Only non-profit entities based in Singapore, who contribute to a social cause and have a good track record will be able to apply for a remote gambling license.

While other jurisdictions like Hong Kong and Norway may allow exemptions, Singapore took a strict approach when adopting its new remote gambling laws. Officials have decided that casino-style games and poker should be banned.

In fact, the rules set for the online gambling industry will be in line with those applicable to land-based casinos. Strict measures are needed in order to prevent underground operations, officials argued, citing a recent Interpol operation across six Asian countries – including Singapore – that ended in 1,400 arrests. These crime syndicates had handled about $2.2 billion in illegal wagers during the FIFA World Cup.

“We prohibit gambling, unless it is specifically allowed for by way of a stringently regulated exemption or license. We will adopt a similar approach to remote gambling,” Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran explained.

The Straits Times: Parliament: Remote Gambling Bill passed; but some MPs express concern over exemptions

This Tuesday, the Parliament passed its new Remote Gambling Bill after a debate that lasted for more than three hours. Ten Members of Parliament participated in the discussion and many of them expressed reservations against the allowance for exemptions.

Three Workers’ Party MPs spoke up – Png Eng Huat (Hougang), Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) and Non-Constitutency MP Yee Jenn Jong – proposing that the new rules be analyzed by a select committee before being approved. Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran rejected the idea, adding that the bill has already undergone public consultation.

“When you look at our experience in terrestrial gambling environment we seek to maintain law and order, criminalize range of activities and allowed for tight controls not because we wish to promote it or condone it,” he explained.

MP Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) wondered if the exemptions send a mixed signal, by “legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators”, but Iswaran said they were granted to allow the Singapore Pools and Turf Club to be set up.

Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added: “We have to stay alert to the challenges that emerge every day and to stay abreast of the technological changes and to stay abreast of the evolving challenges.”

Channel New Asia: Approach to remote gambling will mirror that of regular gambling: S Iswaran

Singapore’s new gambling bill criminalizes placing wagers through the Internet, mobile phones and all other types of technology used for communication. According to the latest online gambling news, authorities have imposed additional measures like blocking websites, advertisements as well as payments.

Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said the new laws won’t affect social games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, and other online games that use virtual currency and in-game credits. In other words, only real-money gambling is forbidden.

Players will be allowed to buy credits to play social games, for instance, but they cannot convert these credits or tokens for money or real merchandise.

“However, it is essential that the Bill is comprehensive in scope in order to stay relevant over time against the backdrop of a dynamic industry that continues to evolve,” Iswaran said.

“A complete ban on remote gambling might appear straightforward but would likely drive these activities underground, and exacerbate the associated law and order and social concerns. The provision of a strictly regulated exempt operator can help to mitigate these concerns. This has been our experience with, and approach to, terrestrial gambling,” he added.

The official described the new law as “a regime which is prohibitive with a comprehensive set of measures”, and added that only a few organizations are expected to meet the criteria for exemption.

Today Online: Remote gambling laws to take effect next year

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that new Singaporean laws restricting gambling via the phone or Internet will take effect next year, after the Parliament passed the new Remote Gambling Bill on Tuesday.

MPs showed a great deal of interest in the matter and ten of them spoke up to ask for details, make suggestions or raise certain concerns, but by the end of the debate most of them approved of the new regulations.

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Christopher De Souza said: “On one hand, you have enforcement and punishment which rightly say remote gambling should be deterred. Yet, we are also saying there can be a medium through which remote gambling is legitimate.”

Other MPs thought a total ban on remote gambling would have been more appropriate, fearing that gambling addiction cannot be eliminated if exempt operators enter the scene.

Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP Denise Phua asked: “If, indeed, we so strongly believe remote gambling is harmful and does no good to either the people or nation, then are we legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators in (the Remote Gambling Bill)?”

Exempt operators must be non-profit entities in order to obtain a license, and even they might be forced to impose social safeguards such as minimum age requirements, having a preregistered list of users and not allowing wagering on credit.

Only non-profit entities based in Singapore, who contribute to a social cause and have a good track record will be able to apply for a remote gambling license.

While other jurisdictions like Hong Kong and Norway may allow exemptions, Singapore took a strict approach when adopting its new remote gambling laws. Officials have decided that casino-style games and poker should be banned.

In fact, the rules set for the online gambling industry will be in line with those applicable to land-based casinos. Strict measures are needed in order to prevent underground operations, officials argued, citing a recent Interpol operation across six Asian countries – including Singapore – that ended in 1,400 arrests. These crime syndicates had handled about $2.2 billion in illegal wagers during the FIFA World Cup.

“We prohibit gambling, unless it is specifically allowed for by way of a stringently regulated exemption or license. We will adopt a similar approach to remote gambling,” Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran explained.

The Straits Times: Parliament: Remote Gambling Bill passed; but some MPs express concern over exemptions

This Tuesday, the Parliament passed its new Remote Gambling Bill after a debate that lasted for more than three hours. Ten Members of Parliament participated in the discussion and many of them expressed reservations against the allowance for exemptions.

Three Workers’ Party MPs spoke up – Png Eng Huat (Hougang), Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) and Non-Constitutency MP Yee Jenn Jong – proposing that the new rules be analyzed by a select committee before being approved. Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran rejected the idea, adding that the bill has already undergone public consultation.

