The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held its 51^st event from January 11 to January 14. In a radical departure from all its previous shows, the CES event was hosted exclusively online for the first time. This change was prompted by the necessity of social distancing and travel restrictions resulting from the continued spread of COVID-19. Thousands of ‘attendees’ flocked to the digital showcase via the CES media hub.

While the event covered a vast amount of topics, products, and services, some standout examples should be of particular interest to real money casino enthusiasts.

Sports and Gaming Technology

Sports enthusiasts of all types had plenty to get excited about with innovations for casual fans, athletes, and punters all making an appearance. The fitness-related tech showed at CES embraced the realities of the present and the future possibilities with a focus on home-based physical wellness innovations. Aside from advancements in earbud and smartwatch technology, the exhibition notably showcased virtual trainers and special fitness walls that detect your body’s movements to evaluate your strengths and developmental areas.

Why fitness matters      

Exercising is about more than just making sure you look good.  While being outwardly fit can give you a confidence boost, it is also vital to the essential functions that our bodies perform. The areas of your brain that control cognitive function show increased activity when your body is in motion. So, aside from boosting your other internal organs’ efficiency, the brain also derives benefit from a more active lifestyle that can contribute to more efficient cognitive ability.

A perkier brain naturally lends itself to being more helpful in various situations that require focus, like a game of poker, for example. You could take it even further by combining a fairly rigorous exercise regime with healthier eating habits and get the most out of your grey matter, which is essential for gaming situations where presence of mind is vital.

You can check out all the exciting products on offer for yourself on the official CES website. Notable inclusions came courtesy of Amazfit, a fitness technology company that introduced a series of smart devices geared at improving the quality of workouts more for a full spectrum of users from casual home-exercisers to pro athletes.

With social distancing restrictions, business closures, and the economic impact of the pandemic on many individuals, gym attendance has sharply declined from previous levels. This does not mean that fitness can’t still be a priority, so home-based solutions are set to keep increasing in popularity. Projections from Global Market Insights show that by the year 2026, the online fitness market is expected to be worth over $30 billion.

Gaming Laptops

If you want to get a glimpse into the future, the event featured several product prototypes with fascinating features and improvements on old technology. Razer wowed attendees with its groundbreaking Razer triple-display laptop prototype named Project Valerie. Intel, pioneers in the ultraportable gaming laptop segment, showed off its 11th-generation of gaming processors named the H-series. These new processors weigh significantly less and are much thinner than current technology.

Asus, Dell, HP, Acer, and Lenovo also exhibited new laptop models with features and performance upgrades that make them appropriate for a range of tasks from home business to online casino gaming.

A multitude of innovations

Audiences at CES 2021 got to see a new series of giant TVs that enable the creation of realistic virtual environments that could slowly replace visits to brick-and-mortar casinos. The convenience of being able to experience a casino visit without the inherent physical risks means technology like this has a prominent future. Rollable phone technology also made a showing with handsets engineered for mobile gameplay. Inventions geared at fighting the pandemic were also on display, advancements in touchless technology for safer visits to physical venues are likely to become a common sight for casino goers.​

The once shining reputation of Crown Resorts in the Australian gaming scene now lays tarnished and scuffed thanks to a plethora of allegations of money laundering, war criminals, employee mistreatment, machine tampering, and more levelled at the company. Once a successful monolith, Crown Resorts has been reduced to scrabbling to save the sinking ship of its operations.

The corporation has woefully admitted that it may see itself losing obscenely large sums of money if credit rating agencies don’t start being more generous with their feedback. Unfortunately for Crown, the scales that it hopes will tip in its favour have been upended by the weight of its alleged transgressions.

The Guardian reported that Crown might have to repay more than AUD 175 million ($135 million) if increasingly unfavourable reports from rating agencies continue to pour in. Moody’s downgraded Crown to Baa3 last November, which is only one level from a ‘junk’ rating. Reports indicate that the agency is mulling a further downward rating, following the news that Crown has to face an inquiry by the New South Wales (NSW) Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) with its casino license hanging in the balance.

