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Gaming

Queen Baton Rouge Elevated Casino Overlooks Mississippi River

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The Queen Baton Rouge offers an all-new, elevated casino, dining and entertainment experience spanning 100,000 square feet overlooking the Mississippi River. The city’s first land-based casino, The Queen is just north of downtown and within walking distance to Capitol Lake. Thrilling casino games include more than 30,000 square feet of electronic and table games; plus the DraftKings Sportsbook offers a state-of-the-art sports wagering experience curated by the global gaming leader.

A look at the Casino floor. photo: Collin Richie.

Restaurants include signature dining at 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails and casual dining at Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, 3 Woks Noodle Bar, and Capitol Coffee. Launching Thursday, June 13, the reimagined Loft at 1717 will offer an upscale cocktail and board-focused bar menu, as well as live entertainment on Saturdays. The property boasts flexible catering and event spaces that can accommodate more than 500 guests.

GAMING 

The Queen Baton Rouge spans more than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gaming space with more than 700 gaming machines and 18 table games, including blackjack, craps and roulette; numerous electronic table options; a state-of-the-art DraftKings Sportsbook with the latest sports wagering technology via 20 kiosks and four betting windows; and a dedicated smoking patio, LIT Casino & Bar with more than 100 slot machines and six table games.

Gaming Promotions: 

  • Dad’s Summer Essentials Gift Giveaway
    • Sundays: Qualifying Queen Rewards members will receive a select gift from a curated collection of summer essentials, including a portable cornhole set, a 23-piece BBQ set, a floating cooler and more.
    • Diamond and Crown members may claim their gift starting at noon; all other tier levels may claim beginning at 1 p.m. Guests must pick up their gift before 7:59 p.m. by presenting a valid photo ID at Queen Rewards Players Club. Gifts will be available while supplies last and selection may vary.
    • Patrons who do not receive the free gift offer may earn 500 points to receive a gift before 7:59 p.m.
  • Baskets for Bucks Drawing Bonus Entries
    • Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24 and Saturdays, June 8, 15 and 22: From 8 a.m. to midnight, all Queen Rewards members may swipe their Queen Rewards cards to receive bonus entries for the Baskets for Bucks Drawing, with 500 additional entries awarded to Ruby members, 1,000 to Emerald members, 2,500 to Diamond members and 5,000 to Crown members.
  • 10X Point Multiplier
    • Tuesdays: From 6 a.m. to midnight, all Queen Rewards members may swipe their Queen Rewards card to receive a 10X point multiplier. A maximum of 100,000 points may be earned, and points will be added to accounts the following day. 
  • Fab Fifty Drawings
    • Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25: Queen Rewards members 50 years and older may participate in a drawing to win Royal Free Play. From noon to 6 p.m., five winners will be drawn every two hours for the chance to win up to $250 in Royal Free Play.
    • Queen Rewards members may swipe their Queen Rewards card at any kiosk to print their free entry ticket. Guests may earn up to five additional entries, with every 50 points earned equaling one additional entry.  
  • Baskets for Bucks Drawing
    • Fridays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28: From 6 to 9 p.m., Queen Rewards members may participate in a drawing for the chance to win up to $3,000usd / $4,100 cad in Royal Free Play. Five winners will be selected every half hour and given three chances to shoot basketballs into baskets to win Royal Free Play. For each missed shot, participants will earn $50 in Royal Free Play. 
    • Queen Rewards members will receive 10 free entries for the month and can earn one additional entry for each point earned.
    • Guests may activate their entries beginning one hour before drawing times and prizes must be redeemed within five minutes with a valid picture ID and Queen Rewards player card.
  • Reign in the Riches Table Games Drawing
    • Saturdays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29: Queen Rewards members may earn entries into the 9 p.m. weekly Reign in the Riches Table Games Drawing for the chance to win up to $11,000usd in promo chips, by achieving predetermined hands of play as outlined below.
  • One entry awarded for all blackjack game hands as follows:
    • Any suited blackjack with a table minimum or greater wager.
    • Any top-three winner at a $10usd or greater wager.
    • 21+3, $5usd or greater wager with a straight flush or three of a kind.
  • One entry awarded for roulette with any $10usd or greater straight-up winner.
  • One entry awarded for craps hands winning a $5usdor greater wager on “all tall,” “all small,” “make ‘em all” or a combination thereof, as well as any $5usd hard way winner.
  • One entry awarded to any Cajun Stud pocket bonus winner with the table minimum or a greater wager.
  • One entry awarded for any winning Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em bonus hand of a flush or better on the “trips” wager, with the table minimum or a greater wager.
  • One entry awarded for Three Card Poker hands with any pair plus the wager of the winning hand of a straight, with the table minimum or a greater wager.
  • Two entries awarded for Three Card Poker hands with any pair plus the wager of the winning hand of a straight flush, with the table minimum or a greater wager.
  • Birthday Kiosk Game
    • Queen Rewards members may enjoy a free game the month of their birthday to win up to $1,000usd in Royal Free Play. Every game is guaranteed a prize. 
  • New Member Golden Wheel Kiosk Game
    • New members who join Queen Rewards will get a free kiosk game. Every game is guaranteed to win a prize of up to $2,500usd in Royal Free Play. 

1717 Kitchen and Cocktails. photo: Collin Richie.

DraftKings Sportsbook 

Sportsbook open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Bar open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday  

Developed in collaboration with leading digital sports entertainment and gaming company, DraftKings Inc., the sportsbook offers a state-of-the-art gaming destination with contemporary design, a full bar with 10 beers on draft, 20 betting kiosks and four over the counter betting windows. Lounge-style seating, a 28-foot video wall and oversized high-definition TVs will provide optimal viewing for sports fans. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE 

1717 Kitchen + Cocktails

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday

The Queen Baton Rouge’s signature dining, drinking and entertainment destination, 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails, serves rustic American cuisine with a twist. Spanning 5,200 square feet, the outlet offers a spacious dining room and bar with a stage for live music and other entertainment. An expansive menu features classic American favorites including sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, entrees, desserts and more. 1717’s bar offers craft cocktails, beer and wine in a social atmosphere. 