“When you look at our experience in terrestrial gambling environment we seek to maintain law and order, criminalize range of activities and allowed for tight controls not because we wish to promote it or condone it,” he explained.

MP Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) wondered if the exemptions send a mixed signal, by “legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators”, but Iswaran said they were granted to allow the Singapore Pools and Turf Club to be set up.

Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added: “We have to stay alert to the challenges that emerge every day and to stay abreast of the technological changes and to stay abreast of the evolving challenges.”

Channel New Asia: Approach to remote gambling will mirror that of regular gambling: S Iswaran

Singapore’s new gambling bill criminalizes placing wagers through the Internet, mobile phones and all other types of technology used for communication. According to the latest online gambling news, authorities have imposed additional measures like blocking websites, advertisements as well as payments.

Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said the new laws won’t affect social games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, and other online games that use virtual currency and in-game credits. In other words, only real-money gambling is forbidden.

Players will be allowed to buy credits to play social games, for instance, but they cannot convert these credits or tokens for money or real merchandise.

“However, it is essential that the Bill is comprehensive in scope in order to stay relevant over time against the backdrop of a dynamic industry that continues to evolve,” Iswaran said.

“A complete ban on remote gambling might appear straightforward but would likely drive these activities underground, and exacerbate the associated law and order and social concerns. The provision of a strictly regulated exempt operator can help to mitigate these concerns. This has been our experience with, and approach to, terrestrial gambling,” he added.

The official described the new law as “a regime which is prohibitive with a comprehensive set of measures”, and added that only a few organizations are expected to meet the criteria for exemption.

Today Online: Remote gambling laws to take effect next year

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that new Singaporean laws restricting gambling via the phone or Internet will take effect next year, after the Parliament passed the new Remote Gambling Bill on Tuesday.

MPs showed a great deal of interest in the matter and ten of them spoke up to ask for details, make suggestions or raise certain concerns, but by the end of the debate most of them approved of the new regulations.

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Christopher De Souza said: “On one hand, you have enforcement and punishment which rightly say remote gambling should be deterred. Yet, we are also saying there can be a medium through which remote gambling is legitimate.”

Other MPs thought a total ban on remote gambling would have been more appropriate, fearing that gambling addiction cannot be eliminated if exempt operators enter the scene.

Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP Denise Phua asked: “If, indeed, we so strongly believe remote gambling is harmful and does no good to either the people or nation, then are we legitimizing the act of gambling and breeding its acceptance by legally providing for exempt licensed operators in (the Remote Gambling Bill)?”

Exempt operators must be non-profit entities in order to obtain a license, and even they might be forced to impose social safeguards such as minimum age requirements, having a preregistered list of users and not allowing wagering on credit.

Officials had plans to open a sports betting service at the New Jersey race tracks as soon as possible, but it looks like they need more time.

At the beginning of September, Governor Chris Christie’s administration took one more step to help New Jersey’s gambling industry grow, by issuing a directive that made it legal for casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting services.

But it looks like there are more hurdles to pass before New Jersey players can legally place wager on sports scores, as the decision was challenged by professional sports leagues. These are the same organizations which fought the state’s efforts to reverse the ban on sports betting, when the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

The governor said he did his research and found no trace of previous federal court rulings prohibiting casinos and horse racing tracks from offering sports betting. Now the topic has become a widely debated issue, with a federal ruling expected on October 6.

Miami Herald: New Jersey track extends date for sports betting

The management of the racetrack had plans to open the sportsbook in 45 days, or at least by the end of October. Dennis Drazin, a legal adviser to Monmouth Park, was even more optimistic, hoping to get things going on the first weekend after the directive was issued.

Now the racetrack announced it was taking its time with the big launch, giving the federal judge time to rule on the legality of the directive issued by the New Jersey administration. The court decision is expected to be issued on October 6.

Recent online gambling news wrote that Monmouth Park needs more time to set up phone lines and Internet connections for the operation, as well as to hire 111 new employees. The racetrack is planning on establishing its own private association to regulate sports betting, since the state hasn’t taken care of this. Other casinos or racetracks will be welcome to join the group.

While the legal adviser said he would start taking bets as soon as possible, a Meadowlands Racetrack spokeswoman for the said the establishment wasn’t planning on offering such services for now.

Houston Chronicle: Q&A: New Jersey’s sports gambling push

After Government Chris Christie issued an order this September, saying that racetracks and casinos won’t be prosecuted for taking wagers on sports event, legal issues are still waiting to be resolved before establishments actually start accepting bets. The Houston Chronicle offers answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the issue.

If you want to know why no one is offering sports betting yet, you should know that racetracks and casinos are still waiting for a federal judge to rule on the legality of the new directive. The New Jersey Legislature might also need to take further action before operators launch these services.

The professional sports leagues who sued Christie in 2012 to stop sports wagering in the state have not taken any legal action against the September 8 order yet, but they are probably also waiting for the judge to rule on the issue before proceeding.

Monmouth Park Racetrack officials have already indicated they’d be willing to take bets as soon as possible. The racetrack is even working with a sports betting firm, preparing a room to be used for the new service.

NJ.com: Quigley: Sports betting banned? Don’t bet on it

Good news for New Jersey players eager to put money on sports event. Governor Christie made sportsbooks legal in the state, and Monmouth Park promised to offer these services real soon. Some limitations might be imposed, such as betting on games played in state or being played by New Jersey colleges, but apart from that, sports wagering might get the green light through racetracks and casinos.

