Admin, Author at UberPokies.org

Esports betting reaches new levels thanks to COVID-19

April 4, 2020 by Admin

The closure of casinos across the globe has become the norm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sportsbooks are no less affected than casinos, with most major sporting leagues either postponing or outright canceling their seasons.

Online bookies in the search for a way to keep their customers have begun exploring the relatively unexplored option of Esports, a rapidly growing sector with untapped potential.

Demystifying Esports

Esports is a term used to describe competitive video gaming where an audience is allowed to view different players competing across various game titles, often on online platforms. Esports events can take place between individuals, but team vs. team events have proven to be vastly more popular with fans.

Estimates of the size of the Esports fan-base are staggering. Research conducted in 2017 concluded that Esports drew 258 million unique viewers. These figures far surpass the highly popular NFL which achieved 204 million unique viewers for their 2016 regular-season games.

Online streaming services such as Twitch provide the majority of fans with competitive gaming content; however, several Esports arenas have cropped up over recent years, providing a live experience where fans can cheer on their favorite teams and players. Professional E-gamers can have large followings, with many achieving millionaire statuses through competition prizes, merchandise, sponsorships, and monetization from their online channels.

There are many international professional leagues, and a blend of investors and fans has skyrocketed the potential to earn serious money from gaming. Many tournaments have multimillion-dollar prize pools, and the overall industry is poised to turn $2 billion annually by 2021.

Esports betting

COVID-19 has changed the lifestyles of many people, with a significant percentage of the global population spending a lot more time indoors thanks to governmental safety measures. With most sports tournaments on hold, Esports has become a refuge for sports fans looking for their competitive fix, with sports wagering enthusiasts and real-money casino players making up a significant part of that number.

Betting on Esports works more or less the same as placing a regular team sports wager. One would most commonly to bet on who the winning team will be. There is a wide range of betting options available and punters new to this sector would do well to shop around.

Cash or Skins

Aside from the standard cash betting option where you win money, based on your wager, players have taken to a practice known as “skin betting” where players bet an item from their stock of custom in-game gear. A win means a new piece of gear that they can use, sell, or trade.

Top Esports games

The most popular Esports games are multiplayer masterpieces and a few have risen to the top, drawing millions of players and fans. Here are some examples of the most iconic titles in Esports history.

Overwatch – This is a first-person shooter where two teams of six compete against each other in various game modes. This can entail escorting a payload across a map or defending strategic locations. Players can select from a roster of over 30 characters.
Fortnite – Fortnite Battle Royale is the most popular iteration of this shooter title. Up to 100 players fight it out to be the last player standing. Players can fight alone, or form teams of up to four participants.
League of Legends – In this online battle arena game, teams of champions compete against each other. The player characters available come from a wide range of fantasy sub-genres and dozens are available for selection, all with individual abilities and powers. League of Legends is currently the most-watched Esports game on the planet.
Dota 2 – This multiplayer arena title is a five-on-five team battle game. Each team features powerful fantasy characters. The aim of the game is to take down other players and eliminate your opponent’s base. This is currently the most profitable game in all of esports.
Starcraft II – This wildly successful title is a real-time strategy game where you build bases, train troops, and construct defenses and vehicles. The game features humans and two alien races as class selections and features 3 expansion titles, telling the story of each race fight for dominance.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – This realism-based first-person shooter allows you to choose a team of terrorists or counter-terrorists as you fight across various game modes. This 2012 release is still grabbing attention with around 11 million players per month.

Other betting options

Aside from the more fantastical side of gaming genres, if you’re eager to wager on something a bit more traditional if you’re looking for something to wager on, some bookmakers are allowing bets on the sports simulators, NBA2K20 and Madden NFL 20. ESPN is currently airing an NBA2K20 tournament with real basketball stars swapping out their sneakers for game controllers and competing against each other.

Has Coronavirus inspired more land-based casinos to go online?

March 27, 2020 by Admin

Macau is the indisputable gambling capital of Asia and one of the continent’s most popular gambling destinations. More than 30 casinos with a combined value of billions of dollars inhabit this region. Exotic casino names like The Venetian or Wynn Macau provide ample allure for passionate players looking to expand their experiences.