  • Father’s Day
    • Sunday, June 16: 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails will celebrate dads with a featured entrée of a 12-ounce Creekstone Farms ribeye accompanied by balsamic-roasted Brussels sprouts and loaded mashed potatoes and paired with a 16-ounce draft beer of choice. The featured offering will be priced at $20usd.
    • Dine-in only.  Limited to one order per person.  
  • Blue Plate Specials
    • Tuesdays: Queen Rewards members may swipe their rewards card at any promotional kiosk to receive a discounted Chef’s special of the week at 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails. Dishes will be priced at $17.99usd, with special pricing of $12.99usd available for Queens Rewards members 50 years and older. June specials will include:
      • Tuesday, June 4: Chicken and dumplings  
      • Tuesday, June 11: Salisbury steak and gravy
      • Tuesday, June 18: Shrimp creole
      • Tuesday, June 25: Spaghetti and meatballs
  • Crab Legs
    • Thursdays: 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails will feature two pounds of snow crab clusters priced at $24.99usd and priced at $19.99usd for Queen Rewards members. Available on dine-in orders only.
  • Entertainment
    • 1717 will host a variety of entertainment acts from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free, unless otherwise noted. The full lineup includes:
      • Friday, June 14: Press 1 For English – Wide variety of covers
      • Friday, June 21: Beaucoup Boogie – Timeless classics to contemporary covers
      • Friday, June 28: Run for Cover – 90’s and 00’s covers

The Loft at 1717 

The loft at 1717. photo: Collin Richie.

Will open to the public on Thursday, June 13

Will be open 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday after Thursday, June 13

Overlooking 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails, The Loft at 1717 spans 1,600 square feet offering a full bar between an indoor space and an outdoor patio with views of the Mississippi River. A dedicated bar serves a variety of beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails. The space will be available to reserve for private events.  

  • Entertainment
    • The Loft at 1717 will host a variety of entertainment acts from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, unless otherwise noted. The full lineup includes:
      • Thursday, June 13: Matt Tortorich
      • Saturday, June 15: Joey Holaway
      • Saturday, June 22: Charlston Bourgeois
      • Saturday, June 29: Joey Holaway

Big Chicken 

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday.; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday 

Big Chicken, the star-powered fast casual chicken concept founded by legendary basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, serves signature chicken sandwiches and tenders packed with BIG flavor, including The Original Big Chicken topped with Shaq sauce and pickles; Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot, featuring lettuce, mayonnaise and pickles; Shaq Attack, topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw and spicy chipotle BBQ sauce. Popcorn Chicken served with Shaq sauce; a selection of savory sides, including Lucille’s Mac N’ Cheese topped with Cheez-It crust; and boozy milkshakes hand-crafted with all-natural southern vanilla ice cream produced using hormone-free milk from California can be enjoyed while overlooking the Mississippi River.

3 Woks Noodle Bar 

Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday; 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday 

An exciting quick-service restaurant, 3 Woks Noodle Bar features an open kitchen to watch chefs freshly prepare a variety of authentic pan-Asian dishes or seating for up to 15 at the bar. The menu spans small plates to noodles and rice, along with shareable appetizers and soups, among others.  

Capitol Coffee Baton Rouge 

Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily  

Located just steps from the casino floor, Capitol Coffee offers a selection of hot and cold coffee, modern teas, smoothies, pastries, items for breakfast, lunch and more. Paninis and sandwiches are available from early morning until late night, while Blue Bell Ice Cream is exclusively scooped by the single and double.  

LIT Casino & Bar 

Open 24 hours daily  

Craft cocktails, beer and wine complement the lively atmosphere within Lit, the casino’s 1,600-square-foot dedicated smoking patio with more than 100 slots and six table games.  

MEETINGS & EVENTS

The Queen Baton Rouge offers a flexible event space to accommodate more than 500 guests for corporate gatherings, weddings, private parties and more.  For the Silo, Bridget Calcagno.

Culture

How Canada Ranks In World For Thrill Seekers

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With over 40% of travellers looking for heart-pounding thrills in 2024, the global adventure tourism market is predicted to grow to a staggering 2,824 billion usd dollars/ 3,840 billion cad dollars at time of publishing by 2030, as more seek adrenaline-fuelled experiences.

So if you are a relentless adventure junkie, which countries should be on your radar this year?

Our friends at BestCasinoSites.net evaluated factors including the number of roller coasters, casinos, rock climbing opportunities, mountain bike routes, hiking trails, and off-road trails in 61 countries, to compile a global index ranking the best countries to visit for thrill-seekers.

Canada among top 15 countries for adventure lovers

From biking the Gulf Islands to ziplining over Niagara Falls, Canada ranks 12th best country to get that adrenaline fix, earning a notable final score of 6.87/10. With 60,300 hiking trails and 5,980 mountain biking routes, Canada boasts a geographically diverse landscape and is home to North America’s second-highest peak, Mount Logan, topping out at 5,959 meters.

Mount Logan is a whopping 6KM in elevation and ranks sixth in the world for most prominent peak.

Adrenaline checklist in Canada: Experience Niagara Falls on a zipline, Rock or ice climb in the Rocky Mountains, Jump over the Cheakamus River with Whistler Bungee.

Whistler Bungee: offering a 160 foot jump over the glacially fed River below.

France reigns as the adventure capital of the world

According to the study, France is the world’s adventure capital, boasting an overall adrenaline score of 8.86/10. Prized for its stunning mountain ranges from the Pyrenees, Alps to Chamonix, the country offers over 720,000 hiking trails. Test your limits by conquering Europe’s highest peak, the Mont Blanc ranges, towering at 4,810 metres, or by jumping on one of France’s 227 thrilling roller coaster rides!

Adrenaline checklist in France: Cliff Jumping from the Calanques, Rock climbing overhanging limestone in Provence, Cycling on a glacier.

Trailing behind in second is Mexico, achieving a final score of 8.56/10. Your journey to this Latin American gem can be incredibly action-packed as you scale Mexico’s iconic snow-capped cone, Pico de Orizaba, with a peak of 5,636 metres above sea level; tackle one of the world’s biggest sport climbing areas at El Potrero Chico; or indulge in the thrill of games at any of the 364 casinos* Mexico boasts.

Adrenaline checklist in Mexico: Extreme urban downhill biking in Taxco; Bungee jumping at Los Cabos, Zip-lining in the Jungles of Yucatan.

The land of paella and sangria ranks as the third must-visit destination for adventurous souls, scoring 8.41/10. Spain offers an enticing array of outdoorsy pursuits, boasting the highest number of thrill-seeking trails – from rock climbing (10,600), mountain biking (6,430,000), to hiking (10,300,000) – among all cities studied. Spain’s pristine landscape appears tailor-made for adventure enthusiasts.