In 1992, when Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, sports betting became illegal in all but four states. Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana already permitted such wagering, so they were exempt from the rules. A recent poll showed New Jersey residents were two-to-one in favor, but until recently the activity has been illegal.

After four Atlantic City casinos closed this summer, reread an old court decision and concluded that as long as New Jersey did not officially “authorize” sports betting, the state would not get into any legal trouble. This is how the Governor decided he would issue an order saying that entities running sports betting activities would not be prosecuted.

The state treasury is bound to gain from ordinary corporate business taxes, while racetracks and casinos will benefit from an increased client base.

Officials had plans to open a sports betting service at the New Jersey race tracks as soon as possible, but it looks like they need more time.

At the beginning of September, Governor Chris Christie’s administration took one more step to help New Jersey’s gambling industry grow, by issuing a directive that made it legal for casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting services.

But it looks like there are more hurdles to pass before New Jersey players can legally place wager on sports scores, as the decision was challenged by professional sports leagues. These are the same organizations which fought the state’s efforts to reverse the ban on sports betting, when the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

The governor said he did his research and found no trace of previous federal court rulings prohibiting casinos and horse racing tracks from offering sports betting. Now the topic has become a widely debated issue, with a federal ruling expected on October 6.

Miami Herald: New Jersey track extends date for sports betting

The management of the racetrack had plans to open the sportsbook in 45 days, or at least by the end of October. Dennis Drazin, a legal adviser to Monmouth Park, was even more optimistic, hoping to get things going on the first weekend after the directive was issued.

Now the racetrack announced it was taking its time with the big launch, giving the federal judge time to rule on the legality of the directive issued by the New Jersey administration. The court decision is expected to be issued on October 6.

Recent online gambling news wrote that Monmouth Park needs more time to set up phone lines and Internet connections for the operation, as well as to hire 111 new employees. The racetrack is planning on establishing its own private association to regulate sports betting, since the state hasn’t taken care of this. Other casinos or racetracks will be welcome to join the group.

While the legal adviser said he would start taking bets as soon as possible, a Meadowlands Racetrack spokeswoman for the said the establishment wasn’t planning on offering such services for now.

Houston Chronicle: Q&A: New Jersey’s sports gambling push

After Government Chris Christie issued an order this September, saying that racetracks and casinos won’t be prosecuted for taking wagers on sports event, legal issues are still waiting to be resolved before establishments actually start accepting bets. The Houston Chronicle offers answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the issue.

If you want to know why no one is offering sports betting yet, you should know that racetracks and casinos are still waiting for a federal judge to rule on the legality of the new directive. The New Jersey Legislature might also need to take further action before operators launch these services.

The professional sports leagues who sued Christie in 2012 to stop sports wagering in the state have not taken any legal action against the September 8 order yet, but they are probably also waiting for the judge to rule on the issue before proceeding.

Monmouth Park Racetrack officials have already indicated they’d be willing to take bets as soon as possible. The racetrack is even working with a sports betting firm, preparing a room to be used for the new service.

NJ.com: Quigley: Sports betting banned? Don’t bet on it

Good news for New Jersey players eager to put money on sports event. Governor Christie made sportsbooks legal in the state, and Monmouth Park promised to offer these services real soon. Some limitations might be imposed, such as betting on games played in state or being played by New Jersey colleges, but apart from that, sports wagering might get the green light through racetracks and casinos.

In 1992, when Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, sports betting became illegal in all but four states. Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana already permitted such wagering, so they were exempt from the rules. A recent poll showed New Jersey residents were two-to-one in favor, but until recently the activity has been illegal.

After four Atlantic City casinos closed this summer, reread an old court decision and concluded that as long as New Jersey did not officially “authorize” sports betting, the state would not get into any legal trouble. This is how the Governor decided he would issue an order saying that entities running sports betting activities would not be prosecuted.

The state treasury is bound to gain from ordinary corporate business taxes, while racetracks and casinos will benefit from an increased client base.

The second royal baby is on its way, and thousands of punters have already rushed to the bookies to place wagers on its name.

This week started off with great news for fans of the Royal Family, as a statement from Clarence House announced Prince George is going to be a big brother. As Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child, online gambling news sites predict a new betting bonanza.

When Kate and William got married in April 2011, 24.5 million watched their wedding on TV. Soon after the news got out that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, bookmakers started offering odds on the royal baby’s name, hair color and even his future job, with bettors placing over $2.4 million in wagers.

Betting companies are expecting even bigger profits this time around, as the second royal baby has started to draw new clients just after the announcement was made. Next to the usual sports scores listed at bookmakers, players can already place wagers on the name, weight and hair color of the new royal baby.

The Wire: People Are Already Betting on the Royal Baby

British newspapers have announced the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child. Kate will not be accompanying Prince William on a previous engagement in Oxford, as she is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a severe form of morning sickness – and is under medical observation.

Meanwhile, punters are already placing bets on the baby’s name, hair color, weight, and even whether Kate is having twins or triplets. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has released a statement saying players have already spent more than GBP10,000 by Monday midnight.

“If there’s one thing that baby George taught us it’s that the British public love a punt on a Royal offspring and we’re bracing ourselves for another baby betting bonanza. Money is already pouring in by the pramload and we expect this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year,” Paddy Power said in a statement.