Beyond the seemingly endless array of gambling options, Macau is a general entertainment and shopping destination for hordes of tourists every year. The island is also renowned for its range of fine-dining restaurants, making it a versatile and enjoyable destination for travelers. The island’s entertainment and tourism industries are, however under serious threat by the Coronavirus Pandemic that has spread across the globe at a highly concerning rate over the last few months.

Land casino visitation down 70%

Compared to the previous year, there has been a massive downturn in visits to brick-and-mortar casinos in Macau. Casinos on the island have experienced a 70 percent drop in visitation to date. Macau is an autonomous region off the south coast of China and its proximity to the country of origin of COVID-19 as well as the overall global response to the spread of the virus have created an unfortunate decline in visits to the island. The social-distancing measure that has been adopted across the planet limits the number of people that can be gathered in any particular space at a time and has caused even a major economy like China to grind to halt. The effect on land-based casinos is obvious.

The virus has provided a clear and unambiguous message to Chinese and other Asian markets to accelerate the process to legalize online gambling. Restricted travel options and mandatory quarantines in China could compel its government to relook their stance on the legality of online gambling. In the Philippines, online gambling is legal and players unable to visit Macau have scratched their itch by visiting online casinos.

Online gambling engagement numbers are up 90 percent compared to last year. This dramatic figure has spurred many land-based casino operators to consider the migration to an online platform, an already-rising trend that is sure to see a serious upward trajectory in the months to come.

Many casinos in Macau have re-opened and continue to operate, following a 15-day shutdown; however, many venues have remained closed, citing the absence of tourists on the island.

The virus has caused the closure of casinos, restaurants, bars, pubs, theatres and other entertainment venues all around the world, so if you are used to going out to entertain yourself, you may need a strategy to stave off boredom in these trying times.

A world surviving self-Isolation

Australia has close to 600 confirmed COVID-19 at the time of this article being written. Plenty of Australians have fully embraced social distancing, in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus. This means a lot of indoor-time for Aussies with a 14 day lockdown period in effect. Some individuals can continue working from home remotely, but for others, this is a great chance for family time or to pick up on long-abandoned personal projects or resolutions.

Casino enthusiasts may be experiencing a particularly challenging time substituting for their primary source of entertainment so this is an excellent time to check out real-money online casinos and experience the astounding range of games with alluring bonuses for first-timers.

The world of online casinos can be intimidating to newcomers due to the sheer scale of the range of options available. This site contains an ever-expanding database of casino reviews and rankings to greatly simplify your foray into online gambling. The casinos listed have been selected according to their safety, reliability and entertainment value. The listed casinos are constantly checked to ensure that they are maintaining the highest possible quality of player safety and standards.

Staying at home doesn’t have to be a torturous, boring experience. Many individuals and industries are finding ways to adjust to a world doing its best to halt the spread of a pandemic and online gambling is a great way for you if you normally spend your free time at brick-and-mortar casinos. While self-isolation can be inconvenient, it is a necessary measure to ensure that humanity can eventually return to normal. So, stay home, stay safe and don’t forget to check out our fully vetted list of online casinos to fulfill your entertainment needs.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March 24, 2020 by Admin

Problem Gambling Awareness Month was created 18 years ago in America and has since spread to territories like Australia, where the need for interventions to curb problem gambling is particularly urgent.

Tim Costello, the spokesperson of the Alliance for Gambling Reform stated: “Gambling in Australia is the equivalent of guns in America.”

200,000 Australians are estimated to have a high-level problem, with twice that number classified as low-level addicts. Aussies spend an average of $1,300 annually on gambling, well ahead of the next highest nation which is Singapore ($600 per capita).

The science of addiction

Winning at any form of gambling triggers the release of dopamine in your body, feeding the reward center of your brain. The effect is a natural ‘high’ and to some individuals, it is as intense as the feeling brought about by drugs or alcohol.