BestCasinoSites-Data-Best-countries-for-thrill-seekers-revealed.xlsx-NEW-FinalDownload

Adrenaline checklist in Spain: Rock climbing In Picos De Europa; Canyoning at Junta de los Rios; Andalucía, Walking the El Caminito del Rey.

Argentina takes fourth place, earning an impressive final score of 8.34/10. Home to the third highest peak (6,960 metres) in the study, The Aconcagua attracts over 3,000 mountaineers annually, despite being nicknamed the ‘Mountain of Death’. With a whopping 172 casinos*, including South America’s largest casino complex, the Trilenium, Argentina offers ample opportunities for both seasoned risk-takers and casual players alike.

Adrenaline checklist in Argentina: Mountain biking in Bariloche; Ice trek on top of Perito Moreno Glacier, Paragliding with Condors in Córdoba.

From kayaking down the Grand Canyon to cliff camping in Colorado, the United States rounds off the top five adrenaline hotspots, earning an impressive final score of 8.16/10. With the highest density of casinos in the study totalling 2,937 across the country, and over 900 roller coasters – including the world’s second-fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka – America is a must-visit if you crave the rush of adrenaline.

Adrenaline checklist in the US: Rafting in the Grand Canyon, Mountain biking the Grand Staircase in Utah, Rock Climbing in Yosemite National Park.

For the Silo, Alasdair Lindsay.

Methodology

  1. The experts at BestCasinoSites.net compiled a global index ranking the best countries for thrill-seekers by considering seven factors, including: (i) Number of casinos (ii) Number of roller coasters (iii) Number of rock climbing trails (iv) Number of mountain bike trails (v) Number of hiking trails (vi) Number of off road trails and (vii) Highest peak height in each country.

Note: Countries with more than two missing values were omitted, resulting in 61 countries in the final dataset.

  1. The experts collected the data from the below sources:

(i) Number of casinos: https://www.casinocity.com/casinos/ 

Note: In countries where gambling is illegal, the average number of casinos of all countries was taken (excluding US because of being a huge outlier) to ensure fairness and avoid penalising any specific country.

(ii) Number of roller coasters: https://rcdb.com/location.htm

(iii) Number of rock climbing trails: https://www.wikiloc.com/trails

(iv) Number of mountain bike trails: https://www.wikiloc.com/trails

(v) Number of hiking trails: https://www.wikiloc.com/trails

(vi) Number of off road trails: https://www.wikiloc.com/trails

(vii) Highest peak height in each country: https://flagpedia.net/lists/highest-point 

Note: The number of rock climbing, mountain bike, hiking and off road trails were sourced from user-posted data

  1. After collecting the numbers, the experts logarithmically normalised the figures in order to reduce skewness between countries with different sizes.
  2. A final adrenaline score out of 10 was calculated for each country to reveal the top 15 adrenaline hotspots across the globe.
  3. All data was collected on 5th February 2024 and is correct as of then.

*It’s crucial to thoroughly review the rules and regulations governing gambling in various countries before engaging in any gambling activities.

Gaming

Can eSports Save The World?

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Almost two years ago, the Gamers Without Borders tournament was held to raise funds worldwide for pressing causes and give a glimpse into how the future of fundraising could be tied into the future of gaming.

With a $10 million prize fund up for grabs, the tournament consisted of one-off tournaments for a variety of eSports titles – from Fortnite to FIFA. Those who played, commentated, and watched were all persuaded to donate to a charity – from UNICEF to Direct Relief and International Medical Corps.  

https://twitter.com/i/status/1269642242068754432

The tournament gained widespread attention.

The final FIFA tournament even had an appearance from Snoop Dogg and One Direction’s Liam Payne. Some of the world’s most prominent footballers, such as Paulo Dybala, Dele Alli, Joao Felix and Andre Silva, managed to raise around $1.5 million through their gaming exploits. By combining some stars of traditional sports and recognizable celebrities with the eSports tournament, not only did the industry managed to raise funds for charity, but they also proved that they could be deployed as a force for good going forwards.  

Part of the crusade for eSports as an industry is to prove to the mainstream that it is a valid and legitimate counterpart to traditional sports and traditional gaming.

By merging the two, eSports is able to benefit from both sides. The success of Gamers Without Borders could prove just how much of a fundraising machine eSports could be and how, with a greater uptake in those who engage with the industry, the industry could do many more benevolent acts. 

There are many ways that eSports is gaining the legitimacy it deserves, and this charitable tournament helped prove it. Indeed, as eSports betting attests to, allowing eSports fans and spectators to wager on the outcome of matches and tournaments gives it further credibility as a likeness to traditional sports. Indeed, bettors can wager on games from Dota 2 to StarCraft 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Overwatch and Rainbow Six in a similar way to how they bet on football, basketball and horse racing. 

The interconnected nature of eSports – that often involve connecting with hundreds of people across social media and streaming sites like Twitch – means that causes can be amplified to audiences around the world. The younger generation who are likely to be participating in and watching eSports are also arguably more likely to think altruistically, according to research, and will often use their platform as a professional eSports player to spread positive information.  

eSports is thriving, and its supportive community is in part to thank for that.

But the main barrier to its further success is its need to be legitimized by mainstream society. Given its professional polish, the good works it’s doing, the chances for careers, and the engagement of fans, it’s clear that the eSports industry is proving itself to be a real contender. The eSports industry might not be able to save the world single-handedly, but as it continues to gain tremendous steam, it could definitely be a vehicle that helps affect positive change.  For the Silo, Bethany Riley.

Culture

Fun Late Night Activities To Do after the Bars Close

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Drinking with friends until late at night is fun, which is why lots of people do it especially on weekends. You get to talk with friends about your romantic problems and work issues, or you may enjoy watching live games in sports bar with other fervent fans. But what can you do after the bars close? Many take things easy and wind down with one of the excellent erotic massages in Montreal. That seems like the perfect way to end a fun night.

Erotic Massage Parlors Montreal Toronto

However, there are other ways to continue having fun even when the bars all seem closed late at night. Discuss matters with your friends, and see if any of these suggestions suit their fancy:

Drink Coffee

Haven’t you noticed how many of these specialty coffee shops are open 24 hours? That’s because they know that when people are done drinking but they don’t want to go home yet, they get coffee to continue their story-swapping activities.