According to the company’s latest odds, the safest bet is on Kate and William having a brown-haired baby at birth. Odds on hair color are: brown (6/4), blonde (5/2), red (3/1) and black (5/1). Odds for multiple birth are 33/1 for twins and 250/1 for triplets. As for the weight of the baby, Paddy Power is going with 5/1 for less than 6lbs, 6lbs to 6lbs 15oz, or 9lbs to 9lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 7lbs to 7lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz; and 8/1 for the baby weighing 10lbs or more.

As far as names go, Elizabeth, Henry and Victoria are top favorites with odds of 10/1, followed by Charlotte, Arthur, William, Alice, Philip, Alexandra, Catherine or Kate, and Charles, all given 12/1 odds; James, Mary and Frances are at 16/1, while Albert, Alex/Alexander, Diana and Spencer are at 20/1. The last option – Macbeth – is a long-shot with odds of 500/1.

E! News: Royal Baby No. 2 Names and Gender Already Sparking Major Betting Frenzy — Check Out the Odds!

Merely hours after Clarence House revealed the good news that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child, bookmakers have started taking wagers on the baby’s gender and name.

“The royal baby betting frenzy is back in full swing. With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told E! News.

James, the duchess’ brother’s name, is at the top of the list with 6:1 odds, followed by Elizabeth, Arthur and Victoria at 8:1. Ladbrokes has posted 4:5 odds that the duke and duchess will have another boy, and it seems highly unlikely that Kate is carrying more than one child, with odds being at 20:1 for twins and 100:1 for triplets.

Either way, punters will have to wait until next spring to meet the second royal baby and find out if they won.

People: Royal Baby’s Name and Sex: Bookmakers Taking Bets

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting their second child and all bets are on, as bookmakers are already taking wagers on the baby’s name and sex.

“The Royal Baby betting frenzy is back in full swing,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told reporters. “With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” she added.

Ladbrokes is offering 4:5 odds on the new child being a boy, and James (Kate’s brother’s name) is the top favorite for a first name, with odds at 6:1.

NBC News: Royal Baby Boom a Bonanza for British Economy

The British economy is getting a boost from the second royal baby. Money has already started pouring into the betting industry, and economy experts are expecting tourism and souvenir sales to increase.

When Prince George was born last July, it was predicted that the food, drink, tourism and media industry would make an extra $400 million in sales. The birth of the second baby is expected to reach the same level, but economist Howard Archer warns: “There may be a small feel-good factor when it is born and some buying of souvenirs but that is as far as it will go.”

Gamblers have already started to place wagers on the baby’s name, gender and weight, which can only mean good news for the betting industry.

CNN: Betting gets a bump from Royal Baby #2

Gambling companies are preparing for another betting bonanza. Paddy Power said it was expecting this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year, and Ladbrokes has also announced it was taking bets on the new baby’s name, with James being favorite at odds of 6:1. Betfair is going with Victoria as top choice for the second child’s name.

Players from all over the world have placed more than GBP1.5 million ($2.4 million) in wagers on the birth of the first royal baby, trying to guess its name, hair color and future career. Bets started pouring after the palace announced that Kate had gone into labor.

Wagers on a sibling for Prince George have been open for some time, and betting companies said hundreds of people have already won thousands of pounds.

“587 people have correctly predicted that the couple would announce they are expecting a second child in 2014, all of those punters have now collected [their] winnings,” Ladbrokes announced.

The second royal baby is on its way, and thousands of punters have already rushed to the bookies to place wagers on its name.

This week started off with great news for fans of the Royal Family, as a statement from Clarence House announced Prince George is going to be a big brother. As Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child, online gambling news sites predict a new betting bonanza.

When Kate and William got married in April 2011, 24.5 million watched their wedding on TV. Soon after the news got out that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, bookmakers started offering odds on the royal baby’s name, hair color and even his future job, with bettors placing over $2.4 million in wagers.

Betting companies are expecting even bigger profits this time around, as the second royal baby has started to draw new clients just after the announcement was made. Next to the usual sports scores listed at bookmakers, players can already place wagers on the name, weight and hair color of the new royal baby.

The Wire: People Are Already Betting on the Royal Baby

British newspapers have announced the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child. Kate will not be accompanying Prince William on a previous engagement in Oxford, as she is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a severe form of morning sickness – and is under medical observation.

Meanwhile, punters are already placing bets on the baby’s name, hair color, weight, and even whether Kate is having twins or triplets. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has released a statement saying players have already spent more than GBP10,000 by Monday midnight.

“If there’s one thing that baby George taught us it’s that the British public love a punt on a Royal offspring and we’re bracing ourselves for another baby betting bonanza. Money is already pouring in by the pramload and we expect this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year,” Paddy Power said in a statement.

According to the company’s latest odds, the safest bet is on Kate and William having a brown-haired baby at birth. Odds on hair color are: brown (6/4), blonde (5/2), red (3/1) and black (5/1). Odds for multiple birth are 33/1 for twins and 250/1 for triplets. As for the weight of the baby, Paddy Power is going with 5/1 for less than 6lbs, 6lbs to 6lbs 15oz, or 9lbs to 9lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 7lbs to 7lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz; and 8/1 for the baby weighing 10lbs or more.