Moody’s recently declined to rate the $135 million debt that was offered as euro medium-term notes (EMTN). Crown has held these notes, which reportedly belong to a Japanese investor, for over 14 years. While Moody’s has shied away from the debt, both Fitch and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) have given it a rating of BBB, only two levels above junk.

If Fitch and S&P ultimately withdraw their ratings or list the debt as junk, the holder of the notes would be allowed to claim repayment. The claim could encompass the face value and interest that would have been paid from now up until 2036 when the debt would have matured. Crown appears to have the resources to cover the repayment, but this could cripple the progress on its numerous projects.

Crown’s projects are already potentially in peril, with their fate in the hands of the NSW inquiry. Moody’s has asserted that Crown’s future is almost entirely dependent on the findings of the investigation. In a communication from November 2020, the agency stated,

“We also view there to be an increasing likelihood of material downside implications from the escalating regulatory investigations Crown is facing. These could include large fines and/or changes to Crown’s licensing conditions in Sydney, with license loss being the most severe, although still unlikely, outcome. ILGA’s review also raises the potential for regulators of Crown’s operations in Victoria and Western Australia to undertake their own reviews, with possible negative consequences for Crown’s business in those states.”​

Neteller’s history in the e-money transfer service industry has earned it a sterling reputation for innovation and service delivery. Not satisfied with resting on its laurels, the company recently completed a dramatic update that includes a shiny new interface with a host of feature enhancements.

Overall the updates serve to make life more efficient for all the app users; however, Business customers will likely be particularly interested in the enhanced transaction history reporting and multiple wallet option access.

Sending and spending money while on the move is a facility the app’s individual users regularly employ, so the ability to hold multiple currencies in a single account is a welcomed addition. Users also have simplified access to their transaction histories which can be viewed via the users’ past purchases. One of the most critical additions has been the inclusion of cryptocurrencies, which can now be automatically bought and sold.

Holistic progression

The CEO of Neteller, Lorenzo Pellegrino, spoke about how the company is “excited about this 2020 milestone and bringing these new features to market.”

He elaborated, stating that the upgrade brought together “a strengthened technology platform with the technical expertise of our team. The result is a full refresh to the Neteller service. Making life ever easier for our users stands at the heart of the revamped design and new features.”

“Making life even easier for our users is at the heart of these enhancements, and we’re confident that they will ensure the best experience possible,” He wrapped up

Neteller’s focus appears to be firmly on making improvements to expand its app’s appeal. New depositing options have now been added, including popular services like Paysafe’s Rapid Transfer, Paysafecard, and Paysafecash. In addition, users from more parts of the globe can now enjoy the app’s great features with the inclusion of, French, Spanish, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese in its language options.

For speed’s sake, the app now allows for faster money remittances as well as instant transfers to other Neteller users. The cherry on top for individual users will be the ability to send money transfers to friends or family with only mobile numbers or email addresses.

Monday, January 11^th was a sombre day for many in the casino industry as it marked the passing of billionaire and casino industry veteran, Sheldon Adelson. Adelson was 87 at the time of his death, and he leaves behind a rich legacy as the founder, CEO, and chairman of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

He will be mourned most by his second wife, Miriam, their four adopted children, and 11 grandchildren. In September 2020, Forbes had his financial worth estimated at $33.5 billion, which would make him the 28th-richest person on the planet.

A retrospective

Adelson’s story is one of vanquished adversity, and while all the details are too numerous to list, a brief look back on his life reveals an inspirational tale.

The child of immigrants, he was born Sheldon Gary Adelson on August 4th, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts. His upbringing was one of poverty, and he spent many years of his childhood sleeping on the floor.

At age 12, he showed early initiative, borrowing $200 from his uncle and obtaining a newspaper seller’s license. Three years later, he successfully borrowed $10,000 from his uncle to start a candy vending machine business. After a failed attempt at becoming a court reporter, he enlisted with the military.

