Texans (9-7) were supposed to be better than their current record after spending $72 million for quarterback Brock Osweiler in the offseason. After all, Houston had the same mark a year ago with Brian Hoyer under center before getting blown out 30-0 at home in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com

On Saturday, the Texans host the Oakland Raiders (12-4) as four-point home favorites rather than sitting as three-point underdogs like they were against the Chiefs last postseason. The big difference this time around for their opponent though is that the Raiders will be without starting quarterback Derek Carr, seemingly giving Houston an edge there.

However, Osweiler has been underwhelming at best, which is a major reason his team is +6600 to win Super Bowl LI after winning the AFC South again.

NFL Wild Card weekend Saturday games betting preview

The Houston Texans (9-7) were supposed to be better than their current record after spending $72 million for quarterback Brock Osweiler in the offseason. After all, Houston had the same mark a year ago with Brian Hoyer under center before getting blown out 30-0 at home in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com

On Saturday, the Texans host the Oakland Raiders (12-4) as four-point home favorites rather than sitting as three-point underdogs like they were against the Chiefs last postseason. The big difference this time around for their opponent though is that the Raiders will be without starting quarterback Derek Carr, seemingly giving Houston an edge there.

However, Osweiler has been underwhelming at best, which is a major reason his team is +6600 to win Super Bowl LI after winning the AFC South again.

Pokerstars set to create more millionaires with ‘Millionaires Island’

PokerStars Casino celebrates the launch of its debut exclusive slot game

ONCHAN, Isle of Man – January 2017 – Millionaires Island, an innovative slot game developed by PokerStars Casino, an Amaya Inc. (Nasdaq: AYA; TSX: AYA) brand, is now available to play on desktop and mobile. The slot game, which is exclusive to PokerStars Casino players, carries a minimum jackpot payout of $1 million – and the launch jackpot is already up to more than $1.1 million.

Millionaires Island is the only slot game in the online casino industry with a brand exclusive Progressive Mega Jackpot of at least $1 million. Every jackpot winner will become an instant millionaire making this one of the most consistently exciting slot games in the world of online casino.

Players have the opportunity to hit a $1 million jackpot from wagers as little as $0.50 giving Millionaires Island players the chance to experience many winning moments with the chance to win life-changing prizes, while also earning rewards for simply taking part in PokerStars’ many games and offerings.

Realistic games pens betfred agreement

Operator to launch supplier’s full catalogue of table and slots games

Reading, January 2017 – Award-winning slots and table games supplier Realistic Games has signed a deal with Betfred to provide them with its full portfolio of games.

The deal will see the operator bolster its portfolio with Realistic’s market-leading versions of blackjack and roulette.

The roll-out also includes a number of recent slot releases such as Fireworks and Crystal Clear, as well as proven revenue generators like Super Graphics Upside Down and 6 Appeal.

Microgaming kicks off the New Year in style with two new games

ISLE OF MAN – Microgaming heralds in the New Year with two exciting and very differently themed games.

Players can now join Huangdi The Yellow Emperor on his quest for glory. Steeped in history and culture, Huangdi’s revolutionary inventions are seamlessly intertwined with authentic calligraphy and ancient symbols. Bringing the game to life is a unique soundtrack, created in-house using a number of traditional Chinese instruments.

Beautifully designed artwork, including a stunningly rendered background capturing the legendary Zhuolu battlefield, feature across the five reels and 25 paylines, with stacked and expanding symbols, 15 retriggerable free spins, and expanding wilds in both the base and free spin games. Animations are true to the theme; instead of generic gold coins during big wins, this game features ancient coins.

With the all-conquering Yellow Emperor by their side, players can expand their empire on both desktop and mobile with a 0.25 minimum bet and 30,000.00 credit maximum win.