As far as names go, Elizabeth, Henry and Victoria are top favorites with odds of 10/1, followed by Charlotte, Arthur, William, Alice, Philip, Alexandra, Catherine or Kate, and Charles, all given 12/1 odds; James, Mary and Frances are at 16/1, while Albert, Alex/Alexander, Diana and Spencer are at 20/1. The last option – Macbeth – is a long-shot with odds of 500/1.

E! News: Royal Baby No. 2 Names and Gender Already Sparking Major Betting Frenzy — Check Out the Odds!

Merely hours after Clarence House revealed the good news that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child, bookmakers have started taking wagers on the baby’s gender and name.

“The royal baby betting frenzy is back in full swing. With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told E! News.

James, the duchess’ brother’s name, is at the top of the list with 6:1 odds, followed by Elizabeth, Arthur and Victoria at 8:1. Ladbrokes has posted 4:5 odds that the duke and duchess will have another boy, and it seems highly unlikely that Kate is carrying more than one child, with odds being at 20:1 for twins and 100:1 for triplets.

Either way, punters will have to wait until next spring to meet the second royal baby and find out if they won.

People: Royal Baby’s Name and Sex: Bookmakers Taking Bets

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting their second child and all bets are on, as bookmakers are already taking wagers on the baby’s name and sex.

“The Royal Baby betting frenzy is back in full swing,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told reporters. “With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” she added.

Ladbrokes is offering 4:5 odds on the new child being a boy, and James (Kate’s brother’s name) is the top favorite for a first name, with odds at 6:1.

NBC News: Royal Baby Boom a Bonanza for British Economy

The British economy is getting a boost from the second royal baby. Money has already started pouring into the betting industry, and economy experts are expecting tourism and souvenir sales to increase.

When Prince George was born last July, it was predicted that the food, drink, tourism and media industry would make an extra $400 million in sales. The birth of the second baby is expected to reach the same level, but economist Howard Archer warns: “There may be a small feel-good factor when it is born and some buying of souvenirs but that is as far as it will go.”

Gamblers have already started to place wagers on the baby’s name, gender and weight, which can only mean good news for the betting industry.

CNN: Betting gets a bump from Royal Baby #2

Gambling companies are preparing for another betting bonanza. Paddy Power said it was expecting this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year, and Ladbrokes has also announced it was taking bets on the new baby’s name, with James being favorite at odds of 6:1. Betfair is going with Victoria as top choice for the second child’s name.

Players from all over the world have placed more than GBP1.5 million ($2.4 million) in wagers on the birth of the first royal baby, trying to guess its name, hair color and future career. Bets started pouring after the palace announced that Kate had gone into labor.

Wagers on a sibling for Prince George have been open for some time, and betting companies said hundreds of people have already won thousands of pounds.

“587 people have correctly predicted that the couple would announce they are expecting a second child in 2014, all of those punters have now collected [their] winnings,” Ladbrokes announced.

The highlight of this week’s online gambling news is the data breach that happened in 2010 and affected 649,000 Paddy Power customers. Their personal details were stolen by a Canadian who hacked into the betting company’s database. Now, four years later, Paddy Power is sending out emails to users who have been affected.

The hacker accessed personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and even all the security questions used to verify accounts, along with the answers chosen by users. Luckily, he did not manage to get his hands on any financial information.

“We sincerely regret that this breach occurred and we apologize to people who have been inconvenienced as a result,” online division chief Peter O’Donovan said.

“We take our responsibilities regarding customer data extremely seriously and have conducted an extensive investigation into the breach and the recovered data. That investigation shows that there is no evidence that any customer accounts have been adversely impacted by this breach.”

Irish Mirror: Paddy Power say 650,000 customers affected by 2010 cyber attack

Paddy Power started to contact customers, after it was discovered that their personal information was leaked in a 2010 cyber attack. Almost 650,000 punters were affected by the data theft, and the Irish betting company said it was “pro-actively” getting in touch with those whose names, addresses, and phone numbers may have fallen into the wrong hands.

When checking their emails or the latest gambling results, some customers also came across a letter signed by Paddy Power’s managing director of online business, Peter O’Donovan, delivering the bad news that their personal details were stolen. The attack allegedly originated in Ontario, Canada.

The company said no financial information was taken from the 120,855 Irish customers, 461,154 UK users, and 67,052 international punters have been affected. It has been reported that Paddy Power became aware of the fraud in May, when it immediately launched an investigation, but it’s unclear why it took them so long to go public with it.

“We are communicating with all of the people whose details have been compromised to tell them what has happened,” O’Donovan added.

Comox Valley Echo: Irish betting company Paddy Power apologizes for 2010 data breach involving 649,055 customers

The Dublin-based online and mobile betting operator said it had known since 2010 that someone attempted to hack its customers’ online accounts. Paddy Power monitored the system for signs of fraud or theft, but said it had found no evidence of it actually happening

It was only in May that the company received a tipoff about a man in Toronto who had an archive of Paddy Power’s customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, birth dates, usernames, and security questions. All this information would come in handy to someone who tries to impersonate customers, to crack into their personal accounts on other websites.

Two Canadian court orders were secured in July, ordering the man to surrender his database. The police also obtained permits to look into his IT equipment and financial records. The man was questioned by officers, but is yet to be charged with any crime.

Paddy Power has started to send emails to the 649,055 customers affected. That number represented almost 30% of its online gamblers in 2010. Users were advised to change their security questions on all web accounts.