Bill Murray drinking from coffee carafe

Coffee is perfect for those who have been drinking, since it can keep people from just sleeping. Your friends will hate you if they have to drag your sleeping body home. So drink some coffee, and afterwards hire a cab back to your place. Just don’t drive! You may be awake, but you’re still drunk!

Eat Something

Lots of people experience the “munchies” when they’ve been drinking. So once the drinking is done, it may be time to continue the night with some fast food treat like a nice juicy burger or some hot pizza. You may also want to try shawarma.

Dark Knight slices Shwarma with laser sword

Scientific studies have confirmed that alcohol can really make you feel hungry. It’s been found that alcohol fires up a type of brain cell that’s also active when you’re starving. So when you drink, your brain thinks you haven’t eaten for a long while.

Play Video Games

In some cities like Montreal, you may find arcade places where you can play various video games even at 3:00 AM. You can play Tekken and other fighting games if you’re one of those inclined to violence after a bit of drinking—at least this time, no one gets really hurt!

TEKKEN arcade game action

You can also try any of the racing games, and you may find out why it’s a bad idea to drink and drive. Of course, even if you do well in these games it doesn’t mean you’re ready to drive home for real.

Sing Some Karaoke

You may be a shy wallflower type when you’re sober, but you may be a performer yearning to break free once you’ve imbibed enough alcohol. You’re not alone, so why not join other would-be singers and have some fun belting out your favorite tunes?

Karaoke singing showoff

The nice thing about being drunk is that it makes you brave enough to try this, and you’re also drunk enough to think you’ve done justice to that Bon Jovi song you’ve always liked. Most people in these places are non-judgmental, so even if you’re off-key they won’t mind. Not that you’d know you were off-key…

Go Bowling

Bowling is another activity that somehow seems a lot more fun when you’ve been drinking. It also shows you exactly how drunk you are—if your bowling ball can’t hit any of the pins every time, then it may be time to call it a night. Bowling is something you can do if the bar you went to closed early at 1AM or so, as some bowling places may close at 3AM.

Try Your Luck at a Casino

Roulette wheel

You better believe that if you’re a well-behaved drunk, the casino will love you. You get to enjoy yourself playing blackjack, while the casino plies you with drinks as they happily take your money! For the Silo, Dimitry Karloff. 

Gaming

World Chess Champ Partnership With Unibet Fights Problem Gambling

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Kindred Group brand Unibet continues its sponsorship with five-time World Champion in chess, Magnus Carlsen, and extends its partnership with Offerspill, the Norwegian chess club, founded by Magnus Carlsen.

Kindred Group plc (Kindred) has signed a two years extension of its partnership with the world’s best chess player, Magnus Carlsen through its flagship brand Unibet. The Group also extends its sponsorship of Offerspill, Norway’s largest chess club. Both sponsorships will promote and support Kindred’s long-term ambition to reach zero per cent revenue from harmful gambling by 2023.

“We see great potential in engaging the best chess player of all time, and the world’s highest-ranked chess player, as a global ambassador in the fight to combat problem gambling,” says Nils Andén, Chief Commercial Officer, Kindred Group.

“It is also natural for us to involve Offerspill, Norway’s largest chess club in our work. This partnership is an important contribution to raising awareness of chess as an exciting global sport, while also engaging in the local community in Norway.”

“Just as I have set a hair-raising goal of becoming the first chess player in the world to reach 2,900 rating points, Kindred, as the first global gambling operator, has set itself an ambition of zero revenue from customers with harmful gambling behavior. This is an ambition I would like to contribute to achieving and a message I am happy to support,” says Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Champion.

“In top sports, it is about pushing the boundaries, but at the same time, you have to know your limitations and know when to stop. The same thing is important when gambling; you need to stay in control and know when to stop,” says Carlsen.

“Over the last two years, Offerspill made an impressive effort to lift Norwegian chess to a new level, especially during the pandemic.

Such a boost requires funding, and we are proud to contribute, and at the same time promote our message of safety, sustainability and responsibility in entertainment-based gambling through the club,” concludes Nils Andén.

In 2014, Unibet was the first gambling operator to introduce odds on chess, at the same time as Magnus Carlsen defended his World Cup title for the first time.

Throughout the years, Kindred has also sponsored a number of international tournaments and major championships. Magnus Carlsen founded Offerspill in 2019 and has been a Unibet ambassador since 2020. The same year Offerspill and Kindred Group signed a partnership. Today, Offerspill is the largest chess club in Norway with 400 members. For the Silo, Maria Angell Dupont.

Gaming

Gaming And Gambling Is Innately North American And Predates Euro Contact

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Mystic Deck

First Nations Gaming In CanadaGambling is innately Canadian.

Whilst that may seem self-evident today, it was no less obvious before the idea of Canada as a unitary nation had even been established. Gary Smith of the University of Alberta has described how “First Nations peoples gambling on sports events pre-dated the arrival of Europeans in Canada”.

Despite a fluctuating legal status since 1892 when the first Criminal Code of Canada was established, Canadians have remained firmly welded to the idea of a bet. Whether it is a matter of sports betting or the more calculative games provided by casinos, and more recently over the internet, Canadians, it seems, love to gamble.

What it is in the Canadian national psyche that drives this appetite is far from clear.

Those reports that have dealt with the question have tended to look at the administrative and legislative conditions that have enabled the industry to establish itself, rather than asking the more fundamental question of where the appetite for this form of recreation stems from.

There is no doubt that the way the gambling industry in Canada is managed at a state level has meant that local pockets of gambling activity have been allowed to flourish. Smith points to the way that two Criminal Code of Canada amendments (1969 and 1985) were ‘pivotal’ in enabling the expansion of the industry. The first was because it decriminalized lotteries and casinos and the second because it allowed electronic gambling devices whilst also allowing provinces to operate and regulate the industry within their territories. In essence, because there was no one-size-fits-all brake on the industry it was allowed to extend into all those areas where it was not explicitly barred.

Against that historical backdrop the emergence of the internet and the de-territorialised markets it has allowed to develop have seen the Canadian appetite for gambling further supplied.

Such is the extent of the market that European based providers, such as Bet365, the UK’s leading online provider, are going out of their way to woo Canadian punters. Specialist sports books focusing on Canadian sports as well as a long list of games and pursuits that are already well-established across North America – not least poker and blackjack – mean that what these providers are offering is a perfect fit for the Canadian market.

