They say that lightning doesn’t strike twice but it seems like it has struck three times for visitors of the Scarlet Pearl Casino in D’Iberville. As it turns out, three separate guests won jackpot prizes in a single day.

According to Angela Black, the property’s director of gaming operations, the casino couldn’t stop providing prizes all day long. The first of them was a win of almost $50,000 hit by a player from Texas. The Austin man, Black noted, won $49,141.30 playing Mighty Cash in the casino’s high limits area, the Orchid Room.

The director of operations also said that the player in question had only wagered $1.80 when he hit the jackpot, making this win a “great return” of investment.

As mentioned, the Texan was not the only lucky casino visitor that day. Soon after, a woman from Gulfport, Mississippi, won a stellar $86,038.09 jackpot playing on a Lock it Link machine. According to the casino, the woman was also playing in the property’s famous Orchid Room.

Finally, a man from Iuka, Mississippi, won a mouth-watering $99,800 playing The Triple Blazing 7s Double game. What’s truly special about this latest win, however, is not the size but the fact that there were no taxes.

The final jackpot prize for the day was won from a $100 wager. The man had spun a total of three times before earning a whopping 100 free spins. According to Black, everyone at the casino was excited for the player and had gathered to watch him fire up the reels.

More US Players Win Big

Winning a jackpot can be life-changing. As the USA’s gambling and lottery industries grow, more and more players win amazing prizes. In Kentucky, for example, a father and son duo just won a $1 million prize after buying a scratch-off ticket.

A player from Seattle, on the other hand, decided to ditch his usual Powerball ticket in favor of a $30 Chrome Scratch ticket, only to turn it into a $2 million payday.

Unfortunately, sometimes there can be hurdles along the way. A Blackjack jackpot winner from Michigan, for example, was denied her winnings because of claims that she was “trespassing.” As it turned out, a misunderstanding from 2015 had led to her ban but the casino had never notified her. In the end, the woman decided to sue the gambling property over the withheld prize.

The post South Mississippi Casino Hands Three Jackpots in One Day appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A lucky player in America has become the recipient of a huge jackpot of over a million dollars. The tempting prize was won by a player who wasplaying IGT’s cutting-edge games.

The player in question was a Hawaiian visitor who went on a trip to Boyd Gaming’s California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. At around 4 am on Wednesday, the player hit a progressive jackpot of over $1.5 million.

The life-changing sum was won from a $5 wager, according to official reports, turning the casino trip into a $1,569,632 payday. The man reportedly carried a good luck charm, which he believed helped him hit the jackpot.

The gambling property shared the exciting news on X, praising the winner and confirming that the prize was won from an IGT Wheel of Fortune machine.

Reports from local news outlets later claimed that the man was visiting Vegas to celebrate his son’s 21^st birthday. Yet, as it turns out that the son will not be the only one receiving gifts.

The latest jackpot aligns with Boyd Gaming’s recent statistics which showed that some of the biggest jackpots the company has handed in 2024 were won by players from Hawaii. The company has handed $33 million in jackpots since the beginning of the year, according to its recent announcement.

Other Recent Jackpot Winners

A few days earlier, another IGT player, this time in Colusa Casino Resort in California, won a jackpot of over $2.7 million. Just like the Vegas jackpot, this jackpot was won from a $5 bet.

The visitor’s life-changing win was witnessed by many guests and staff members, firmly entering the event in Colusa Casino’s history.

Jerry West, general manager of the tribal property, released a statement on the win, saying that the jackpot attests to Colusa Casino’s commitment to “creating unforgettable experiences” for its guests.

In other news, a lucky player from Michigan just won a $100,000 jackpot from Fantasy 5. The lucky winner told the lottery that he had used the same numbers for months and couldn’t believe that he won.

Elsewhere, a Filipino player won a life-changing PHP 33.5 million (approximately $572,000) jackpot playing the Mega Lotto after matching all six numbers correctly.

The post Boyd Gaming Hands $1.5M Jackpot to Player from Hawaii appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Online betting has benefitted significantly from improved technology and connectivity. However, as technology, websites, and apps continue to develop, so do the sophisticated techniques that cybercriminals use to hack sites and gain access to sensitive information.