According to Maksym Schipka, an information security specialist working for British cyber-security firm Clearswift, the betting operator’s failure to identify the details of the data theft over the past four years is “a huge failure on Paddy Power’s behalf to maintain control and protection of its users’ critical information.”

Gloal Post: Ireland expresses concern over data breach in bookmaker Paddy Power

Soon after it came to light that a Canadian hacker had stolen personal information from Paddy Power’s data base, the Irish government publicly expressed concern over the data breach.

Dara Murphy, minister of state at the departments of the prime minister and foreign affairs with special responsibility for European affairs and data protection, told reporters: “I am very disappointed that it has taken until now for Paddy Power to inform its customers”

The breach occurred in October 2010, but Paddy Power did not inform the office of the Data Protection Commissioner until May 12, 2014. While gambling laws do not make it mandatory for operators to report such breaches, this is the recommended best practice.

The Irish betting operator waited almost four years to talk about what happened, and only went public after an investigation revealed details about the data theft.

“Paddy Power put in place increased security measures after the breach in 2010 and I have been in touch with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which met with Paddy Power representatives this week,” Murphy added in a statement.

“My office and that of the Data Protection Commissioner will be working closely in relation to this matter. It is best practice to inform the commissioner as soon as these breaches occur, and although these were not breaches of password or financial information, the data security breach code of practice should be followed at all times in order to safeguard personal information and assure customers that their data is secure.”

The highlight of this week’s online gambling news is the data breach that happened in 2010 and affected 649,000 Paddy Power customers. Their personal details were stolen by a Canadian who hacked into the betting company’s database. Now, four years later, Paddy Power is sending out emails to users who have been affected.

The hacker accessed personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and even all the security questions used to verify accounts, along with the answers chosen by users. Luckily, he did not manage to get his hands on any financial information.

“We sincerely regret that this breach occurred and we apologize to people who have been inconvenienced as a result,” online division chief Peter O’Donovan said.

“We take our responsibilities regarding customer data extremely seriously and have conducted an extensive investigation into the breach and the recovered data. That investigation shows that there is no evidence that any customer accounts have been adversely impacted by this breach.”

Irish Mirror: Paddy Power say 650,000 customers affected by 2010 cyber attack

Paddy Power started to contact customers, after it was discovered that their personal information was leaked in a 2010 cyber attack. Almost 650,000 punters were affected by the data theft, and the Irish betting company said it was “pro-actively” getting in touch with those whose names, addresses, and phone numbers may have fallen into the wrong hands.

When checking their emails or the latest gambling results, some customers also came across a letter signed by Paddy Power’s managing director of online business, Peter O’Donovan, delivering the bad news that their personal details were stolen. The attack allegedly originated in Ontario, Canada.

The company said no financial information was taken from the 120,855 Irish customers, 461,154 UK users, and 67,052 international punters have been affected. It has been reported that Paddy Power became aware of the fraud in May, when it immediately launched an investigation, but it’s unclear why it took them so long to go public with it.

“We are communicating with all of the people whose details have been compromised to tell them what has happened,” O’Donovan added.

Comox Valley Echo: Irish betting company Paddy Power apologizes for 2010 data breach involving 649,055 customers

The Dublin-based online and mobile betting operator said it had known since 2010 that someone attempted to hack its customers’ online accounts. Paddy Power monitored the system for signs of fraud or theft, but said it had found no evidence of it actually happening

It was only in May that the company received a tipoff about a man in Toronto who had an archive of Paddy Power’s customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, birth dates, usernames, and security questions. All this information would come in handy to someone who tries to impersonate customers, to crack into their personal accounts on other websites.

Two Canadian court orders were secured in July, ordering the man to surrender his database. The police also obtained permits to look into his IT equipment and financial records. The man was questioned by officers, but is yet to be charged with any crime.

Paddy Power has started to send emails to the 649,055 customers affected. That number represented almost 30% of its online gamblers in 2010. Users were advised to change their security questions on all web accounts.

According to Maksym Schipka, an information security specialist working for British cyber-security firm Clearswift, the betting operator’s failure to identify the details of the data theft over the past four years is “a huge failure on Paddy Power’s behalf to maintain control and protection of its users’ critical information.”

Gloal Post: Ireland expresses concern over data breach in bookmaker Paddy Power

Soon after it came to light that a Canadian hacker had stolen personal information from Paddy Power’s data base, the Irish government publicly expressed concern over the data breach.

Dara Murphy, minister of state at the departments of the prime minister and foreign affairs with special responsibility for European affairs and data protection, told reporters: “I am very disappointed that it has taken until now for Paddy Power to inform its customers”

The breach occurred in October 2010, but Paddy Power did not inform the office of the Data Protection Commissioner until May 12, 2014. While gambling laws do not make it mandatory for operators to report such breaches, this is the recommended best practice.

The Irish betting operator waited almost four years to talk about what happened, and only went public after an investigation revealed details about the data theft.

“Paddy Power put in place increased security measures after the breach in 2010 and I have been in touch with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which met with Paddy Power representatives this week,” Murphy added in a statement.

“My office and that of the Data Protection Commissioner will be working closely in relation to this matter. It is best practice to inform the commissioner as soon as these breaches occur, and although these were not breaches of password or financial information, the data security breach code of practice should be followed at all times in order to safeguard personal information and assure customers that their data is secure.”

