Online Casinos Dir
Home Online Casino Reviews Casino Bonus US Casinos UK Casinos Gaming Blog Contact

Posts Tagged ‘Europe’

Free Trade is Saving Many European Countries

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

The European Union is having problems with gambling regulations. The problems are coming from the fact that most member countries have their own gambling laws to uphold. Their own legislators have worked with the rules to come up with gaming laws that benefit them. A lot of countries made the mistake first of wanting to create monopolies. They believed that if they shored up their rules, they could legally maintain those monopolies and benefit from the money without having to spread it around. It’s a great plan, but it isn’t going to work according to the EU. The EU is maintaining a long lasting ruling of free trade. That is thwarting the plan some countries have regarding to keep money in their own borders, but it is not something they are easily going to be able to work around either.

The fact is that online gambling is a billion dollar business and that means that there are going to be a wide range of players not willing to release that potential of top dollars. They don’t want to pass up any opportunity to wager or to benefit. The problem though is that other governments don’t want to miss out on billions of dollars either. They know that free trade makes it possible for them to move in on other markets and other money. Free trade is proving to be one of the biggest positive attributes of the market today and proving to be a highly coveted asset. The EU has dictated rules well before the question of online gambling came into play. It put forth the rules way back and was meant for other forms of economic trade. Little did legislators know that they would be applying these rules to the world of gambling soon enough. Now that that market is expanding so vigorously it is coming to be one of the biggest assets that gaming companies have. Free trade is what is giving them the chance to market across borders and find new gamers to take advantage of their companies. It may take some time for everyone to get on board, but right now countries are still iffy on the free trade issue. In the future though, they are going to have little choice in the matter.

The 9th Annual European iGaming Congress and Expo

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

If you are in search of new gambling products and what is coming into the market in coming months, then consider visiting a gambling expo. These are large events that feature the latest products and services to be brought into the market. It isn’t without a lot of care and concern that companies prepare their booths at these expos. They are a lot like cooking expos or car expos in that manufacturers and developers put together the best they have to offer. This is where developers are quick to shine a light on what they are bringing to the market that is both unique and exciting for all parties involved. It could be new software or a new technological advancement; it could be a new style of game or a new bonus capability. Whatever it is, gamers and the industry get excited when they hear about what is out there and what they have a chance at experiencing. It is always exciting to see how far the market is being pushed by developers. One such recent expo was the 9th Annual European iGaming Congress and Expo. If this was a sign of where the market is going, then every gamer should be jumping for joy over the possibilities of the future.

The expo was a sign of good things to come. It was held at Bella Center in Copenhagen Denmark. The purpose was to showcase trends in the gambling market that are most likely going to move with the market and continue to shape it as years come. Its major draw for industry companies is to provide them with products that will help them to build their overall gaming clientele list. They can use the newest and most innovative products and services for gamers. Not only to keep avid gamers in their casinos, but also to help attract new gamers who are just entering the market. The products introduced at an expo like this one are indicative of where the market is going and can show you with certainty where it is moving. For example, at the Bella Denter’s European iGaming Congress and Expo, it was evident that gamers want more customizable options with their online gambling. They want to have special buttons that let them alter small elements of the game. This is exactly what the market is responding with in coming months.

EC Introduces the EGBA To European Nations

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Many countries in Europe are writing their own gambling laws. They are just moving into the market, or new to it, and still trying to come up with rules and regulations that are going to work for them. The problem here though is that it is unchartered territory. Legislators know one thing—the market is highly lucrative if they get it to work the right way. It can be hard to come up with laws that work for a community—in particular when it is something that needs to happen quickly. For most European countries the longer it takes them to implement their own plans for gambling, the more time they are giving to other countries to usurp revenue from their residents. It is a timing game in a lot of ways. Just like the US made the mistake of foregoing millions of dollars, so other European countries don’t want to fall into the same problems. The US banned online gambling and instead of players stopping their wagers, they merely sought out offshore gambling companies and channeled millions of unrecoverable dollars to other countries. European states don’t want to allow the same thing to happen to them. This is why it is becoming a priority to come up with laws that work.
So far this is proving to be a problem though. Individual states are writing their own laws and it is proving to be more difficult than anticipated. Romania for example just put together its own gambling law but it is being pitted against the already existing EC, European Commission, laws. The EC came up with the European Gaming and Betting Association or EGBA. This organization is claiming that Romanian laws are not conducive to their own law and that is posing to be a problem for the small country. Namely the problem is with specific precepts they are trying to implement like:

• EU-licensed online casinos must be based in Romania
• No online pool wagering, but legalized internet gaming
• Censorship of all advertisements and marketing plans for EU-approved
companies

The EGBA is not supportive of these and other rules. They believe that it puts Romania in a position of creating a monopoly. Most likely the country i sgoing to have to changes things before their protocols are accepted with EU’s approval.

WSOP Europe Continues with Excitement

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Anyone watching poker knows about the WSOP Europe tournament. Overall poker has taken over as the most popular table gambling game in casinos worldwide. The game is great because of its dual characteristics of luck and strategy. For example, slots are purely games of luck- they involve good old randomness and there isn’t anything you can do beyond just “being lucky” to increase your chances of a win. Poker isn’t like that. Sure there is an element of luck to the game—it wouldn’t be a gamble if there wasn’t, but there also is strategy. This is why the game is so popular with so many different gamblers. They know that they can practice and learn the game with time and focus. Millions of gamblers in the market have their eyes set on the game of poker and making a name for themselves in the market.

So far Jeffrey Lisandro is the top poker player at the WSOP Europe event. He has made quite a few good wins at the WSOP already and now he can add WSOP Europe to his repertoire. It took a while for him to come apart from the pack though. The first day of competition was when Lisandro was at the top, but still working hard to fight it out. He ended up taking home the win relatively easily. If that is a sign of how good a player he is, then he can rest assured that his skills are highly developed. The WSOP Europe is a smaller version of the WSOP. Both tournaments are huge draws in the market. They are reaching a new level of main stream appeal too. You can expect to see the WSOP broadcast live via ESPN and ESPN2 throughout its duration. You also will find a long list of mainstream sponsors coming into the mix. This is a sign of how popular the game is and how far it has come in being accepted to regular daily activities. Everywhere people try to get in on the WSOP via satellite tournaments and other ways of getting the buy-in covered. If you love poker, then no doubt you already know how much fun the WSOP is.

Sports Betting Different in Europe

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

One of the biggest markets in Europe is the sports gambling industry. Billions of dollars are traded on any given sporting event in the area. Namely soccer is big business and the rules are relatively lax as compared to other areas of the world. In Europe players are at liberty to bet on soccer as long as their wagers are not on their own team. This is a critical change to what comes in the US. In the states, players cannot deal the same way with teams and namely the NFL. Gambling may soon change in Europe though because of the climate of other areas of the world. Throughout the world there have been some problems- owners and league managers have had to deal with sports betting scandals. There have been major “fixes” on matches in Europe and Asia. In an effort to avoid all of these problems European officials want to make changes.

Representatives from the country’s Football League, League managers, union-members and Premiere League are all in discussions on changing rules. They are contemplating a ban on players. There are two differing sides though. Premier League members believe that the league is not as susceptible to problems due to the heightened awareness their team has on a global scale. They believe that popularity is what can save them from any further problems. In Europe sports wagering is big business and soccer leagues are trying to find solutions to protect the sport but also maximize profits. If changes occur there it may mean changes for the US market when it comes to sport betting. The NFL is against sports betting due to not receiving any of the profits of the move. The teams and owners know how many billions of dollars are traded as a result of their hard work and play. They want to make a way to reap some benefit without limiting the market. Most of their problem really is not getting a piece of the lucrative sports betting pie. For a while now the US has been looking to other countries and their rules regarding sports betting. They are willing to look at other options, but need a viable alternative for managing the problem.