Betting expert Kane Pepi describes the safety and regulation of online casinos as one of the most important factors for consumers to consider when choosing one, especially when seeking alternatives to big names like Stake Casino. Choosing online casinos that hold regulatory licenses ensures they operate in a fair and transparent way. (Source: https://www.valuewalk.com/cryptocurrency/best-stake-casino-alternatives/)

While traditional casinos continue to battle cyber attacks and regularly update security procedures, crypto casinos offer a higher level of security that has seen them grow in popularity in recent years.

The Issues Traditional Online Casinos Face

Traditional casinos require players to provide a lot of sensitive data to prove who they are, that they are old enough to bet in their respective jurisdictions, and to make payments. Having to trust different websites with personal and banking information can be a risk, especially if you do not know the measures the operators are taking to keep it safe.

There are many threats that online casinos face including ransomware, DDoS attacks, phishing scams, data breaches, and account takeovers. These can all lead to the consumer losing personal information which can then be used by the attackers.

Account takeovers can also result in cybercriminals having access to customer funds and loyalty benefits.

Traditional casinos invest millions every year into their defences, and because it is an ongoing threat, the cost will typically be passed on to the customer in one way or another.

The Rise of Crypto Casinos

The online betting industry was one of the first to embrace cryptocurrencies as a payment method, and the two have grown together since then. Dedicated crypto casinos and traditional online casinos that offer crypto as one of a variety of payment methods have broadened their market share and made it easier for people around the world to access their facilities.

Casinos have also introduced crash games to simulate the crypto market and appeal to that customer base.

Blockchain Benefits

Using cryptocurrencies at a casino removes the need for players to provide banking information and, in some cases, personal information. All crypto payments are authorised by the digital asset owner confirming the payment with their private, key. The cryptographic code protects the users’ information and allows them to carry out transactions safely.

All crypto transactions are then stored on the blockchain where they can be seen publicly.

Fair and Transparent

Transaction transparency via blockchain ensures operators conduct their business fairly. It allows independent auditors to check the bets placed and the results, making sure customers have a fair chance of winning.

Immutability

As transactions are added to the blockchain, a network of miners secures and validates transaction data. After the transaction is confirmed, it can no longer be altered.

This adds an extra level of security and transparency to all crypto transactions.

Decentralisation

The benefits of a decentralised currency have helped the offshore online casino industry flourish. UK players looking for casinos not on Gamestop Ltd can easily use licensed sites in other jurisdictions when using cryptocurrency.

Crypto transactions are typically quicker than using traditional payment methods, and customers won’t need to worry about exchange rates. Lower transaction fees can also help consumers save money.

Anonymity

No-KYC casinos are those that don’t require customer verification during the sign-up process. This can be a great option for people who don’t like to leave a trail of online activities and transactions and can also minimise the risk of identity theft and fraud.

Players may be required to disclose some information for larger payouts to ensure the operator complies with anti-money laundering regulations.

The Future of Online Gambling

Cryptocurrency transactions are already up by 12% in the first quarter of 2024 and with the iGaming market projected to continue its growth, this figure could rise.

The security and transparency afforded by crypto use in gambling provide peace of mind and a great structure for the industry to grow.

The post The Future of Online Betting Looks Secure in the Hands of Crypto Casinos appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) announced that it has penalized Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) over due diligence failures. According to the authority, the casino failed to perform the checks outlined in the Casino Control Act 2006 (CCA) and the Casino Control (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Regulations 2009 (PMLTF Regulations).

Back in 2020, the GRA asked RWS to review the activities of some of its customers. As a result, the operator recorded instances of non-compliance, prompting further investigation by the GRA. The regulator eventually discovered that between December 2016 and December 2019, RWS committed multiple due diligence failures.

The GRA learned that RWS’s employees did not perform checks for certain transactions of over 5,000 Singaporean dollars and did not establish the identity of the third-party depositors, thus violating the PMLTF Regulations.