The Washington Post: 2014 World Cup: Germany overwhelms shorthanded Brazil in semifinal, 7-1

World Cup semi-final stage is where the remaining best teams meet. Two of them qualify for the final, while the losers face one another in a fight for the third place. For the past three World Cups, the German side has managed to secure two bronze medals and one silver medal. They are truly a team to be reckoned with, as they always have a plethora of gifted players.

Many believed that the host nation had reasonable chances of proceeding to the final, however no one was prepared for what Germany were about to do to the five-time world champions. The semi-final against Brazil shocked millions across the globe, as they witnessed something unbelievable. Germany demolished the South Americans a staggering 7-1.

An entire nation was on its knees, crying and waiting for it for be over before the Europeans had another shot on goal. However, there are certain reasons as to why they succumbed to such a horrible defeat. Brazil had to cope with playing without star striker Neymar, while one of the world’s best defenders, Thiago Silva, was suspended for the match.

Gambling news reports that Brazilian captain David Luiz tried to put on a brave face, but was barely able to hold back tears for experiencing what many would consider football humiliation. Brazil was under severe pressure to win the esteemed trophy, which might have back-fired during the match and eventually saw them put on a disastrous performance.

abcNEWS: 2014 FIFA World Cup: Germany Defeats Brazil 7-1, Reaches Final

Germany scored the opening goals of the match in the 11th minute with Thomas Muller being the finisher. After that in a span of a mere 6 minutes four more goals went in the back of the Brazilian net with rapid succession, as if the hosts had no goalkeeper. Miroslav Klose scored in the 23rd, while Kroos added two more in the 24th and 26th minute followed by Khedira’s strike in the 29th. After that barrage, all hopes of Brazil reaching the final were shattered.

Germany striker Klose set a new World Cup record. At 36 years old he still has a clinical finish, as he managed to score the second goal of the game. This put him on the pedestal for scoring the most goals in World Cup competitions.

As if sinking Brazil with 7 at the back of the net wasn’t enough, the German forward dethroned the great Ronaldo who had 15 goals in the competition. Klose is now the player to beat as he commands 16 goals to his name.

YahooNEWS: World Cup 2014: Biggest shocks in history after Germany beats Brazil 7-1

The 7-1 result also marks Brazil’s greatest loss in history. Before that, the only other memorable severe loss came at the hands of Uruguay in the 1920 Copa America, when they were beaten 6-0.

Undoubtedly, the match will go down in history alongside other games that sent shockwaves throughout the world. When Brazil hosted the World Cup for the first time in 1950, they were also deemed tournament favorites, but had to settle for e second place finish as mighty Uruguay defeated them 2-1 on home soil.

The match is commonly referred to as “Maracanazo” which translates into the “The Blow of Maracana,” the stadium that they played at in the final. The game still remains as a painful memory for many Brazilians today. A sports score that they have never gotten over.

Perhaps the game between Netherlands and Spain can be matched as the other most shocking result at this year’s competition. The Dutch took their revenge on the Spaniards, as they previously lost a final against them in the last World Cup in 2010. Spain were punished with a massive 5 goals, while the defending champions managed only one goal in the opening game.

A similar thing happened with Argentina in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, when they were stunned with a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in their first game. Before that, in 1986 Argentina were crowned champions and no one anticipated Cameroon to pull off a surprise.

France experienced the same situation when they were held by Senegal to a 1-0 defeat in 2002. Four years prior they celebrated lifting their first World Cup trophy in their homeland, however they couldn’t replicate the same performance as before.

Independent.ie: One Paddy Power punter correctly predicted 7-1 obliteration in Brazil-Germany semi

It seems as if nobody could have foreseen such a catastrophe occur for Brazil. Experienced punters would have placed safer bets on game like this, however there was one man that didn’t practice the conventional betting system.

Online gambling news state that a punter in the UK made an astonishing bet by wagering on predicting the correct score of the match. The odds were heavily stacked against his prediction with Paddy Power offering 500/1 for that particular bet. As is turned out he was, scooping a massive reward that resulted in a profit of GBP 3,500 for that wager.

Paddy Power also states that some other lucky bettors predicted Brazil would lose 5-0 by half-time, which secured them a handsome 4-figure sum. The bookmaker’s spokesperson said, “It was nice that the rest of the Brazil team decided to miss the match in tribute to Neymar and Silva – but in reflection they’ll probably realize it kind of backfired.”

sportskeeda: FIFA World Cup: Fans betting correctly on Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil make a fortune

There were also more astonishing bets made on the game that will forever be remembered as the demise of Brazil. One betting player managed to win a fortune with his audacious bet. He scored over $46,000 on a mere wager of $20, which is an astonishing return on investment.

Additionally, a Brazilian native didn’t seem to support her country for the win, but trusted her husband’s instinct when she placed a meagre 10 Brazilian Reals on predicting the score. She only managed to win 200 Reals but the story behind the bet is astonishing. Her husband reportedly told her the result of the match while sleepwalking through their house.

This year’s World Cup has been a bonanza for some lucky players. A Spanish bettor won $135,000 worth of gas for placing a bet against his native country when they faced Holland in the first match of their group.

Had Brazil lost out on penalties or by a very small goal margin, then the story would have been different. Nevertheless, hearts would have still been broken but the overall sentiment would have played out differently. Losing by a massive 6 goal difference on their own land is something no team ever wants to go through. Regaining confidence after that is difficult.