Warning signs

Several symptoms may indicate that you are a problem gambler. These include but are not limited to:

Constant thoughts about gambling.
Gambling has negatively impacted your relationships and/or employment.
Borrowing money from others to keep gambling after you’ve used up all of yours.
Resorting to fraud or theft to fuel your gambling habit.
Stopping or cutting back on gambling makes you irate and anxious.
To re-experience the original thrill, you have to constantly increase the size of your bets.
Gambling is your escape from depression and/or anxiety.
You are dishonest with friends and family about how much and how often you gamble.
You don’t quit after a losing session, you keep playing in an attempt to turn the tables on your bad luck.
You have attempted to stop gambling, but you have always failed at staying away.
In isolation, some of the above may only indicate that you are in the “at-risk” category. However, if two or more apply to you, then you are likely at the stage where you should seek help.

Gateways to problem gambling

Most people who gamble do so as a recreational activity and can walk away quite easily. There is a small segment of the population that becomes dependent on gambling due to factors such as biological, environmental, and genetic issues. Here are some of the more common causes:

Depression or anxiety.
Personality traits such as impulsiveness, competitiveness, or having a short attention span.
Those with friends or family who are problem gamblers.
Young or middle-aged individuals. Older players are also susceptible to addiction however; the previous two age groups are more at risk.
Some medications, particularly “dopamine agonist” can aggravate compulsive behavior.
Individuals with substance abuse issues.
Mental health disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

If any of the criteria listed apply to you, it would be best to either limit your gambling or avoid it completely. If not, you could be at enhanced risk for addiction.

The way out

Quitting cold turkey is an option for a percentage of problem gamblers; however, this is a highly difficult method with variable success.

A combination of therapy and a support group is recommended for most people. There are also some medications that may also dampen your impulsive tendencies, but these aren’t an applicable solution for everyone.

Helping hands

The Gambling Help Online site is a vital starting point for problem gamblers or those attempting to assist them. The website offers confidential access to information, advice, live chat, and email support 24/7.

The National Gambling Helpline is also available 24/7 for Aussie residents. Professional, confidential assistance is available at any time if you dial 1800 858 858.

Click here for more information on how to be a responsible gambler and get the help you need.

Coronavirus concerns put Crown Casino inquiry on hold

March 20, 2020 by Admin

The public hearing that was set to examine the licensing issues involving Crown Resorts and Hong Kong-based casino group Melco was supposed to recommence on Wednesday. This has subsequently been postponed due to Coronavirus concerns.

The NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority announced on Monday that the hearings would eventually resume, adding that the commissioner was being guided by announcements and health advice from the Commonwealth and state governments regarding COVID-19.

In a further statement released on Tuesday afternoon, the authority elaborated on their position, stating “As a result of the recent reports and impacts of COVID-19 and in alignment with the changes that have been advised by the Commonwealth and state governments, it is with regret that the public hearings of the inquiry will be deferred to a date to be fixed,”

The regulator’s concerns for the health and welfare of legal members and the community at large were central to this decision.

The inquiry was set up last year to investigate billionaire casino mogul James Packer’s sale of a 20 percent stake in Crown to Melco and media revelations that Crown was knowingly associated with individuals with alleged ties to organized crime and money laundering.

Peter Cohen, the Victorian Gambling Authority’s former executive commissioner was set to appear before the hearing on Wednesday, along with Crown’s chief legal officer Joshua Preston.

The gaming authority is at an advantage after winning a noteworthy legal challenge last week. The NSW government won an appeal to the Supreme Court for access to Melco documents regarding its acquisition of Crown Resorts’ shares.

There has been no word from Melco as to whether they intend to appeal the judgment.

Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited fall to Australian legal challenge

March 17, 2020 by Admin

Mark Speakman, the Attorney General for New South Wales, has triumphed in his legal appeal to compel Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited to hand over certain confidential company documents.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported that the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has the Hong Kong-based firm under investigation as part of a far-reaching assessment into whether local partner Crown Resorts Limited should retain their gambling license for the soon-to-be-launched Crown Sydney venue.

Crown under the microscope

This inquiry was set off by an announcement by Crown Resorts Limited, detailing their plans to have Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited purchase an almost 20% shareholding in its business. Even after the subsequent halving of this acquisition, the regulator is still set on investigating any possible ties between organized crime groups and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lawrence Ho Yau Lung. The investigation will also determine whether either operator has ever utilized corrupt individuals as part of efforts to attract foreign customers to their venues.