As a result of its serious violations, the casino resort was handed an S$2.25 million fine (roughly $1.67 million in USD). The GRA has also canceled the special employee license of one of the employees involved in the breaches. The authority is still conducting investigations to determine the culpability of the other special employees involved in the violations.

RWS Will Try to Do Better

The GRA reported that RWS had a PMLTF framework and controls in place. Despite that, systematic failures in certain controls prevented the company from detecting some of the instances of non-compliance.

The authority pointed out that RWS took immediate action to address the non-compliances once they were detected. The regulator also noted that RWS engaged an independent party to review its standard operating procedures. In the meantime, the casino resort has undertaken a review of its corporate culture, aiming to reinforce its internal controls and corporate governance.

The GRA concluded that RWS’s violations are very serious. It reminded operators that it will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against errant casino companies and will continue to exercise “tight supervision” over their compliance matters.

This is in line with Singapore’s recent plans for reinforcing its regulations. In November, the country, which already has strict regulations on gambling, considered stringent cryptocurrency regulations.

The post Singapore’s GRA Hands $1.67M Fine to Resorts World Sentosa for AML Breaches appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Netherlands’ gaming authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), continues its vigilant watch over the Dutch market. In one of its latest announcements, the regulator revealed that it has imposed a fine of EUR 2,074,000 (around $2,180,000) on the gambling operator LCS Limited.

According to the KSA, LCS offered gambling illegally, targeting local customers through its www.sonsofslots.com brand. Citing this as a violation of the Netherlands’ Gambling Act, the regulator noted that this is not the first time LCS has received a penalty.

In August 2022, the KSA handed a EUR 165,000 fine to the gambling company, asking it to immediately cease its unauthorized operations and leave the Dutch market.

The current fine is in line with the KSA’s current fine policy, which takes over a number of factors, including gambling operators’ local turnover.

Jansen Says Operators Aren’t Safe Just Because They Have Gone Dark

The Kansspelautoriteit’s chairman, René Jansen, commented on the new fine, highlighting the usual efficiency of such measures. However, he noted that some unlicensed operators are not safe when they “go dark,” warning that companies’ past violations can also be punished.

Jensen added that the KSA would regularly check whether unlicensed operators have truly ceased their unregulated activities. The regulator’s job is to diligently make sure that such services aren’t re-introduced.

The Kansspelautoriteit’s announcement reminded gambling companies that only companies with a license from the regulator are allowed to offer gambling in the Netherlands. The authority also reminded companies that they must follow the safer gambling protocols outlined by the KSA and make sure that their players are protected from gambling harm.

KSA Report Outlined the State of Gambling in the Country

In other news, the KSA just published its latest industry report, outlining the state of the gambling industry in the Netherlands. The regulator reported that growth is slowing down as the local market levels off.

At the time, the regulator announced that there are around 676,000 active players in the country, two-thirds of which gamble at least once a month. The total number of players and active accounts has more or less remained stable during the last few months.

In addition, the KSA’s efforts to crack down on unlicensed gambling and channel players toward licensed operators have been paying off as attested by the latest figures. According to the report, the KSA has successfully channeled a stellar 93% of players toward licensed operators, in line with its goal of having 8 in 10 players gamble legally.

The post KSA Hands a $2.2M Fine to LCS Limited appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), a body seeking to protect tennis from fraud and match manipulation, has confirmed that it has handed a provisional suspension to the French tennis player Maxence Broville. According to the announcement, the ITIA will consider the player’s recent Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) charges.

The ITIA dated the suspension to June 20, 2023, temporarily prohibiting the athlete from competing in or attending any tennis event sanctioned by tennis governing bodies.

Providing more details about the suspension, the ITIA noted that Maxence Broville has failed to comply with a demand from the agency. In addition, the ITIA pointed out that Broville may have committed a major offense of the TACP.

As outlined in the TACP:

There is a likelihood that the Covered Person has committed a Major Offense and in the absence of a Provisional Suspension, the integrity of tennis would be undermined and the harm resulting from the absence of a Provisional Suspension outweighs the Hardship of the Provisional Suspension on the Covered Person.