Leicester was the most profitable Premier League side for punters in 2016

Online gambling outfit, NetBet, has taken a look at the outcome of a £10 weekly winning bet on your favourite team in the Premier League and it’s the champions Leicester who are the most profitable.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you made a £10 bet each time your favourite team played in the Premier League?

Well, wonder no more, NetBet has you covered.

The online gambling outfit has churned the numbers and it’s Leicester who is the most profitable side, netting you a £53.80 profit. The Foxes were the surprise package of last season, winning the 2015/16 Premier League after starting the year as relegation fodder.

Panathinaikos create eSports team; Gilberto Silva leaves Sporting Director role by mutual consent

Superleague Greece side, Panathinaikos, has become the 21st football team to join the eSports revolution by forming a team that will initially compete in League of Legends matches, and former star Gilberto Silva leaves his role as Sporting Director by mutual consent.

The world of professional physical and digital sport got a little cosier this week as the Superleague Greece side Panathinaikos became the latest pro team to create an eSports division.

The oldest team in Greek football history reached out to their fans via social media to ascertain what eSports titles they would like to see their side compete in. The feedback included the obvious (FIFA17), the popular (NBA2K), and all the old favourites: League of Legends (LOL), Starcraft, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO). The new eSports side will begin life competing in professional LOL events.

Club President, Dimitris Baltakos, pointed to the rise in the digital environment as both ‘entertainment’ and a ‘career’ as the reason for his club to get involved in the action. Quite simply, it’s where the Millennials eyeballs are currently focused.

Panathinaikos create eSports team; Gilberto Silva leaves Sporting Director role by mutual consent

Superleague Greece side, Panathinaikos, has become the 21st football team to join the eSports revolution by forming a team that will initially compete in League of Legends matches, and former star Gilberto Silva leaves his role as Sporting Director by mutual consent.

The world of professional physical and digital sport got a little cosier this week as the Superleague Greece side Panathinaikos became the latest pro team to create an eSports division.

The oldest team in Greek football history reached out to their fans via social media to ascertain what eSports titles they would like to see their side compete in. The feedback included the obvious (FIFA17), the popular (NBA2K), and all the old favourites: League of Legends (LOL), Starcraft, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO). The new eSports side will begin life competing in professional LOL events.

Club President, Dimitris Baltakos, pointed to the rise in the digital environment as both ‘entertainment’ and a ‘career’ as the reason for his club to get involved in the action. Quite simply, it’s where the Millennials eyeballs are currently focused.

Panathinaikos create eSports team; Gilberto Silva leaves Sporting Director role by mutual consent

Superleague Greece side, Panathinaikos, has become the 21st football team to join the eSports revolution by forming a team that will initially compete in League of Legends matches, and former star Gilberto Silva leaves his role as Sporting Director by mutual consent.

The world of professional physical and digital sport got a little cosier this week as the Superleague Greece side Panathinaikos became the latest pro team to create an eSports division.

The oldest team in Greek football history reached out to their fans via social media to ascertain what eSports titles they would like to see their side compete in. The feedback included the obvious (FIFA17), the popular (NBA2K), and all the old favourites: League of Legends (LOL), Starcraft, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO). The new eSports side will begin life competing in professional LOL events.

Club President, Dimitris Baltakos, pointed to the rise in the digital environment as both ‘entertainment’ and a ‘career’ as the reason for his club to get involved in the action. Quite simply, it’s where the Millennials eyeballs are currently focused.

Panathinaikos create eSports team; Gilberto Silva leaves Sporting Director role by mutual consent

Superleague Greece side, Panathinaikos, has become the 21st football team to join the eSports revolution by forming a team that will initially compete in League of Legends matches, and former star Gilberto Silva leaves his role as Sporting Director by mutual consent.

The world of professional physical and digital sport got a little cosier this week as the Superleague Greece side Panathinaikos became the latest pro team to create an eSports division.