Vital facts

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited found temporary relief when they won an action before the Supreme Court of New South Wales in January to restrict the investigation’s access to documents the firm claimed were legally privileged. The argument presented by Melco was that they could not be required to produce these papers as the investigation did not possess the necessary powers to compel them to do so.

Turning tables

The newspaper went on to report that Speakman temporarily halted the inquiry late last month to allow his office to table a petition before the New South Wales Court of Appeal. The court eventually ruled on behalf of the politician, stating that Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited have to surrender the requested information to the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

From the source

Below is an excerpt from the court’s ruling

“The court held that the primary judge erred in concluding that the Royal Commission Act did not confer a ‘power or authority’ on a commissioner, with that section extending the general power to compel the production of documents to include the power to compel the production of legally privileged documents.”

High stakes

The Sydney Morning Herald’s report went on to say that the inquiry into Melbourne-based Crown Resorts Limited is being headed by former New South Wales Supreme Court Judge Patricia Bergin and is imbued with the power to restrict the firm from offering gambling at the $1.5 billion Crown Sydney. The venue was set to open later in the year, capping over 50 months of construction. The New South Wales Court of Appeal’s turnabout could mean that the inquiry may have to resume as early as next week although Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited will be taking advantage of their approved right to appeal.

Which sports are still around to bet on? – Coronavirus update

March 13, 2020 by Admin

Recent global conditions have necessitated the postponement or outright cancellation of a wide variety of major sporting events, with some even being held spectator-free behind closed doors. Luckily if you enjoy betting on such events, there are still options open to you while the world attempts to deal with a viral threat.

The Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game is one of the most recent casualties of the slew of match cancellations. Several Arsenal players are said to have met the owner of Greek club Olympiakos, who is a confirmed Coronavirus infection case. The virus’ effect has spread, affecting the ability of entire leagues to stage matches, with the fate of the UEFA EURO 2020 and the Olympic Games in Tokyo hanging in the balance and by a thread.

The show must go on

Amongst the rash of cancellations and postponements, there are still sporting events for you to place your bets on. The Champions League and Europa League are currently holding mostly closed-door matches, this is an obvious disappointment for fans who won’t get to watch their favourite players, but leaves an avenue wide open for you to place some wagers.

How will football fare?

You still can test your luck and bet on major European games through sites like bet365 sportbook. This is encouraging news as the major football leagues have an exciting combined line-up for the season ahead.

Champions League and Europa League: will hold some games behind closed doors like PSG vs Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich vs.

Premier League: The English top league had up until recently remained unaffected by the pandemic. Now the Manchester City vs Arsenal game has been postponed. No other postponements or cancellations for the weekend have been announced, with little to indicate whether the situation will worsen or improve soon.

La Liga and Ligue 1: Top two division games in Spain will be played behind closed doors at for at least the next two weeks. France some has restrictions in place until mid-April, but you can still bet to your heart’s content on all games.

The Bundesliga: This is a bit of a mixed bag with some games being played in front of spectators as normal and others being played behind closed doors.

Italy: Italy is arguably one of the countries that have been worst-hit by the virus and all sports events have been cancelled until the 3rd of April. This naturally includes all Serie A games.

Smaller championships are finding themselves in similar positions to their larger counterparts. Japan’s top league is suspended until at least the 3rd of April and Poland will be holding games behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.

Whether the Euro2020 playoff games will be played behind closed doors is still up for debate as the tournament has remained unaffected to date.

Asian qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 World Cup are suspended until further notice.

Major sports events that are still happening

The start of a new Formula 1 season is a highlight for fans of the sport. The season will commence, as planned this weekend in Australia. The Chinese Grand Prix is the only postponement for the season thus far, with the second race in Bahrain being run without spectators. Other major sports calendar events like Wimbledon or the Tour de France are still safe for now, but events scheduled like Giro d’Italia are unlikely to take place as Italy are among the worst afflicted by the pandemic.

Will MotoGP continue?

