Showing results for: ""
This is a quick look at the year that was in the world of gambling and online casinos in the UK. Online Casino News British-based bookmakers and online casino and poker site, William Hill, re-launched their software in March and began to promote the William Hill Casino Club and William Hill Poker Club. William Hill was also previously powered by Cryptologic but switched over to Playtech and it doesn't look like they've looked back since with players giving them the thumbs up. In October, William Hill Bingo one of the countries' most popular bingo rooms, launched its new game Deal or No Deal which proved to be a huge hit. Poker Events In August, nearly 20,000 poker enthusiasts turned up for Europe's largest annual poker event, that is, the Poker In The Park festival, held in London's Leicester Square. There were two whole days filled with free tournaments and live tutorials and presentations by some of the world's most successful poker players such as Jamie Gold who won the main event of the 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) and last year's winner, Peter Eastgate. More in online poker, UK poker player, James Akenhead, sponsored by Full Tilt Poker, made it to the November Nine at the 2009 WSOP Main Event final table. Akenhead finished in ninth place and took home over £700,000. Bingo News A study released in November by GamingSupermarket.com revealed that online female players from the UK are following in the steps of their American counterparts by turning away from bingo to play a game of online roulette instead. It is well accepted that roulette has long been the game of choice amongst American women. But not for British women who have traditionally played bingo. It seems on the dominance of bingo in Britain could be able to fall. In other good news for the struggling British bingo industry, the UK tax authorities announced that bingo games will be exempt from Valued Added Tax (VAT). Jackpot Winners In late September, the highest ever online jackpot prize of €31.7 million was won by a lucky British punter from a German lottery, Tipp24, using the winning combination of 3, 4, 23, 30, 43 and 44, as well as the bonus number of 6. Another lucky UK bingo player at JackpotCity Bingo struck gold when he hit the £25,000 jackpot within an hour of registering. Unusual Happenings In January, news broke of a conscientious gambler and thief. The manager of the Leeds-based casino, Grosvenor Casino, apparently broke into the casino on Christmas Day using just a chisel and an axe and then later walked into the local police station to confess about the theft of £44,000 to policemen who had no idea that it had even occurred! What's in store for 2010 The New Year will see the annual Betting Show relocated from Birmingham to London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre. The Betting Show is a major event for the UK, Irish and European bookmaking industries and was launched in 2003. However, it will now be held next to the 2010 International Gaming Expo from January 26 to 28.
The knives are officially out at emerging English superpower Manchester City, and the big question now is who will be managing the Blues by season's end. City beat Sunderland 4-3 last Saturday to climb back to sixth place and put itself back in contention for a spot in Europe, but that wasn't enough for the club's new Abu Dhabi-based owners, who sacked manager Mark Hughes following the game, replacing him with Roberto Mancini. If the example of Chelsea is anything to go by, there could be more changes by season's end, which is why the odds Paddy Power is offering on the saga make for such interesting reading. Mancini, who was in charge of three clubs in Italy before making the move to England, is actually considered a big chance to stay until the end of the season, with 1/5 odds that he will remain and 3/1 odds that he won't last. But the chances of him being manager one year from now, on New Year's Day 2011, are slighter, at 1/2 for and 6/4 against. Mancini also features prominently in Paddy Power's odds on the Premier League sack race. He is fifth in the betting, at 12/1, on who will be the next manager to lose his job, just behind Liverpool's Rafa Benitez, at 13/2. Gary Megson, manager of struggling Bolton Wanderers, is 11/4 to be the first to get the flick, just ahead of Gianfranco Zola, 11/2, whose West Ham side is also sitting uncomfortably in the relegation zone.
All Slots Casino and All Jackpots Casinos have just released their top online casino games of 2009. Tomb Raider 2 is leading the way The inimitable Lara Croft returns to the fold in this year's premier smash-hit video slot Tomb Raider 2. The pistol-packing, hard-hitting Lara Croft features in this exciting sequel - the Secret of the Sword video slot. The game sports a 30-paylines and 5-reels slot and is 2009's sensation. Players can enjoy multiple bonus features including the following: Multi-Strike, Free Spins, Super Mode, Global Adventure Bonus, Hidden Treasure Bonus and a Shootout Bonus. Avalon weighs in with a winner Avalon is a stylish, action-packed adventure slot with 20-paylines and 5-reels. There are many secrets and stacks of hidden treasures for players to find, including the Free Spins and big multipliers. This Microgaming powered smash hit is a 2009 favourite. All Slots and All Jackpots Casinos have listed the following 3 games as other top contenders: Thunderstruck - 5 reel, 9 payline video slot sensation Hitman - 5 reel, 15 payline video slot thriller Blackjack Gold - is a full-featured blackjack game loaded with real-life casino gaming options.