The Washington Post: 2014 World Cup: Germany overwhelms shorthanded Brazil in semifinal, 7-1

World Cup semi-final stage is where the remaining best teams meet. Two of them qualify for the final, while the losers face one another in a fight for the third place. For the past three World Cups, the German side has managed to secure two bronze medals and one silver medal. They are truly a team to be reckoned with, as they always have a plethora of gifted players.

Many believed that the host nation had reasonable chances of proceeding to the final, however no one was prepared for what Germany were about to do to the five-time world champions. The semi-final against Brazil shocked millions across the globe, as they witnessed something unbelievable. Germany demolished the South Americans a staggering 7-1.

An entire nation was on its knees, crying and waiting for it for be over before the Europeans had another shot on goal. However, there are certain reasons as to why they succumbed to such a horrible defeat. Brazil had to cope with playing without star striker Neymar, while one of the world’s best defenders, Thiago Silva, was suspended for the match.

Gambling news reports that Brazilian captain David Luiz tried to put on a brave face, but was barely able to hold back tears for experiencing what many would consider football humiliation. Brazil was under severe pressure to win the esteemed trophy, which might have back-fired during the match and eventually saw them put on a disastrous performance.

abcNEWS: 2014 FIFA World Cup: Germany Defeats Brazil 7-1, Reaches Final

Germany scored the opening goals of the match in the 11th minute with Thomas Muller being the finisher. After that in a span of a mere 6 minutes four more goals went in the back of the Brazilian net with rapid succession, as if the hosts had no goalkeeper. Miroslav Klose scored in the 23rd, while Kroos added two more in the 24th and 26th minute followed by Khedira’s strike in the 29th. After that barrage, all hopes of Brazil reaching the final were shattered.

Germany striker Klose set a new World Cup record. At 36 years old he still has a clinical finish, as he managed to score the second goal of the game. This put him on the pedestal for scoring the most goals in World Cup competitions.

As if sinking Brazil with 7 at the back of the net wasn’t enough, the German forward dethroned the great Ronaldo who had 15 goals in the competition. Klose is now the player to beat as he commands 16 goals to his name.

YahooNEWS: World Cup 2014: Biggest shocks in history after Germany beats Brazil 7-1

The 7-1 result also marks Brazil’s greatest loss in history. Before that, the only other memorable severe loss came at the hands of Uruguay in the 1920 Copa America, when they were beaten 6-0.

Undoubtedly, the match will go down in history alongside other games that sent shockwaves throughout the world. When Brazil hosted the World Cup for the first time in 1950, they were also deemed tournament favorites, but had to settle for e second place finish as mighty Uruguay defeated them 2-1 on home soil.

The match is commonly referred to as “Maracanazo” which translates into the “The Blow of Maracana,” the stadium that they played at in the final. The game still remains as a painful memory for many Brazilians today. A sports score that they have never gotten over.

Perhaps the game between Netherlands and Spain can be matched as the other most shocking result at this year’s competition. The Dutch took their revenge on the Spaniards, as they previously lost a final against them in the last World Cup in 2010. Spain were punished with a massive 5 goals, while the defending champions managed only one goal in the opening game.

A similar thing happened with Argentina in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, when they were stunned with a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in their first game. Before that, in 1986 Argentina were crowned champions and no one anticipated Cameroon to pull off a surprise.

France experienced the same situation when they were held by Senegal to a 1-0 defeat in 2002. Four years prior they celebrated lifting their first World Cup trophy in their homeland, however they couldn’t replicate the same performance as before.

Independent.ie: One Paddy Power punter correctly predicted 7-1 obliteration in Brazil-Germany semi

It seems as if nobody could have foreseen such a catastrophe occur for Brazil. Experienced punters would have placed safer bets on game like this, however there was one man that didn’t practice the conventional betting system.

Online gambling news state that a punter in the UK made an astonishing bet by wagering on predicting the correct score of the match. The odds were heavily stacked against his prediction with Paddy Power offering 500/1 for that particular bet. As is turned out he was, scooping a massive reward that resulted in a profit of GBP 3,500 for that wager.

Paddy Power also states that some other lucky bettors predicted Brazil would lose 5-0 by half-time, which secured them a handsome 4-figure sum. The bookmaker’s spokesperson said, “It was nice that the rest of the Brazil team decided to miss the match in tribute to Neymar and Silva – but in reflection they’ll probably realize it kind of backfired.”

sportskeeda: FIFA World Cup: Fans betting correctly on Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil make a fortune

There were also more astonishing bets made on the game that will forever be remembered as the demise of Brazil. One betting player managed to win a fortune with his audacious bet. He scored over $46,000 on a mere wager of $20, which is an astonishing return on investment.

Additionally, a Brazilian native didn’t seem to support her country for the win, but trusted her husband’s instinct when she placed a meagre 10 Brazilian Reals on predicting the score. She only managed to win 200 Reals but the story behind the bet is astonishing. Her husband reportedly told her the result of the match while sleepwalking through their house.

This year’s World Cup has been a bonanza for some lucky players. A Spanish bettor won $135,000 worth of gas for placing a bet against his native country when they faced Holland in the first match of their group.

Had Brazil lost out on penalties or by a very small goal margin, then the story would have been different. Nevertheless, hearts would have still been broken but the overall sentiment would have played out differently. Losing by a massive 6 goal difference on their own land is something no team ever wants to go through. Regaining confidence after that is difficult.