The first race of the MotoGP season, due to take place in Qatar has been cancelled and Thailand’s chance to hold the 2^nd race has been postponed to October. The third race which was due to take place in Austin, US had been bumped up to season-opener status and was set to take place on the 5th of April, but a state of emergency declared for the city has thrown this possibility out. The result is that the MotoGP season will likely only start in Argentina on the 19th of April. This information is subject to change as the impact of the virus’ spread creates an ever-changing situation. Other racing events like World Rally Championship and NASCAR are still due to take place as scheduled, so there is still some fast-paced action for you to wager on.

Mostly business as usual for American sports

The US has not seen many confirmed cases or alarming infection rate as yet, so major American leagues, like the NHL and the MLB, are maintaining their current schedules without cancellations or postponements. There are currently no plans to exclude spectators from these sporting events but locker room access has been strictly limited to players and staff only, with the media being left out in the cold. The NBA, by contrast, has opted to suspend their entire season after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus.

Mixed fortunes

Rugby fans have taken an unpleasant hit with the postponement of several highly-anticipated games. The Six Nations game of Ireland vs Italy or France vs Ireland have fallen to the postponement hammer. Horseracing events seem to all still on track, the Cheltenham Festival had a normal start with some special safety measures being implemented.

The best advice you could take right now would be to stay inside as much as possible and enjoy your sports and wagering from the comfort and safety of your couch.

Of course, you can also indulge in pokies and improve your winning strategy.

March slot releases by Microgaming

March 10, 2020 by Admin

March will see Microgaming grow its existing catalog with a selection of games that are feature-forward and entertainingly themed for optimal entertainment and gameplay.

Attack on Retro™ by Triple Edge Studios is a Microgaming-exclusive, neon extravaganza of 80’s nostalgia and futurism. This slot is an intriguing retro-fest of an adventure where our cyberpunk heroes, Billy and Jesse, defend their city against a robot invasion. A win potential of 5,000x awaits the brave in this five-by-three reel, 10 payline slot. The visuals are packed with neon lasers, futuristic gadgets, and lucrative bonus features; these include stacked and random wilds. An 80’s synthwave soundtrack makes the experience all the more vivid. With all of this packed into one slot, you are sure to have an exhilarating time.

Gameburger Studios, the creators of 9 Masks of Fire™ and Break da Bank Again Respin slots, have exclusively developed 9 Pots of Gold™ for Microgaming. This slot is scheduled for release on 10 March, a week ahead of St. Patricks Day. This leprechaun-themed slot is filled to the brim with golden treasures, including Pot Pays, free spins and a Free Spin Wheel. This five-by-three reel, 20 payline slot invites you on a spirited jaunt with one of Ireland’s most iconic mythical creatures.

Switch Studios are poised to reveal their latest blackjack title this month. Classic Blackjack: Six Deck is an exclusive title for Microgaming customers and will launch in Spain on 5 March. This is the seventh blackjack variant from the studio and it was developed with a powerful new engine. The features include standard side bets, double down, insurance, and split hands. You can expect seamless gameplay and a combination of engaging animations and sound for an authentic, exciting casino experience.

Magic is in the air in Treasure Skyland™, Just For The Win’s Microgaming-exclusive new title. This slot’s story takes place amongst the clouds in a magical realm, complete with floating islands. Join a scurvy crew of monkeys on a voyage for golden banana treasures and glory. Treasure Skyland takes to the skies on 24 March and boasts an impressive haul of bonus features including Win Multipliers, Symbol Upgrades as well as a Pick Bonus feature.

Rabcat has two new adventures for you this month. Treasure Heroes™ releases on 5 March and Mining Fever™ will debut on 31 March. Treasure Heroes’ theme is largely fantasy-influenced. This medium volatility, five-by-five reel slot is powered by a cluster-win mechanism. A combination of compelling artwork and sound design complement the slick mechanics and amazing features which include the Moving Wall feature and Treasure Chamber free spins mode. The second title from Rabcat is Mining Fever which tells the story of courageous dwarves with individual mining skills. The slot boasts five-reels and 243 ways to win with a treasure trove of special features, including Driler’s Dwarven Drill, Thundar’s Dwarven Hammer, Bombur’s Dwarven Bomb, and Dwarven Gold Train.