The success of Lady Gaga's single "Poker Face" was confirmed as new year's festivities drew to a close, with the hit finishing the year as the biggest-selling song of 2009 in the United Kingdom. Poker Face sold 800,000 copies in the UK alone in 2009, edging out the Black Eyed Peas' single "I got a feeling" and another Lady Gaga hit, "Just Dance" for the honor of most sales. This latest success comes just months after the Official UK Charts Company announced that Poker Face was the most downloaded song since the download charts began five years ago. First released in late 2008, Poker Face uses lyrics based on a Texas Hold'em theme to describe Lady Gaga's pursuit of a man, beginning with the opening verse in which she sings: ""I wanna hold em like they do in Texas plays; Fold em, let em hit me, raise it baby, stay with me, I love it; Luck and intuition play the cards with Spades to start; And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart." The video clip also follows the poker theme, at one stage featuring the American singer at a table featuring the Bwin logo. The song topped the charts in at least 17 countries in 2009, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and of course the UK. It also placed 96th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 100 best songs of the last decade.
Swiss Casino and Casino King's suite of promotions doesn't end with their attractive Welcome Bonus, Alternative Payment Bonus or even their VIP program. Both casinos also offer their registered players a new surprise bonus every other day as part of their Promotions Calendar which changes every month. With their promotion changing nearly daily, your playing experience is guaranteed to stay fresh, lively and entertaining. The tempting daily bonuses are described by seductive names such as Whopping 'Winnings Day', 'Spin 'n' Win' and 'Big Bucks Bonus' just to name a few. Join either of these casinos' solid base of loyal supporters today to check out their Promotional Calendar and see what's coming up. Will it be 'Winner Takes All' or 'Extra Value Day'? Both casinos have collaborated with Playtech, an industry leader in online casino software. You can take confidence from the fact that Playtech is widely regarded being highly particular and selective about the online casinos it chooses to partner with.
Euro fatcats and UK council bureaucrats are threatening the very essence of UK Bingo. The EU are apparently casting a critical eye over many of our much loved terms, screening them for suitability in the current politically correct climate. They are on a mission to purge society of 'gendered' terminology but this activity is seen by many as being the thin edge of the wedge. Bingo beware. Indeed a UK local council seems to have caught wind of the initiative and have called for phrases such as "two fat ladies" to be banned in case they offend large women. John Sayers, ex Mayor of Sudbury Council in Suffolk, told bingo callers not to use any phrase which could cause offence such as "legs eleven". Save Bingo Lingo On hearing of the wave of criticism against bingo's traditional calls, Rob Hutchison grew increasingly concerned. Bingo banter may be decidedly un-PC, but it is much loved by the hoards of bingo fans who frequent both land-based clubs and play at online bingo favorites such as Jackpot City Bingo and William Hill Bingo. Hutchinson set up an online petition online, which has so far drawn nearly 3,000 signatures. "Generations of bingo fans have used these sayings and they're great fun. The call of 'two fat ladies' in bingo is part of our vernacular and our heritage," said Hutchison. "It's worth sticking up for before we get some diktat from Brussels saying it's derogatory to overweight customers." Rich Tradition Bingo Lingo is part and parcel of the enjoyment of the game and players know that it is all tongue in cheek. The famed UK bingo calls add a sense of fun to games and are very much part of the UK bingo tradition. Hutchinson's campaign is making the headlines in the UK press and as far away as Australia.
News that the UK government - via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport - is changing its online gambling laws is generating considerable interest from players and online casino operators. While there are many differing opinions about the new measures, the fact remains that legal online gambling is set to benefit from the proposals. Tightening up on online gambling activity At stake is the issue of taxing foreign online casino operators which are plying their trade in the UK market. Various points in the new legislation have been warmly welcomed by UK customers and indeed the highly profitable horse-racing industry. The UK government is interested in protecting local enterprises by levying taxes on foreign operators. The government considers it a privilege to market an online betting business in the UK and as a result outside operators should pay for that. As it stands, UK horse racing levies are placed on UK sports bettors while offshore operators are exempt from such taxation. It is hoped that this regulation will benefit local and offshore enterprise operating in the UK. The challenges ahead Implementation of the new regulation will be a daunting prospect. At stake is the issue of deciding who to tax and how to tax them. It is hoped that geographic IP targeting of online betting operators will serve as a means of locating foreign operators profiting off a UK player base. But unraveling the mysteries of Internet gaming legislation - on a global scale - is sketchy at best. A workable solution lies in the White List of preferred offshore countries in specific licensing jurisdictions who are permitted to advertise their betting sites in the UK. If a comprehensive listing of registered operators, per country or jurisdiction, can be generated then the new policy can become viable.