The oldest team in Greek football history reached out to their fans via social media to ascertain what eSports titles they would like to see their side compete in. The feedback included the obvious (FIFA17), the popular (NBA2K), and all the old favourites: League of Legends (LOL), Starcraft, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO). The new eSports side will begin life competing in professional LOL events.

Club President, Dimitris Baltakos, pointed to the rise in the digital environment as both ‘entertainment’ and a ‘career’ as the reason for his club to get involved in the action. Quite simply, it’s where the Millennials eyeballs are currently focused.

Pennsylvania Lottery loser issues death threats against staff

Police have issued an arrest warrant for a frustrated lottery player who repeatedly threatened the lives of Pennsylvania Lottery staff.

On Wednesday, state police announced they were seeking the arrest of 47-year-old Towanda Shields (pictured) for making dozens of death threats against staff at the Pennsylvania Lottery headquarters between April and December 2016. Shields is facing three counts of uttering terroristic threats, 25 counts of harassment and 25 counts of stalking.

Local media quoted Lower Swatara Township police Detective Robert Appleby saying Shields “plays lottery a lot and gets very upset by the fact she doesn’t win.” Appleby said Shields was “completely obsessed with the lottery” and her threats became “so relentless it was becoming a concern.”

Shields reportedly made the threats live over the phone on up to a dozen occasions as well as via 21 voice mail messages, and Appleby claimed “she would get really sexually explicit with her insults.” Shields allegedly claimed her threats were permissible under freedom of expression laws.

Week 20 EPL review: Spurs end Chelsea’s magnificent run

Week 20 of the English Premier League sees Spurs put the kibosh on Chelsea’s plans for Premier League domination with a 2-0 win at White Hart Lane.

Oh, what a difference a game makes.

Chelsea could have been eight points clear of Liverpool, and 13 points clear of Spurs while at the same time setting a new Premier League record of 14 straight wins.

Instead, the race for the Premier League winning record books is a little tighter thanks to a side with their own sights set on creating a title crushing winning streak.

Week 20 EPL review: Spurs end Chelsea’s magnificent run

Week 20 of the English Premier League sees Spurs put the kibosh on Chelsea’s plans for Premier League domination with a 2-0 win at White Hart Lane.

Oh, what a difference a game makes.

Chelsea could have been eight points clear of Liverpool, and 13 points clear of Spurs while at the same time setting a new Premier League record of 14 straight wins.

Instead, the race for the Premier League winning record books is a little tighter thanks to a side with their own sights set on creating a title crushing winning streak.

Gamesman to celebrate two decades of innovation at ICE

Gamesman, the London-based gaming equipment components and systems manufacturer, will be celebrating two decades of innovation when it makes its 20th consecutive appearance at ICE Totally Gaming in February.

Sales Director, Martin Rigby, believes it’s possible to chart Gamesman’s development from start-up to a multi-million US dollar turnover business, against it’s appearances at the London show. He explained: “Certainly all of the major developments that have impacted the Gamesman business can be traced back to ICE.  For example, Gamesman was officially launched to the world at ICE and our purchase by the Esterline Corporation was announced at ICE 2013.

“In the early days of the business our focus was very much on the UK AWP market which then accounted for 90% of sales revenue.  Whilst our home market is still very important, partly thanks to the contacts made at ICE, we are now a global force in gaming with customers based throughout the world, with an office in Las Vegas and a wholly owned factory in China.

“The focus of the business has changed in keeping with the profile of ICE, which itself has grown from being a meeting place primarily for the European gaming industry to one which is able to consistently attract visitors from well over 100 nations.  ICE is very much a barometer for the international industry, which is fantastic for an exporter like ourselves. From a logistics and travel perspective exhibiting at ICE certainly makes life easier, but more significantly, it enables us to get a really comprehensive understanding of the issues, trends and hot topics from every corner of the gaming world.  Listening to the industry, understanding the issues and subsequently delivering bespoke gaming solutions for customers are the key benefits of participating in major international events of which ICE is the most compelling example.”