There is a sense that with the US gambling industry seemingly at a tipping point in terms of the full deregulation of online gambling, these global providers are doing everything they can to achieve a presence and a profile on the continent. The basic thinking is that something akin to a gold rush is set to take place once the US marketplace truly opens up, and that rolling out into the US market will be easier from Canada than from Europe.

If this makes it sound as though the Canadian gambling market is somehow merely a stepping stone that is far from the case. Canada’s gambling market is itself measured in the billions of dollars and it is an entirely viable proposition on its own merits.

Of course, what it is that makes Canadians so happy to gamble remains an open question.

. Amidst such a diverse and heterogeneous population is it possible that enjoying a gamble in one form or another is one of the things that unites us as a nation? For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Gaming

Legalized Sports Betting Is A New Job Market In The USA

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A few years ago, on May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court decided to back New Jersey’s bid, allowing any state in the US to legalize sports betting. The Supreme Court overthrew PASPA – Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 –  a law that was supposed to define the legal status of sports betting throughout the States.

However, PASPA didn’t ban sports gambling, it just didn’t permit the states to allow it. Passing the law ultimately resulted in creating an underground virtual monopoly over a multi-billion dollar industry.

Strong Case Against PASPA

The infographic below points out some facts regarding the illegal cash flow in the betting industry before the overturn of PASPA. As it turns out, the government of the state of New Jersey presented a strong case against PASPA, and it seems that participants of the hearings were worried that the law would restrain the States’ rights to raise revenue.

The American Gaming Association estimated that American citizens illegally wager more than $150 billion each year on sports betting. Until PASPA was struck down, Nevada was one of the only four states that permitted sports betting (Delaware, Oregon, and Montana also had an immunity). However, Nevada’s legally wagered money covered up for only a small portion of the total sum wagered on betting activities throughout the States (less than 4%).

Before PASPA was abolished, the Congress had the rights to mandate the forms that intrastate commerce states may regulate. However, by doing so, they didn’t manage to eliminate the sports betting market. They’ve just driven it underground.

New Beginnings Will Bring New Changes

On July 31st, 2018 ,Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA, has teamed up with MGM, creating the first partnership between a major sports organization in the US and a gambling operator. The goal of this historic partnership is to preserve the integrity of the game and spread the global presence of the NBA.

MGM’s partnership with the NBA is only the next logical step in the development of this potentially booming industry. The process of accepting betting as a part of sports culture in the United States has begun.

The Cash Flow in Gambling is Tremendous

According to Oxford Economics, there is a lot going on under the table. Apparently, the numbers from the report project that the legalization of sports betting could increase the US annual GDP up to $40 billion.

Also, legalizing sports can help the US economy to keep the money within the States and help prevent domestic casinos to go bankrupt. Moreover, the newly-formed legal gambling system could create employment opportunities for more than 125,000 people.

When all of this is said and done, a typical worker in a reformed sports betting industry would have an average salary of approximately $48,000. In fact, this is only the beginning of economic benefits coming from legalized gambling in the US. Advances and technological innovations in online betting services will also have a strong impact on the economy.

A Bond Between Technology and Gambling

The United Kingdom has been the world’s leading online sports gambling market for many years now. UK mobile industry currently covers around 60% of the country’s sports betting market. The UK gambling market should serve as a blueprint for the future of sports betting in the US because mobile betting via smartphone apps would bring billions of dollars worth of revenue.

It is a known fact that technological developments make sports gambling far more entertaining. It’s much easier to place a bet for NBA Primetime Saturday game from your favorite recliner than having to drive to the casino at last minute.

It is only a matter of time before the mobile betting market in the US becomes the world’s largest. This somewhat bold statement doesn’t come as a shock if we take into consideration the potential influence of US powerhouse economy on the expansion of mobile betting industry.

To sum it all up, legalized sports betting in the US is a huge win for the US tax revenue, employment, and the entertainment business. Take a look at the nifty infographic below courtesy of our friends at NJ Games. For the Silo, Onur Unlu. 

Economic Impact of US Sports Betting NJ Games

Gaming

Can You Really Eat & Drink For Free In A Casino?

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The short answer…yes! 

But, of course, there’s always something you are missing. Nothing is ever really free, especially in a casino. But hey, before we take any firm stand on the issue, why not examine the mechanics of it?  

Both land based and online casinos are a great place to entertain yourself with gambling and other thrills offered at the cards table or the roulette wheel. It’s all a matter of picking your game and playing it to the best of your ability and relying on a generous amount of luck.  

If you are getting some drinks and food out of it, even better! Right? 

The Customer Is Royalty 

The customer-centric sentiment is true for any business and more so in a casino. When they are not looking through the cameras to find some ‘Rain Man’ type gambler, they are studying you, and they found out that people who stay in the casino longer gamble more.  

When in a casino, you are seeking the thrill of gambling and possibly winning something. You can do this for a while, but then, at some point, you’re going to be hungry and thirsty.  

It’s a great night out; you need to get some drinks and some food to round out the fun. The casino is not a restaurant. If you have to leave the casino to eat somewhere else, chances are, you are not coming back.  

If you are just a local having fun, maybe you might come back. However, if you are holidaying, once you leave the casino, that’s probably it.  

Complimentary Drinks and Cheap Meals 

Gambling needs you to pay attention. Drinks cause you to lose the ability to pay attention effectively. If you are dulled out, you will probably gamble more and be looser with your wallet. Complimentary drinks might seem like a nice thing to have at first, but could they be your downfall?  

Alcoholism and Gambling Addiction - Alcohol Rehab Guide

It is not an inevitable outcome, though, as you could be very lucky or very good at the game you are playing. But most of the time, the casino will recoup the money spent on complimentary drinks, in the form of what you spend on the casino floor.  

Drinks can only get you so far. At some point, you have to eat something.  

Why would you pay premium prices to eat at a restaurant somewhere else, when you can take a few steps and be at the casino restaurant where they have meals with great discounts and offers? 

The thinking here is, the casino does not want you to leave. If you stay for as long as possible, you will spend more under their roof, even though there are some guides that try to explain how to win money on online casinos. 

Not So Free After All 

As it turns out, casinos are not big on being charitable to their patrons. You are the source of income for a casino. They are not there to help your financial situation. So, as you gulp that complimentary drink to wash down the meal on offer you just had, pause for a second and ask, ‘what am I getting out of this?’ 