Adelson’s early adulthood was no less tumultuous, and by his thirties, he had obtained and lost wealth a few times over. He seemed to find his groove in the late 70s when he and his business partners launched the COMDEX trade show for the computer industry. COMDEX grew to become one of the largest computer trade shows in the world for over 20 years. Once it was sold in 1995, Adelson walked away with a tidy $500 million.

Adelson’s entry into the casino industry came about in 1988 when he purchased the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for a sum of $110 million. Three years later, while spending his honeymoon in Venice with his second wife, he had the inspiration to create a mega-resort hotel.

This led to the demolition and of The Sands and the construction of a new venue, an exercise that cost approximately $1.5 billion. The Venetian first opened its doors in May of 1999.

In 2004 Adelson opened the Sands Macao, the first Vegas-style casino in China, and in 2006 he opened the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, a project that cost $5.5 billion. The Venetian Macao opened for $2.4 billion a year later.

In 2015, Adelson acquired the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper for $140 million, triggering the resignations of many editors and reporters who cited “curtailed editorial freedom, murky business dealings, and unethical managers” as reasons.

In February 2019, the Las Vegas Sands announced that Adelson was receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Targeted altruism

Adelson was famous for his frequent donations to the causes closest to his heart.

In 2006, he donated $25 million to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, and in 2007 he began regular contributions to Birthright Israel a non-profit organisation that facilitates trips for Jewish youth to Israel The total contributions from the Adelson Family totalled $140 million.

2010 saw Adelson donate $1 million to a political action committee supporting former Republican Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. He made further political donations in the 2012 presidential election cycle, where he shelled out $92 million in support of losing Republican candidates, including Gingrich and Mitt Romney.

In 2014 Adelson donated $4 million to stem the legalisation of medical marijuana. He was a fierce opponent of the use of cannabis, which he characterised as a gateway drug. This position likely originated from the death of his adopted son, Mitchell, who had passed away after a heroin and cocaine overdose.

In the same year, Adelson donated $5 million to the Friends of the Israeli Defence Forces. And in September of 2016, he gifted $65 million to the Republican electoral campaign, $25 million of which went to Donald Trump. Following Trump’s presidential victory, Adelson generously handed over another $5 million for the inaugural celebrations.

If nothing else, Adelson was consistent, in 2016, he again contributed towards the fight against the legalisation of marijuana, donating $1 million in Massachusetts and further $1.5 million in Florida.

In 2018, the Republican Party received $113 million from Adelson in support of their efforts in the U.S. election cycle.

In the decade spanning 2010 to 2020, Adelson and his wife donated over $500 million to campaigns and super PACs in favour of the Republican Party.

PayID, a new Digital Wallet payment option is available at selected real money casinos in Australia with Fair Go Casino being one of the latest sites to integrate this banking method.

Using PayID at Fair Go Casino allows for fast and secure transactions with a user-friendly process, providing real-time payments that can process within a few minutes.

PayID is recommended for regular real-money players at Fair Go casino and there is a bonus available whenever you use this banking method.

What is PayID?

The PayID banking innovation allows you to make payments with online platforms like online stores and casinos. This payment method utilises a unique universal payment identifier that creates a secure process where you can safely deposit and withdraw money at online platforms.

This unique identifier that could be your mobile number or email address is required for you to connect with your bank account and process transactions.

Once your PayID number is linked, it can immediately be used for making payments. Your real account number remains hidden, making this a secure option for transactions at real money casinos.

How do I use it?

PayID eliminates the need for you to directly access your banking platform when performing online transactions.  When transacting on your casino account, you will be able to enter your PayID identifier on the banking page to process deposits and withdrawals.

Become a PayID user

You can create your PayID account through a financial organization or online banking. As stated above, Your PayID is either your mobile number or email address that will enable you to securely link to your bank account. The PayID registration process requires that you verify your identity.