London is known as one of the mega-centres of trade, culture, fashion and commercial activity. What better place to indulge one's fantasies than at the inimitable world of online gaming at Crown Europe Casino. As far as quality gaming is concerned, this operator ranks up there with the finest in the business. With a Playtech-powered platform and a dollop of the world's most-loved games, Crown Europe Casino is a dealmaker. Gaming pleasure This hi-tech operator is licensed and regulated by the Government of Curaçao via State Laws under the supervision of the Directorate of Offshore Gaming. Crown Europe offers 123 top-drawer games with multiple gaming varieties in Card and Table Games such as Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Live Dealer Games and fifteen other Jackpot Games. Besides for the usual array of big progressive jackpots, slot machine games, generous promotions and mind-boggling sign-up bonus offers, Crown Europe offers even more. UK players can enjoy popular games such as Gold Rally, Caribbean Poker, Blackjack Progressive, Wall Street Fever, Magic Slots, Cinerama and Jacks or Better. 5-star service Crown Europe Casino is chic to the max and provides players with a complete package of total gaming pleasure. In addition to responsible gaming practices, transparency and high payout percentages, there are many deposit and withdrawal options to choose from. Players can select from the following options: Wire Transfers Credit Cards E-Wallets - PaySafeCard, Click2Pay and Neteller And there is a lot more in friendly customer support services too, such as 24/7 support, live-chat and promotional activities. But it's the bonuses that have got tongues wagging - imagine a first, second and third bonus in UK pounds. Crown Europe brings the quality of a 'brick and mortar' casino into the comforts of your own home, or workspace with none of the travel and accommodation expenses or time constraints required by regular land-based casinos.
Right2bet is a pro consumer choice watchdog and their recently launched 'Renegade Ref' campaign is making waves across Europe. The movement is aimed at removing archaic EU laws which are contrary to the spirit of free trade. New E-mail Tool Right2bet supporters can email their MEP's in double-quick time. This serves the dual purpose of showing support for Right2bet and it's another fine means of being heard in Brussels. Charity Betting Challenge This fabulous comparative analysis pits state-run operators against private operators. Consumers are able to see just how much worse off they are with state monopolies when it comes to sports betting. Right2bet Competition The new monthly competition awards beautiful prizes for answering simple questions. All these measures are aimed at raising awareness and offering people another perspective, an alternative to state-run gambling.
Your long hours and days searching for the absolute best and safest online casino might be over soon. Of all the hundreds of online casinos promising fair and secure gambling, great promotions and bonuses, the latest games to play, etc., only a few are honest and trustworthy enough to play at. This was no secret until now. One of the few "good fellas" is certainly Plaza Online Casino, voted the Best Online Casino in 2008. It has earned this by providing the latest technology, highest variety of online casino games and the customer support every VIP member should get. The VIP membership does not have to be earned; it is given by the casino for its customers for their fidelity and trust. Using one of the world’s most advanced and leading gaming software, provided by the state of the art Real Time Gambling, the quality of the games and images, the speed of the games and download is quite a charm. No matter what game you wish to play - Blackjack, American Roulette, Poker, Craps, dozens of Video Poker games, Slots or Progressives - you will find them with the latest graphics. Customers who experience any uncertainty, have a question, reclamation or doubts regarding online casino games and gambling can benefit from the 24/7 customer support by e-mail, telephone or live chat. The most important in a relationship based on trust is the continuous attention, support, fairness and honesty, the casino willingly gives. Near the large variety of high performance and latest design casino games, Plaza Online Casino also gives their customers high variety of money transfer method options. Major money transfer entities include Wire Transfer, Moneybookers, Visa, Visa Master Card, InstaDebit, Click2Pay, Fire Pay and E-check, so you can chose the most suitable method for deposit and withdrawal. A multitude of games, outstanding promotions and bonuses are what customers can enjoy. You can get a 100% match up to $750 new player bonus. Not only newcomers, but high-rollers too get bonuses. Depositing between $1,500 and $2,000 you can get a bonus, 50% of the deposited amount. You can get bonuses depending on the money transfer method. People using NETeller or Firepay are offered a 15% bonus up to $300 a month. Every player, beginners and high-rollers alike, will have a great time at plaza online casino, where not only the customer support, the game variety but the friendly atmosphere is also promising and outstanding.
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Video Poker
Craps
Baccarat