Gaming

National Conference On Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling To Be Held Online

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It has been announced that the National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling is to be held online this year. The event, which is organised by the National Council on Problem Gambling, has been rearranged with dates for both November and December with the event being held entirely on a digital platform for the first time.  

This year marks the 34th such event from this organisation, which has become the largest and longest-running of its kind in the United States. The event is designed to bring a range of industry professionals together, and this includes counsellors, researchers, government officials, gambling industry executives, and a variety of other professionals.  

Supporting Harm Prevention and Reducing Gambling Addiction 

As the name suggests, the conference is designed to help push forward measures to support harm prevention and reduce gambling addiction in the United States and North America. With gambling facilities and legalization increasing rapidly across the nation, the need to have proper measures in place has become all the more vital. 

By bringing together officials from all aspects of the industry, the conference has been helping to tackle this problem for many years. The needs of those that require support have changed over the years as have the measures and tools available to help and support them. The conference helps to ensure that professionals in the industry can collaborate and innovate in order to provide the most effective support possible.  

One of the directors of the NCPG said, “The familiar forms of in-person support from both professionals and 12-step programs for people and families affected by problem gambling have been sharply curtailed this year. And opportunities to gamble have changed, with more online gambling occurring, which poses some new problems.” 

The conference was originally scheduled for the summer and was meant to take place in Washington DC. However, in the current climate, organizers had to delay the conference so that it could be rearranged as an online event for this year. It will be headed by Loreen Rugle Ph.D., a well-known training expert and counselor with a global reputation for her work.  

Dr. Loreen Rugle

As part of the conference, many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for those attending the digital event. Dates for the main conference are now scheduled for 5-6 and 12-13 November between midday and 4.00 pm. There will also be recordings of the sessions available for up to 30 days following the main conference events.  

In addition, the dates of Master Classes have also been changed and will be taking place online on 2nd, 3rd, and 9th December between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm.  

Covering a Range of Topics 

A wide range of gambling-related topics will be covered as part of this year’s event. This includes some of the topics that have to be discussed and updated each year such as prevention, recovery, and treatment. Sports gambling is thought to be a particular concern this year, and this will be discussed in detail as part of the conference.  

One of the things that may raise additional concerns this year compared to previous years is the rise in the number of gambling states in the country. Since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act 1992) in 2018, more and more states have been jumping on board. 

In addition, many states are now keen to aid their economic recovery, and for some this has resulted in a closer look at the viability of sports betting and casino gaming. With a lot of states legalizing online gambling and sports betting, this could lead to a sharp increase in the number of problem gambling cases across the country.  For the Silo, Filip Cakic.

Fashion

It’s Break Up Season But Jewelry Helps Embark Your New Life

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Break ups aren’t so bad when you treat yourself to a nice pair of diamond earrings.

There’s a reason Neil Sedaka’s “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” became a pop classic – because it’s true! But breakups can also be a time to reflect and embark on a new chapter in your life, says Jay Ryan.

“Many people have been through a romantic heartbreak, which  can be among life’s biggest challenges. But being single after a committed relationship can also be a good time to rejuvenate yourself,” says Ryan, co-founder of www.breakupgems.com, an online retailer specializing in breakup and divorce jewelry that “celebrates new beginnings.”

“We cater to the growing number of people looking for meaningful ways to bring closure to their past and move forward with confidence,” he says.

For those who’ve recently experienced a split, or are about to (December holidays is the time of the year most long term relationship break ups occur.) Ryan shares several ways to turn your breakup into a makeover — a “breakover.”

https://youtu.be/1GTFvlm0vGM

• Empower yourself with the gift of health. It’s almost a cliché that ‘exes’ lose weight after splitting up; some lose their appetite due to melancholy and some are motivated to look and feel better with exercise and dieting. Don’t punish yourself with spartan regimens, Ryan advises. Eat nutritious foods and train sensibly.

• Treat yourself to a new wardrobe. Clothing can be the bearers of painful reminders, like the sweater he or she got you last year. Consider freshening up your style with new clothes – hey, you’ll probably need them anyway with all that exercise. A new wardrobe can serve as a healthy reminder of the new you.

• Be proactive with your reading. There are many genres of self-help literature, from spiritual to academic. But don’t limit yourself to nonfiction; classic literature not only gives you a great education, it also helps readers increase empathy and better understand emotional complexity.

• Consider a healthy reminder of the new you. It’s a tradition in our society to commemorate a romantic union or celebration with jewelry. Your breakup may likewise be a blessing that allows you to grow as an individual. Consider a ring or other piece of jewelry that will not only mark this milestone but be a personal reminder of your transformation and new beginning.

• Travel adds perspective on a new journey. Whether or not you realize it, a breakup is the beginning of a new life trajectory. Travel – whether it’s time for a change of domestic scenery or a vacation – perfectly symbolizes a new journey. Overcoming a painful separation requires an outside perspective, which is often gained through travel.

• Invite friends over for a dinner party. The depression that is liable to ensue after a breakup often leads to isolation, but that is when you most need your friends! Why not host a breakup party? Rather than blowing it out with a large group of people, which may include strangers, keep it simple with intimate friends you can trust. For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley.

Jay Ryan is the co-founder of www.BreakupGems.com, an online retailer that specializes in fine breakup and divorce jewelry. Each piece in the collection conveys an empowering message of freedom and renewal with designs that are both stylish and meaningful for anyone overcoming a recent breakup or simply celebrating happy singlehood.

Gaming

Best Online Casino In Canada Where Gamblers Win Real Money

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Canadians respect the law. Those, who like gambling, do it as well. As soon as land casinos in this country are legal, they feel free playing in various gambling clubs placed in different provinces. Nevertheless, it is much more convenient for many players to stay at home and use the pros of casinos that work online.

However, as the situation with online gambling business legality is still vague, not to take any risks of breaking laws, Canadians prefer to play in their casinos that have licenses and use playing sites that welcome them and let win real money. Baocasino Canada is exactly this new reliable resource.

Legal online casino Сanada for real money

Canada is inherently a country that offers its residents and guests a huge selection of diverse entertainment options and a pleasant pastime. Among such options, a special place is occupied by numerous casinos and gambling houses.

Besides, Canadians take care of those people, who want to gamble online. Numerous advantages are offered to them here. When they choose Baocasino, they can use all the advantages of this gambling site, including earning crypto, taking part in tournaments and getting the best prizes in Bao way quest.