Using PayID at Fair Go Casino

For new players, the first step is to visit Fair Go Casino and create your account. Thereafter, you can head to the Deposit/ Cashier section, and select PayID as your deposit method. You will need to fill in your deposit amount, ensuring it is correct, and follow the on-screen prompts to finalise the deposit.

What about the bonus?

Depositing at Fair Go Casino with the PayID payment option allows you to claim a payment bonus of 350% up to $3000 and 150 free spins on Plentiful Treasure when you use the coupon code, DEPOSITPAYID.

The pro’s of using PAyID at Fair Go 

Your PayID identifier obscures your sensitive bank details and your PayID is unique to you and easy to remember. Fair Go Casino has committed to keeping your PayID safe and will not share this information with any third parties.  PayID transactions are secured and encrypted via an extra layer of protection.​

2020 has not been the best year for Crown Resorts. The global pandemic aside, the largest gambling and entertainment company in Australia, has faced numerous allegations including charges of money laundering. Every time one glances at the news there seem to be fresh revelations of misconduct by the beleaguered brand.

As if its woes weren’t enough, Crown Resorts has recently had a couple of new lawsuits levelled against it that could prove to be the final nail in the flagging company’s coffin.

Class-action

As its stock price plummets and its plans to open a new casino in Sydney have been waylaid, Crown Resorts also has to reckon with a class-action lawsuit. The legal action was launched by the Maurice Blackburn Lawyers law firm that argues that the questionable conduct of Crown executives is responsible for its stock price’s freefall.

The law firm had faced Crown in court before with a legal confrontation in 2017 when Crown’s stock took a severe hit after it was found to violate Chinese laws that prohibit marketing to locals.

Blackburn attorney Miranda Nagy said, “We believe these governance failures have caused real loss to shareholders who would have expected best-practice compliance with anti-money laundering obligations, especially given Crown’s repeated public statements that it took compliance with such laws seriously. Instead, it appears Crown’s systems left the company potentially exposed to criminal activity happening on its premises and through its bank accounts.”

This lawsuit spans six years, allowing anyone who purchased stock from December 11th, 2014 to October 18th, 2020 to throw their hat in the ring. The suit demands compensation as well as the requirement that Crown buys back investor shares at an equitable price.

A fresh salvo

The second recent lawsuit that Crown has to deal with was brought to the fore by a former employee, Jenny Jiang.

In 2016, Ms. Jiang was employed as an administrative assistant at Crown’s Shanghai operation. She alleges that one of her primary responsibilities was to market Crown casinos to potential Chinese high rollers. This is an illegal practice in China and Ms. Jiang was soon arrested along with 18 of her colleagues.

In an interview, she relayed the impact the event has had on her life.

“Every year, the night we’ve been arrested, it feels like an anniversary for us,” Jenny said. “But it wasn’t a good memory because you remember that forever.”

Ms Jiang was accosted by police and detained due to her transgressions at the instruction of her employer. According to her, the criminal record that she now has in China has made finding employment an impossible task.

The wrath of the betrayed

Suffering through this incident inspired Ms Jiang to turn whistle-blower after the incident, alerting the press to Crown’s behaviour. She was subsequently fired, an action Crown chairperson Helen Coonan later described as “highly inappropriate.” The company also reportedly smeared her in the media when they referred to her as a “gold-digger.”

Jiang accused the company of slander, and after demanding an apology that never came, she filed a lawsuit to salvage her reputation.

In an interview with ABC News, Australia, she laid bare her accusations, “Crown operated in China without care to their staff. Their actions hurt me and my family. They have not been held accountable. I want justice.”

The lawsuit seeks to compensate her for her alleged ill-treatment and the emotional suffering caused by her arrest. According to Jiang, “We brought so much revenue, so much business and profit for Crown. And we were just dumped like a used napkin. That’s why I feel so angry. I feel so upset with what happened and what they’re saying about me.”

Crown seems to have erred once again in its judgment, as a simple apology may have helped the company avoid this latest legal headache. As things stand, this small oversight may lead to enormous consequences.