Microgaming isn’t stopping at these slots. There is a lot more in store for March with several scheduled releases from Microgaming’s leading content partners:

Alchemy Blast (Skillzzgaming, 9 March)
Irish Love (1X2gaming, 11 March)
Amazon Gold (Ainsworth, 12 March)
Kanga Cash Extra (Ainsworth, 12 March)
Gladiator Arena (Booming Games, 12 March)
Wild Krakatoa (2By2 Gaming, 16 March)
Twice the Diamonds (Ainsworth, 19 March)
White Rabbit (Big Time Gaming, 23 March)
Hot Cross Bunnies Pull Tab (Realistic Games, 26 March)
Jessica Weaver Queen of the Seas (MGA, 26 March)

Microgaming has ensured that, whatever kind of player you are, you will find something to your taste this March, with their ever-expanding selection of premium titles.

World Poker Tour announces three new festivals for Australia’s Star Gold Coast

March 6, 2020 by Admin

This week, the World Poker Tour (WPT) announced The Star Gold Coast in Australia will play host to not one, but three new WPT festivals. The World Poker Tour will be returning to the region for the second time during Season XVII, hosting an event beginning in April. The very next season, the festival will be back in action again, this time, in September, and then again in April 2021.

WPT Australia Action:

The Star Gold Coast will be hosting the WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast from April 30th through May 4th, offering a full schedule of gaming options. This stop is part of the current season. By the time Season XIX starts, the WPT will be back in Australia on September 24th to host the AUD $1,100 WPTDeepStacks Australia. This event will be followed by the WPT Australia Main Event on October 2nd. This event will have a buy-in of AUD $5,400.

Fast forward to 2021, and the Season XIX will be back at The Star Gold Coast to host the WPTDeepStacks once again. This festival will take place from April 23rd to May 3rd. The Main Event of this stop has a buy-in of AUD $1,500.

The first time the WPT headed to Australia was earlier in Season XVIII with plenty of poker action. A total of 658 entries were seen, which created a prize pool of AUD $1.48 million. The event was won by Hari Varma to the tune of AUD $274,247.

According to the WPT…

COO of The Star Gold Coast, Jess Mellor, commented on the new events by stating: “The Star Gold Coast and the nation of Australia warmly welcomes back the WPT for WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast and the rapidly approaching WPT Australia festival. Last year’s event showed the poker world that The Star Gold Coast is a must-attend poker destination and we look forward to showcasing our property to more players from around the globe.”

Season XIX:

Just a few days before the Australia stops were announced by the WPT, it was revealed that Season XIX will begin with the WPT Cambodia. The NagaWorld Integrated Resort will be hosting the event. The full series will run from July 15th to the 28th. There will be 26 events on the schedule with buy-ins ranging from $200 to $15,000.

Between playing regular pokies, you will have plenty of time to get yourself tournament ready by practicing your poker skills online!

Investigation into Crown Resorts Limited kicks off in New South Wales

February 21, 2020 by Admin

The gaming regulator for New South Wales has initiated the first of five public hearings into allegations that local casino operator Crown Resorts Limited may have enlisted the services of shady agents in order to lure wealthy Chinese gamblers to its venues.

In a Saturday report on Bloomberg news service, it was revealed that the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority is probing claims that the Crown Resorts had used individuals connected to human traffickers, drug cartels and money launderers with the end goal of attracting foreign clients to its venues.

Potential shutdown:

The news service described how the probe, led by former New South Wales Supreme Court Judge, Patricia Bergin, could spell the end for Crown Resorts Limited’s operating license for its planned Crown Sydney facility. The Bangaroo harbour-side $1.5 billion property in central Sydney was set to begin welcoming gamblers later in the year, with 50 months of construction already completed.

Shady friends:

Bloomberg has reported that the inquiry could compel testimony from billionaire James Packer, Crown’s largest investor. Melco Resorts’ Chairman and CEO, Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, could also be called up to testify. The report lays out how Melco had been poised to acquire an almost 20% shareholding in Crown Resorts, only to halve the arrangement late last month, leaving it with a 9.9% stake.