TACP Section F.3.b.i.4

The ITIA added that Broville has tried to appeal against the imposition of the provisional suspension. However, an unidentified anti-corruption hearing officer rejected the appeal on September 5, 2023, the ITIA noted.

The ITIA Continues to Protect the Tennis Sector from Fraud

The ITIA is an independent body that seeks to protect the integrity of the tennis sector. A month ago, it imposed another sanction on another French player, namely Alexis Musialek. Musialek was banned for life because of serious and repeated violations of the TACP.

According to the ITIA, “the 35-year-old was found to have – among other offenses – contrived the outcome of multiple matches, received money, benefit or consideration for contriving the outcome of these matches.”

In early August, the ITIA banned 3 other players over similar breaches, namely Timur Khabibulin, Sanjar Fayziev and Igor Smilansky. The three conspired together and manipulated matches, committing varying TACP offenses.

A few days earlier, the watchdog also had to suspend Percy Flores, a tennis white badge umpire from Bolivia, who will be unable to participate in sanctioned games for 12 years.

The post ITIA Hands Provisional Suspension to French Player Maxence Broville appeared first on Keno Wizard.

So, you just started playing poker or you have some experience but want to know when to make the ultimate decision – To Go ALL IN.

Well, let’s highlight one thing from the start. There isn’t a certain strategy or pair of cards that will guarantee you a win in poker.

Going All In is a decision that you must consider under many circumstances not just your starting hand.

With that said, there are certain cards that will increase your winning chances and might be a good idea to go all in.

Poker isn’t just about luck; it’s a tactical dance where choosing the right moments to go all-in can determine your success.

Let’s check the best starting poker hands and take a deep dive into the best moments to go all in.

The Dynamic Power of Starting Hands

At the beginning of each round, you’re dealt two hole cards that set the stage for your poker journey. Some combinations are like hidden gems, offering the potential for robust hands that can tilt the odds in your favor. These are the starting hands that poker players yearn for, as they hold the potential to make or break the game.

The Best Starting Hands

A Closer Look: In the realm of Texas Hold’em, a pair of aces, often referred to as “pocket rockets,” takes center stage. This duo is the best of starting hands, boasting the highest potential for creating a strong hand right off the bat. Picture yourself with a pair of aces – it’s like holding the golden ticket to the poker kingdom.

Another potent starting hand is the pair of kings, lovingly known as “cowboys.” This powerful pair can dominate the table, especially when the community cards align to bring additional kings or supportive cards. Think about having two kings in your hand; you’re armed with royalty in a strategic battle for supremacy.

This means that any two-picture starting hand cards will increase your chances of winning.

However, getting two of the same card doesn’t happen too often, but this doesn’t mean that the other hands are weak. For example, starting out with Ace-King, King-Queen, and Ace-Jack will also set you in a good position.

Types of Starting Hands

When it comes to the exhilarating game of Texas Hold’em poker, there’s a nifty trick up its sleeve – sorting all those hands into two distinct camps: suited and offsuit.

Suited Hands: When Cards Match Like Peanut Butter and Jelly Suited Hands are like those perfect pairs that just click. They’re made up of two cards that happen to share the same suit. Think of them as two peas in a pod. For instance, K 10, A K, J 8, and 10 7 are all suited hands. It’s like they’re dressed in the same attire, and this can add some serious boost to your gameplay.

Offsuit Hands: A Mix-and-Match Affair On the flip side, we’ve got the offsuit hands, where two cards from different suits come together for a bit of a dance. It’s like mixing and matching your wardrobe – a bit of this, a bit of that.

Take examples like K 7, Q 9, A 6, and 10 8. These hands don’t share the same suit, which brings a whole different vibe to the table and can lead to a powerful hand.

When to Go All In

The real mastery lies in knowing when to deploy this powerhouse starting hands with an all-in move. Timing is your secret weapon.

Opting for an all-in right from the start can catch opponents off-guard, but it could also signal that you possess an exceptional hand, potentially forcing out those with weaker holdings. However, if you encounter an aggressive raise before the flop, it’s time to reconsider the invincibility of your aces.

