While it was billed as ‘the largest jackpot in US history’, last week’s win fell a little short of the estimated US$1.6 billion (NZ$2.45 billion). However, the lucky US Mega Millions winner probably won’t be complaining. The winning numbers and ticket have been traced to South Carolina, where winners can choose to remain anonymous. So, […]
Despite calls for banning third-party betting on lotteries, Australian bets are reportedly rising for the US MegaMillions. According to TheLotter.com, AU ticket sales have ‘sky-rocketed’, along with bets. Many punters have been using Lottoland and TheLotter.com to place their bets, probably for the last time. The jackpot for the American lottery has reached US$900 million […]
This year’s top operators and software providers have been announced at the Global Gaming Awards. The ceremony, held at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, opened the 2018 Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Winners were voted on by 70 gambling industry judges, and the awards were handed out in front 700 industry professionals. Two companies […]
A Perth banker has been sentenced to five years and six months’ jail time for stealing AU$3.7 million (NZ$4.04 million). Daniel Petkov, a 37-year-old bank manager, was sentenced this week in District Court. Petkov was allegedly suffering from ‘an undiagnosed bipolar disorder’ when he stole the money. According to reports, the full amount was appropriated […]
Gambling Harm Awareness week, also called ‘Pause the Pokies’, was held in early September. The initiative, headed by the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF), was meant to raise awareness in New Zealand. However, statistics from Pause the Pokies have revealed a larger problem. In Waiuku specifically, PGF experts have shared shocking data. According to their findings, […]
Gaming giant Playtech has sold off all of its Plus500 shares, three years after trying to buy the trading platform provider. Their 10% stake is worth £176 million (NZ$311 million), which Playtech will use for ‘general corporate purposes and debt reduction’. The decision to sell off the shares appears to fall in line with five […]
At this year’s Australasian Gaming Expo, it was revealed that pokies contribute roughly AU$8.32 billion (NZ$9.18 billion) to the economy of Australia. At least AU$5.5 billion (NZ$6.07 billion) went to tax revenues from leading Pokie operators. The survey was conducted on behalf of the Gaming Technologies Association (GTA), who represents the pokie industry. Gaming providers […]
Christchurch Casino is looking to renew their 15-year license this year, but will first have to wait for community submissions. Additionally, their current finances and operations will be scrutinised through peer reviews. Christchurch Casino is the first of New Zealand’s six casinos to apply for renewal. They have paid an application fee of roughly NZ$200 […]
Most Kiwi players would expect to at least double their money with a Royal Flush side bet at a poker table. One lucky SkyCity player, however, turned NZ$35 into NZ$1.1 million with a progressive jackpot hand. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, won on a single hand of Caribbean Stud poker last week. […]
As usual, the FIFA World Cup is stunning bookies and gamblers across the globe. With favourites slightly trailing, the group matches are proving to be a surprise on all fronts. While many are speculating who will win the trophy, there are only a few favourites left after initial showdowns. Brazil looks to be the favourite […]
A majority of voters in Switzerland (72.9%) voted to instate a new Gambling Act in the country which will legalise online casinos. However, the new laws have a double-edge. This act will only allow ‘Swiss-certified casinos’ to operate there. What’s more, this law will force internet service providers (ISPs) to block foreign gambling sites. According […]
Twitch Interactive is a live-streaming service used mainly by ‘celebrity’ gamers. These gamers make money from live-streams and promotional deals. Some even advertise specific services for the games they play. However, one ‘celebrity’ was banned from Twitch in 2016 after using the platform to promote a skin betting site he owns. The player, James ‘Phatoml0rd’ […]
Whenever a famous poker player wins in a tournament, you’d expect payouts to be a breeze. However, for Gordon Vayo, this was not the case with PokerStars after their Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) tournament. The professional player won an online game of No Limit Hold’em with a buy-in of US$1050 (±NZ$1511), but hasn’t […]
Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA Games, told investors this week that loot boxes shouldn’t be considered gambling. Electronic Arts, EA for short, was responsible for current investigations on loot crates because of their Star Wars: Battlefront II game. However, they removed the controversial prizes shortly after pre-release players complained about their loot boxes. Loot boxes, […]
A gang of thieves in North West England used fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) to launder their illegal cash. This method was used roughly 47 times by the gang from June 2016 to August 2017, according to reports from their trial. The group of at least eight members managed to steal up to £193 000 (±NZ$372 […]
Fans of the popular FIFA 18 game from Electronic Arts (EA) will soon be able to play in the World Cup. Free World Cup content will be available from 29 May on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch platforms. While the real World Cup will only start in June, the tournament mode […]
With months of development still ahead of the Boston Harbor resort, Wynn Resorts has made the call to remove Steve Wynn’s name from the project. Instead, the Massachusetts property will be known as Encore Boston Harbor. New banners around the development have been put up with the changed branding. Their decision follows months of disorder […]
Sky Betting and Gaming (SBG) has just been bought by a Canadian gaming firm, the Stars Group. The US$4.7 billion (NZ$6.6 billion) will see the Stars Group become one of the largest publicly traded gaming firms in the world. Sky Bet’s offerings will form part of a now stuffed brand portfolio. Additionally, their entry into […]
At least four out of ten loot crates studied by the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit, violate the Betting and Gaming Act. In a report by the regulator, the study found that these prizes could be traded and had a real-world value. As such, their inclusion in games of skill put younger players at risk of […]
Despite backing from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Galaxy Entertainment Group has shelved their Boracay island resort plans. The tropical island is a popular tourist destination, but recent environmental problems have forced the government to close it off. Following a review, Boracay Island was called a ‘cesspool’ by President Rodrigo Duterte, who also […]