No taxes for players

Canada is a real paradise for those players, who win real money in online casinos regularly. If in other countries, especially in the USA, the closest to Canada neighbor, gambling tax in some states can reach 50%, here the situation is different.

However, there is one “but” even here. Yes, in Canada, there is no tax on winnings, but if Poker is a person’s main source of income, then he, as an individual, must pay income tax, the amount of which is directly proportional to the income for one year.

Progressive tax rates applied at the federal level:

Taxable Income – Rate:

  1. Up to $ 42.707 – 15%;
  2. From $ 42,707 to $ 85,414 – 22%;
  3. From $ 85,414 to $ 132 406 – 26%;
  4. From the sum more than $ 132,406 – 29%.

However, even in this case, the taxes in Canada are lower than in many countries (taxes in the gambling sphere, for sure). Canadian residents, who gamble in the casinos with licenses of other countries, should also follow these laws. Baocasino, with its license from Curacao, being a legal playing site, respects the laws, and follows them.

Bonuses for gamblers

Playing in the best online legal casinos in Canada, gamblers can claim a variety of bonuses, and get them, withdrawing money following wagering requirements. Those, who register in Baocasino for gambling, not for fun, can also get these bonuses.

Before claiming them, it is recommended to read about the Bonus policy of the casino. In brief, it is as follows:

  1. When a gambler starts playing in Bao with an additional bonus that is over 20 free spins and 100% deposit bonus, this bonus will be added to the first made deposit;
  2. Wagering bonus, the player cannot make the bet over 5 USD or 7, 7 CAD;
  3. Withdrawing money that is won thanks to bonuses usage, the rules works — the maximum withdrawal here is 80 CAD or 50 USD;
  4. Using bonuses, Canadian players must not use any strategies when gambling. If Baocasino finds out that the strategies were used, the win is terminated.

Exciting adventures also offered as prizes

If winning money isn’t amazing enough then take a look at Baocasino’s prize pool: it includes exclusive adventures such as this month’s Chernobyl Tournament. The First place winner is in for a unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

The variety of games

Baocasino that offers its registered players from Canada the variety of games that can be found in other gambling resources, but here, players have a chance to earn Bitcoin and some alternative cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

They can do it when choosing crypto as the main currency for gambling or playing special crypto games, which are available in this casino. If a player wins in cryptocurrency, he can withdraw his win instantly.

Baocasino is the best choice for those Canadians, who are seeking for a reliable and legal online casino with a number of cool games, bonuses and interesting promotions. After registration, all these pros become available to a new user. For the Silo, Ella Wilson.

Gaming

Can Anyone Make Sports Betting Pay?

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 If ever you read about any kind of “system” someone is trying to sell you or any kind of sports betting tipping service etc., you’d be well-advised to completely ignore it. If anyone “knew” anything in advance, they wouldn’t be busy trying to sell it to you – they’d be busy making a killing themselves. So please ignore all this stuff.

At the same time there are an increasing number of people around the world making a living from gambling online on various sports – so how do they do it and is it possible for any of us to emulate what they do?

Well first things first – it is possible to make a steady profit at sports gambling if you’re balanced and determined enough and, crucially, you understand value as a concept and have a niche knowledge in some way.

So what do we mean by value as a concept?

Well simply put, you need to have a feel for the study of mathematical probabilities and the way that even small margins can result in one side of a wager winning very large amounts over time. After all, it’s this simple principle on which the whole of the worldwide casino industry (whether online or real) is built. They call it the house edge.

So let’s consider roulette as a simple option. Roulette comes pretty close to giving gamblers an even chance in European versions of the game anyway when there is just the one “zero” slot. This means that you have a 48.6% chance of doubling your money if you select red or black, or odd or even numbers etc. 

36 Years ago, almost to the day.....Kenny Rogers released The Gambler- click on the image above to learn more.
At the time of this article being published it was 36 Years ago, almost to the day….. that Kenny Rogers released The Gambler- click on the image above to learn more.

Conversely, it means the house (i.e. the casino) has a 51.4% chance of winning. And just that small percentage – the house edge – is sufficient when enough gamblers gamble long enough. It’s inevitable that the house will steadily profit – so the more players it gets, the bigger those profits are. There have been some big individual winners in casinos over time – but the really big winners are the casinos themselves, courtesy of that small percentage difference. That’s all it takes to make millions upon millions if you can get enough people to play with enough money. The laws of probability do the rest.

This is what we mean by value as a concept. So to overcome the edge, you have to have your own edge. And this usually means either an in-depth knowledge of a sport or some kind of information that the rest of the market hasn’t woken up to yet.

So look for opportunities in one-to-one situations mainly – where you think the wider market’s odds don’t reflect the actual chances of real-life events. You’re more likely to be able to spot these if you know a minority sport inside out. This will give you the kind of edge we’re talking about here –though you also need to understand value.

Let’s look at one specific example, then, of a sport that is big in some other countries but not here in Canada. In some niche areas like gambling on rugby league with exchanges like Betfair – a detailed knowledge and the ability to analyze a game can really help. In Canada, of course, rugby league is a relatively tiny minority sport, but in both the UK and Australia that is not the case at all. In these countries, gambling on the sport is huge business – often via handicap betting where the odds are slightly less than even money, but one of the teams is given ‘X’ points start to even things up in the eyes of the market anyway.

The fact that rugby league is such a minority sport in Canada though, gives expert punters here a real edge – on games in the country. And that’s all any of us can hope to do – get a small edge on the market. That’s because making a steady profit at any form of gambling is a very tough thing to achieve – so even with the exchanges markets where the odds are slightly better than with the bookies, you still need to overcome the five per cent commission charged by the exchange betting website on each and every winning bet.

It’s rather like one of those old fashioned “penny falls” machines you see in amusement arcades where some of sliding off the side each time 

the cash (in this case around five per cent) is into the proprietor’s coffers. In other words, if you keep gambling away and the market has the odds perfectly right all the time, then you are sure to lose gradually over time. In fact, to be specific, you’ll lose five per cent steadily – obviously.

So not only do you need to understand your niche sport inside out – but you also need to be shrewd and understand the whole concept of a true ‘value’ bet. This may sound obvious but it isn’t in practice as people are swayed by the market. But there’s one neat trick which is a really easy way around this “sway” problem and it’s this; always try to come up with your best educated guess of the likely odds of any market you feel you know pretty well before looking at the actual odds. Then – and only then – take the odds when you see that they’re markedly bigger than you think they “should” be.