Reading the Table

The ability to determine the right time to go all-in hinges on your prowess in reading the table dynamics. Are your opponent’s playing conservatively or assertively? Do they appear jittery or confident?

These nuances can provide valuable insights into the strength of their hands, guiding your decisions on when to make that high-stakes move.

Bluffing in Poker

Starting out strong (going all-in) doesn’t mean that the player holds high cards. In most cases, this is a bluff strategy to scare out the competition.

All-in moments are not only about the cards you hold; they also involve projecting confidence and making well-timed plays that disorient your rivals.

Sometimes, even when your starting hand isn’t the absolute best, a calculated all-in bet can cast doubt on the minds of others. This blend of intuition, observation, and poker psychology can turn a mere bluff into a strategic masterstroke.

Final Words

As we mentioned before, your starting cards in poker don’t always suggest that you are going to win the hand. However, they do increase your winning chances.

With that said, it is very important to observe everything that is happening around you, and not focus only on your starting hands.

The post Best Starting Poker Hands: When To Go All In? appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) announced that it issued an AUD 550,000 ($353,540 in USD) fine to the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH). According to the regulator, the gambling company had operated 220 gaming machines without mandatory pre-commitment technology (YourPlay) installed, violating Victoria’s gambling laws.

In addition to paying the fine, the operator will also be required to cover the legal costs of AUD 50,000 ($32,000).

For reference, YourPlay is the statewide pre-commitment scheme that allows players to set limits and moderate their playtime and spending. All electronic machines in the state are required to employ the scheme in order to protect players from gambling harm.

As noted by the VGCCC, ALH’s breach is a “serious and willful” one. The regulator slammed the operator for allegedly not installing YourPlay on purpose. While the gravity of ALH’s breach led to a fairly big fine, the operator’s guilty plea helped it avoid the maximum fine of AUD 1.35 million ($870,000). The regulator also acknowledged ALH’s cooperativeness with the investigation.

VGCCC Asked Operators to Be Responsible  

In an official statement, Annette Kimmitt, the chief executive officer of the VGCCC, praised the final verdict. She said that the outcome highlights the regulator’s commitment to protecting the Victorian market from the harmful opportunism and deliberate contraventions of gambling companies.

Kimmitt said that gambling companies should be responsible and wary of the negative impact their negligence can have on the market.

Gambling providers need to pay close attention to their obligations because the consequences for getting it wrong can be significant.

Annette Kimmitt, CEO, VGCCC

The fine concludes a months-long saga that saw the VGCCC probe ALH’s venues across the state. Thanks to an anonymous tip-off, the regulator launched an investigation and learned that a total of 220 machines across many of ALH’s properties did not have the YourPlay scheme installed.

The machines are now identified and turned off.

The VGCCC noted that this example proves that it takes public reports very seriously. The authority urged Victorian gamblers to communicate their concerns to the VGCCC through its official website.

In the meantime, Australia’s Communications and Media Authority continues its crackdown on offshore websites as Australia seeks to protect its customers from gambling harm and sites that lack sufficient player protections.

The post VGCCC Hands a $350,000 Fine to ALH over YourPlay Violations appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The newly formed non-profit organization pledged to ensure the future integrity of Brazilian sports by uniting all industry members under a single goal. ABRADIE plans to assess the current situation, identify potential issues, propose recommendations and present the government with an action plan. The organization hopes to encourage meaningful reforms, ensuring a safe and secure betting environment.

Brazil Is Yet to Implement Proper Regulations

The Brazilian government has recently been under substantial pressure to update the country’s sports betting regulation following a series of match-fixing scandals. The lack of proper regulatory oversight means offshore operators reign unchecked, and consumer protections suffer. Brazilian leagues also face significantly higher risks of match-fixing and fraud, putting additional pressure to introduce a solution.