British Poker Awards Grows in Stature

Monday, September 6th, 2010

The British Poker Awards organizers just announced that due to overwhelming success, they are moving to Kensington Close Hotel. That is great news for organizers because it means that they have too many customers for their former location to accommodate. This is a testament to how popular poker gambling has become in past months. In fact, the WSOP is expecting a record number of not only attendees, but viewers during its live broadcast. Consider that the WSOP originally began as a group of six players who were lovers of the game. It was small and humble a “tournament” thirty years ago. Now, it pays out multi-millions of dollars, is broadcast throughout the world live, and had millions of viewers. It is one of, if not the biggest event regarding poker and gambling throughout the whole world.

Originally the British Poker Awards were set to take stage at The Fox Poker Club, but then the numbers came in and it was quickly realized that there just wasn’t enough room. People began flooding the ticket house for their own ticket reservations. Bluff Poker also revealed that it would be altering its ticket cost to let more people be able to afford the event. In one week the British Poker Awards will be held on the 13th of the month. Tickets are now 39 pounds and include attendance to a cocktail party where there will be an informal meet and greet of all players and participants. If you love poker, then this would be a great way to get in on the fun. The larger venue and more reasonable ticket price make it easier than every for anyone who wants to attend, to do so. If you are looking for tickets, visit TheBritishPokerAwards.com website. You can find all information on attendance and the tournament at this website, along with information on ticket purchses, travel and directions to the event. Poker lovers from everywhere will be coming to the event to celebrate one of the most popular games in the world of gambling today. Join in on the fun and you will have a great time mingling with the best of the poker world.

Sync2 Networks Targets to European Market

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

The world of gambling is changing and expanding. If you look at the growth of gambling, you are going to see huge growth. In particular the European market is expanding at an alarming rate. Though there is some debate due to the EUs rules. It seems that a lot of member countries of the European Union are trying to write their own rules. They are trying to protect their own monopolies of the gambling industry. This unfortunately is not working. Member countries know how lucrative gambling is and that is making them desperate to keep money within their country. The EU though has a law on free trade and all member countries have to adhere. This has been a sticking point for member countries but they are slowly changing their minds with more pressure from the EU.

One big change is that gaming companies are seeing how lucrative gambling is and that means that there are companies pushing into the market. Sync2 Networks is one of them—the company just released information stating that it is going to soon move into the European market. It is focused on the gambling market and any European internet company for that matter. Sync2 Networks has the capability of working with online companies to help them build their brands and expand their own technical knowhow. This in turn, should bring them more business and make Sync2 Networks a premiere company for online business development. One other issue the company is tackling is helping companies to integrate affiliates into their business models. Overall Sync2 Networks is set up to take over the market of online business development in the European countries. Right now the company is trying to build its own name within the market and sees the increase in gambling companies as a way to take hold. Though companies are in the market already, they are highly competitive and that push to be unique in the market may be enough to give Sync2 Networks the business it needs. So far the company has a great history and taking on a new market as large as the European one should do good to put the company on the map relatively quickly.

EPT Creates Huge Poker Buzz

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

This year poker is big news. In particular the WSOP is coming up but there is also the European Poker Tour to look forward to. If you are a fan of the game, then this should be an exciting time for you. Remember that poker used to be a hobby but now it is turning into a way of life. In fact, some professional players are making good livings for themselves by playing what was once a hobby for millions. The biggest draw of poker is that though it is a gambling game that relies on luck just like every other wager game, it still has a strategy. Players can practice and hone their skill levels over time. The game is one that can be studied, learned and improved and that sets it apart from all over solely luck-reliant games.

The European Poker Tour, or EPT, is scheduled for its seventh season and is going to be sponsored by PokerStars.com once again. There are new locations for the tournament and this change makes it an even more exciting time for poker players involved. This season there are going to be four new locations to be exact and this is promising to add to the fun of the tournament. The first event to come into play is in Tallinn, Estonia. The Swissotel is the location where this event is going to be held and it should garner a great attendance. Law year there were 300 players in the region who participated in the games.