Sports Gambling and Betting

This neatly gets around any extraneous external factors – and helps clear your mind of any market-driven bias in ignorance of what the market has actually made of it. Remember that you will have to be contrarian to make money over a long enough period of time at this game. Otherwise – if the market always called the odds on everything just right, there would be theoretically no room for the professional gamblers to make money – yet there are plenty people doing just that. And they all either have a system, or an in-depth knowledge of their chosen markets that has been tried and tested and is proven to beat the rest of the market over time – or they have a little of both of these things. You cannot win by being the same as everyone else – that’s a given.

Just remember that if you think you have what it takes – to trial and trial again your ideas with tiny amounts of cash only at first – whilst treating that amount like its 100 or 1,000 times as much. For the Silo, Claire Siblot. Online Media Relations Specialist. Leeds, UK

Travel

In The United Kingdom, Toronto Blue Jays Makes Canada Tourist Target

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In the era of social media, it only takes a few seconds for a picture to change the world. Photographs shared on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest can shape public opinion in seconds, which has huge implications for politics, marketing, and social campaigning.

Last week, amongst the many iconic images doing the rounds on people’s timelines and newsfeeds, one from the world of sport stood out: the shots of Jose Bautista tossing his bat after hitting a game-winning home run in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 6-3 win over Texas Rangers.

The image at the top of this article summed up the passion and emotion that are hallmarks of Bautista’s style of play, and drew attention to the fantastic entertainment that the Blue Jays’ campaign in the American League Championship Series has provided for millions of loyal fans.

Anyone who glimpsed the photos and dug a little deeper into the backstory would have learned of Bautista’s brilliant performance in a do-or-die game for the Jays. The contest was full of drama and controversy, disputed calls, crucial errors, and brilliant baseball.

In countries like the UK, where baseball barely registers on the radar of most sports fans, moments like this can be pivotal. All of a sudden, legions of sports fans sit up and take notice of what’s happening overseas, and some of them fall head over heels in love.

image: tsn.ca
image: tsn.ca

All it takes is a performance like Bautista’s to send sports fans into action. Some of them will be slow burners, taking note of the Blue Jays’ progress over the years before gradually developing into full-blown fans. Some will use their newfound interest in baseball as part of their sports betting strategy. Sports betting is huge in Europe, and many avid gamblers relish the opportunity to gain an advantage over bookmakers and place bets on the less-talked-about sports at online destinations like Bet365 and others.

Then, there are the sports fans who will take drastic action when they discover a new sport that they enjoy. These are the superfans who will go straight to the Blue Jays’ online store, immediately buy themselves a jersey, and then book themselves on the next available flight to Toronto in time to catch the very next game taking place at Rogers Centre.

Sports tourism is a huge industry, and was cited as the fastest growing sector in the global travel and tourism industry back in 2008, accounting for $600 billion – or 10 per cent – of the international travel tourism market.

Sports clubs and franchises have cottoned on to this, and are employing marketing managers who are wise to the power of social media to gain new fans overseas and bring them flocking to the stadiums and stores where they will spend their money and contribute to the club’s coffers.

Baseball is some way behind sports like football, which have been successfully exported to Europe through initiatives like the International Series, which sees a number of NFL games played in London each season.

Europe lacks the stadiums and infrastructure to support a similar export of baseball, but that certainly won’t stop clubs like the Blue Jays from reaping the benefits of the new fans who will support the club from afar if they continue to send powerful messages around the world via the web. For the Silo, Keith Allison 

Gaming

UK’s “ICE Totally Gaming” A Must Visit In The Gaming And Technology Sector

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ICE TweetThe ICE Totally Gaming exhibition returns to London in the UK next month, but it’s a huge event for the industry worldwide where innovation comes to the fore and the future is literally paraded in front of our eyes. The three-day event offers conferences, seminars, networking and much more from companies around the world, and, of course, Canada is represented.

 

There’s a reason why the reach of Totally Gaming is so vast, as it encompasses online casinos, sports betting, social gaming and street gaming amongst other areas, bringing together the best minds and freshest technology into one place. Last year there were 23,506 attendees from 156 countries, and although Canadians represented just 0.93% of that, the fact that 218 of us (yes, I did the math) were willing to make that trip shows just how important it is to the industry, even over 6,000km away.

But why is that trip worthwhile, and will 2015 be value for money if you’ve got vested interests in gaming, technology and the business behind it? With the amount of knowledge on offer for the ticket price, I’d have to say yes.

ICE Totally Gaming 2014 Recap
This year’s seminars – which are all free to attend – include information on emerging and growing markets such as Bitcoins and Cryptocurrencies, expert knowledge from the likes of the International Masters of Gaming, and informative start-up workshops which can help build networks with mentors and even open business-to-business dialogue. You can pitch your own business to ICE to get some floor time, and there are heads of industry there that make it a must for anybody with an idea or a business plan, or even just a desire to make it in the field.

One of the seminars sure to be a big hit is the aforementioned Bitcoins and Cryptocurrencies offering, with notable industry figures taking to the podium for various sessions. As the world of money online is constantly changing, arming yourself with knowledge is one of the best weapons. Jon Matonis, board director of the Bitcoin Foundation, will open things up and delve into why cryptocurrencies have been so well adopted. Further to that, you can learn about risk management, boosting business, regulation and more. Having all this information in one place would be invaluable.

The Bright Group's Raif Oymen
The Bright Group’s Raif Oymen

It’s not the only one sure to instill potentially revolutionary ideas on the attendees, however. The workshops and mentorship for start-ups feature some successful names already well embedded in the gaming industry, who will be dispensing advise on getting your business of the ground and, more importantly, keeping it afloat.  Martyn Evans of Unboxed Consulting talks lean start-ups, Phil Smith of Joelson Wilson will discuss the merits of London for a new business, and there are more workshops for crowdsourcing, licencing and finances. For more details on all of these information-packed seminars, you can look here.

Leading companies like IGT choose the event as a premiere for their freshest ideas, and the big internationals make sure it’s a part of their calendar. “ICE is a really good opportunity,” said The Bright Group’s Raif Oymen, who will be exhibiting after travelling all the way from Australia.

If you have to be at the forefront of emerging technology and know where the cutting edge of the gaming markets is then it should be a key date in your calendar. Even more importantly, if your career aspirations or business future relies on the gaming sector then there won’t be a bigger, more beneficial way to spend three days in the whole year.

Supplemental- Mapping the Future of Gaming