To the rescue now comes ABRADIE, a non-profit organization formed in collaboration with operators Entain, Genius Sports, Rei Do Pitaco, and law firms Bichara e Motta and Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados. Their substantial experience and industry presence will help the new body pave the way toward improved integrity in sports and associated betting.

Improved Sports Integrity Is Vital to a Healthy Market

ABRADIE already has a plan of action, starting with consultations with authorities, operators, and other industry members to assess the current integrity measures. The organization will also focus substantially on education for players and match officials, but its primary goal remains the early detection of suspicious betting behaviors. Genius Sports CCO Chris Dougan stressed the importance of collaboration and expressed optimism regarding ABRADIE’s future impact.

We look forward to working with regulators, members of law enforcement, operators, sports leagues, and other key stakeholders to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of sports.

Chris Dougan, Genius Sports CCO

The sports integrity body’s other founding members were equally as eager, reiterating their commitment to creating a well-regulated and governed Brazilian market. Rei do Pitaco chief legal officer Rafael Marchetti Marcondes noted that a sustainable sports betting market depended heavily on functioning responsible gaming practices. He added that adequate regulations would benefit all parties involved.

Cases that could jeopardize the reputation of the sport… must be monitored and punished, as all stakeholders in the betting market lose out to fraudulent and criminal attitudes.

Rafael Marchetti Marcondes, Rei do Pitaco chief legal officer

ABRADIE enters the scene during a critical time for the Brazilian sports betting market. Despite the complicated political situation, the country continues to make tentative progress toward sports betting legalization. The introduction of a new integrity body should hopefully provide the necessary impetus for the government to introduce proper gambling legislation and reap the benefits of a healthy and regulated market.

The post Brazil’s New Sports Integrity Body Takes Matters into Its Own Hands appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The legal battle between Mansion Group, a leading online gambling operator that is globally recognized, and its former CEO, Karel Christian Mañasco, dates back to last year. Back then, the operator filed a claim against Mañasco with the courts in Gibraltar. In its claim, Mansion Group alleged that the former CEO abused his powers and misused company funds.

Mañasco’s tenure with Mansion Group dates back to 2010. In 2012 he was appointed to the role of CFO, while in 2017, Mañasco became CEO. A few years after that, in September 2021, Mansion Group suspended him, launching an investigation into alleged breaches of duty. After that, in December 2021, Mañasco resigned from the company.

“The application of the foregoing principles must be applied in the context that freezing orders  are one of the court’s “draconian  powers,“

reads a judgement released by the Court in Gibraltar

Now, the chief Justice and judge of the Supreme Court in Gibraltar, Anthony Edward Dudley, imposed a global freezing order of £5 million ($6 million) against Mañasco. The court acknowledged that such an order is known as one of its “draconian powers.” Yet, given the allegations against Mañasco and the possible risk of the assets, the Court considered this to be a proportionate measure.

“Mere reliance on the alleged dishonesty of the defendant is not, of itself, sufficient to found a risk of dissipation. The court must scrutinize with care whether what is alleged to have been the dishonesty justifies the inference of a real risk of dissipation,“

explains the recent Court decision

What Do the Allegations against Mañasco Include?

Besides breach of duty, allegations against the former CEO of Mansion Group claim that he used company money for personal expenditures, including six-figure bonuses. Mañasco allegedly paid himself a £427,500 ($514,000) bonus for the 2022 financial year, while in 2019, he received €327,033 ($346,400). Moreover, he allegedly collected a sum of £66,236 ($79,600) which was used for personal expenditures.

Further allegations claim Mañasco authorized or approved the payment of €2,508,035 ($2,656,420) and £127,073 ($152,700) to White Wizard Media Limited, a suspicious company from the Marshall Islands. Mansion claimed that it wasn’t involved in any business with the aforementioned company.

Additionally, Mañasco allegedly obtained multiple luxury vehicles, as well as expensive jewelry at the expense of Mansion. Last but not least, the claims against the former CEO include an accumulation of credit card payments at the expense of the company of some £249,951 ($300,400).

The post Gibraltar Court Hands Out £5M Assets Freeze Order against Mansion Group’s Ex-CEO appeared first on Keno Wizard.