If you want a full listing of the tournament, check out PokerStars.com. This tournament, like the WSOP is a testament to how popular the game of poker has become over the years. If you love poker, no doubt you have watched the developments of high-profile tournaments like the WSOP and the EPT over the years. Remember that to get in on the fun you can just tune into the live coverage of both events. If you are a fan of the game, it is a premiere time to enjoy the fun. Not only are the stakes high and the times exciting, but it is great fun to watch the many notable personalities involved in the games.

The Last Days of the European Poker Tour

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

It is hard to believe that the Poker Stars European Poker Tour in Monte Carlo is up to its sixth season. This is just another top-notch tournament that celebrates the game of poker. In the past decade poker has moved from solely a high-roller activity in Las Vegas to a nationally televised, multi-language event. It is clear how far the game has come due to the overwhelming number of corporate sponsors looking to get in on advertising for any large poker event that is orchestrated.

Recently, season six of the Poker Stars European Poker Tour ended and saw over 350 players join in on the fun. The good news is that like the WSOP, the European Poker Tour is also moving quickly into the mainstream. It’s gaining steam quickly. There were a huge range of satellite tournaments to qualify players. The starting number of chips were 30,000 and players had to work their ways through 60-minute levels. It did a lot to weed out players who were going to head onto the leaderboard and those who weren’t. Some notable players were Chris Bjorin and Simon Munz. Both are big names in the world of poker and to watch them is to watch poker play at its finest moments.

The thing about poker is that it has gained a new notoriety in the market thanks to more and more players who are participating in the game. Its draw comes from the fact that it isn’t solely a game of luck or a game of strategy. Rather, it combines the best of both worlds. There is always the luck factor in any gambling game. Test out any slots game or backgammon game and see how little you can do to change an outcome. On the other hand, poker has luck, but you still have that ability to work on strategy and your moves do have an effect on the outcome of your gaming session. This is why that game continues to rise in the ranks of gaming. Expect more and more tournaments to come about and the big tournaments to continue to evolve into even bigger paying specials.
The

The EU Fights for Regulation of Online Gambling

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

The European Union is fighting for the cause of online gambling. There are still a handful of small countries that are not regulating online gambling. The problem is that this opens the door to fraud and other illegal activities for companies to be bringing to the market. It threatens the safety of players worldwide too. Many players who aren’t as savvy may be wooed by companies offering outstanding deals and specials. Once they are drawn in and deposit their money, any number of them lose money or even worse, their identities. Without regulation, online gambling is a sure fire way of putting people in dangerous situations.

The EU, or European Union, is trying to coerce every member state into adopting the same rules it has come up with in terms of regulation when it comes to gambling. A recent report showed that over the next two years, there should be an overwhelming growth of 42% in the world of online gambling. That adds up to about $30 billion in additional revenue for the world to divvy up. With an already depressed financial state, few countries can pass up the millions of dollars in additional revenue they can bring in by regulating online gambling and land-based gambling properly. Accounting group KPMG advises countries on finances throughout the world and they recently release statements requesting that countries regulate the gambling market. It is their desire to make regulation of gambling—both online and at land-based locations—a priority in the world today.

KPMG realizes the value of increased taxation on gambling and how that is the key to bringing more money into the world economy. Many online casinos have been putting time into avoiding taxation increases. Unfortunately, as rules are shored up this may become increasingly impossible. For example, for a casino company to set up in the UK, it has to have the proper licensing. That license, of course, comes along with a licensing fee that needs to be renewed periodically. This is another way, in addition to taxation, countries benefit from regulation and increased gambling. Hopefully, other countries will take cues from the UK and begin with the same regulation process. It promises to bring in much-needed cash and protect citizens who want to partake in the hobby.