Criminal ties:

Crown Resorts Limited is additionally responsible for the Western Australian Crown Perth venue and Victoria’s giant Crown Melbourne. loomberg reported that the investigation will take a hard look at the relationship between Ho and his father, 98-year-old Macau casino magnate Stanley Ho Hung Sun. The elder Ho has previously been banned from investing in Australian casinos amid allegations that his gambling empire is largely due to his associations with organized crime groups.

Possible policy review:

The news report went on to reveal that an inquest by the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority could possibly review the state’s gambling regulations and legislation as well as the exposure of local casinos to money laundering.

Changing faces:

Bloomberg also reported that Crown Resorts Limited has pre-emptively tapped new Non-Executive Chairman Helen Coonan to overhaul its corporate governance functions. Coonan, a 72-year-old ex-senator stepped into a role previously filled by executive chairman, John Alexander. She will wade into uncertain territory with a re-organized board, notably, new Chief Executive Officer Ken Barton.

New progressives, branded slots and the return of legendary characters on the cards for Microgaming in 2020

February 14, 2020 by Admin

While the organized chaos of ICE London 2020 was underway, Microgaming took the chance to show that it has no intention of slowing its progress. The organisation has over 100 exclusive titles and 240 partner games primed for its content aggregation platform.

The prominent supplier displayed its new range to guests at the event, showcasing the diversity of its latest and upcoming games. These included new progressive slots, newly branded content, and the return of beloved game characters.

Over the three-day event, ICE attendees were enthusiastically welcomed to Microgaming’s world, consisting of nine independent studios that got to showcase some of their new, exclusive creations. The promise of even more choice and innovation for Microgaming’s customers was palpable. A series of spectacular, celebratory game reveals accompanied the exhibition, with the experience enhanced by a professional DJ.

Microgaming kicked off its ICE experience in trademark style, unveiling one of several new branded games destined for its platform this year. The announcement of its Game of Thrones™ Power Stacks™ online slot developed exclusively by Slingshot Studios was followed by an exclusive, VIP soirée for Microgaming customers at the esteemed Peruvian restaurant, COYA in Mayfair, London.

The second day saw attendees immersed in an enchanting world of magical riches with the reveal of Sisters of Oz, a new progressive slot featuring the newly revamped WowPot jackpot, created exclusively by Triple Edge Studios. The studio, which famously created the highly popular Book of Oz slot, has continually grown its portfolio and took the opportunity to tease a new title, Attack on Retro as well as another new progressive slot, Absolootly Mad™, featuring the world-renowned Mega Moolah jackpot. Microgaming closed off the day with an electrifying celebration of a new deadmau5 branded online slot, inspired by the world-renowned electronic music artist’s latest tour, cube v3.

The final day brought more delights. Attendees found themselves absorbed in a world of straight-to-video 90s action, blaring riffs and breakneck gameplay with the reveal of a new Aurora Beast Hunter slot by Just For The Win. The studio is also poised to release Treasure Skyland™ and Anderthals™ later in the year. Classic characters waiting in the wings for their return to Microgaming’s diverse portfolio of content include a legendary jungle hero in Tarzan® and the Jewels of Opar, a new branded slot from Fortune Factory Studios. Ace navigator and celebrated explorer, Victoria, and the industrious inventor of mechanical marvels, Maximillian, will also make a return in Fortunium Gold, a new title from Stormcraft Studios featuring the WowPot jackpot.

Gameburger Studios also dished out delectable content. The creators of Break da Bank and Break da Bank Again Respin and 9 Masks of Fire™, unveiled 9 Pots of Gold and 11 Champions Golden Goal. Showcasing their inspired and passionate energy for developing enjoyable, story-driven casino slots, Neon Valley Studios, who are responsible for Aurora Wilds, premiered its upcoming Age of Conquest online slot and Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah progressive.

Foxium’s creative experts revealed compelling themes and captivating narratives, revealing 3 Tiny Gods and Cossacks: Wild Hunt, While All41 Studios an ambitious studio Estonian outfit, the creators of Magic of Sahara and Book of Atem, publicized upcoming titles, including Arena of Gold and Mayan Eagle. Switch Studios, who are table game specialists, also gave a rousing presentation of their brand new table games content, which included roulette, blackjack and other popular variants, as well as a modern take on the ancient dice game Sic Bo.