U.S. and Swiss authorities run investigations about corruption cases regarding FIFA, international football’s governing body. The announcement of the investigations came after the United States and Switzerland set extradition agreements and nine present and former FIFA leaders were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday. Many pundits and fans envision that these are the last days of FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who is looking for his fifth term on the top of international football. There are also calls for radical changes within the FIFA to continue to work as a trustworthy organization.

The Guardian:Fifa in crisis: Blatter faces calls to resign, as sponsors express ‘disappointment’

After the arrests of FIFA leaders in Zurich, Switzerland, Visa, the organization’s sponsor intends to review its deals with the International Football Federation. Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English FA and Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona are amongst, who once again call for the resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

On Wednesday, US prosecutors accused FIFA officials and sports media executives of bribes engaging more than USD 150 million in 24 years. Blatter is looking for his fifth term as the president of FIFA before the elections this week, however many who follow sports scores doubt that the organization can continue to operate in this form.

Dyke expressed that this is definitely the time for the 79-year-old sports leader to say goodbye. He revealed, “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA – there is no way of re-building trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there.”

The New York Times:After Indicting 14, U.S. Vows to End Graft in FIFA

United States federal prosecutors stated that at least one vote was clearly bought in 2004 when soccer’s governing body decided about the hosts of the 2010 World Cup. Jack Warner from Trinidad and Tobago, who was amongst the voters back then, allegedly sold his ballot to the country with the best offer, gambling news report.

His vote went eventually to South Africa, in exchange for a payment of USD 10 million to an organization administered by Warner, according to American officials, who also claim that he used most of the money personally. The prosecutors stated that this was a routine move at FIFA since decades, using terms for the leaders of international soccer usually kept for Mafia families and drug cartels.

The Justice Department and prosecutors for the Eastern District of New York expressed that their investigation basically just started, and their aim is to clean international soccer from the systematic corruption that characterized it for decades.

ESPNFC.com:FIFA crisis, Sepp Blatter’s future — what you need to know

US prosecutors claim to have identified at least twelve different corruption patterns while investigating the International Football Federation. They have also indicted 14 FIFA present and past officials and sport marketing executives. Swiss officials announced that they are investigating now the decision procedures about hosting the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

The U.S. Department of Justice set extradition agreements with the Swiss authorities, who arrested the FIFA leaders gathered to the Congress held in Zurich. The Swiss Attorney General, probably synchronizing his steps with the DOJ, revealed their ongoing but entirely separate investigation on Wednesday afternoon, once the arrests were carried out.

The U.S. got involved after possible wrongdoings were found regarding CONCACAF, the North and Central American Football Federation based in Miami. Online mobile news also report that people and companies involved in the corruption transferred the bribe money through the United States or through companies incorporated in the United States.

U.S. and Swiss authorities run investigations about corruption cases regarding FIFA, international football’s governing body. The announcement of the investigations came after the United States and Switzerland set extradition agreements and nine present and former FIFA leaders were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday. Many pundits and fans envision that these are the last days of FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who is looking for his fifth term on the top of international football. There are also calls for radical changes within the FIFA to continue to work as a trustworthy organization.

The Guardian:Fifa in crisis: Blatter faces calls to resign, as sponsors express ‘disappointment’

After the arrests of FIFA leaders in Zurich, Switzerland, Visa, the organization’s sponsor intends to review its deals with the International Football Federation. Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English FA and Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona are amongst, who once again call for the resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

On Wednesday, US prosecutors accused FIFA officials and sports media executives of bribes engaging more than USD 150 million in 24 years. Blatter is looking for his fifth term as the president of FIFA before the elections this week, however many who follow sports scores doubt that the organization can continue to operate in this form.

Dyke expressed that this is definitely the time for the 79-year-old sports leader to say goodbye. He revealed, “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA – there is no way of re-building trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there.”

The New York Times:After Indicting 14, U.S. Vows to End Graft in FIFA

United States federal prosecutors stated that at least one vote was clearly bought in 2004 when soccer’s governing body decided about the hosts of the 2010 World Cup. Jack Warner from Trinidad and Tobago, who was amongst the voters back then, allegedly sold his ballot to the country with the best offer, gambling news report.

His vote went eventually to South Africa, in exchange for a payment of USD 10 million to an organization administered by Warner, according to American officials, who also claim that he used most of the money personally. The prosecutors stated that this was a routine move at FIFA since decades, using terms for the leaders of international soccer usually kept for Mafia families and drug cartels.

The Justice Department and prosecutors for the Eastern District of New York expressed that their investigation basically just started, and their aim is to clean international soccer from the systematic corruption that characterized it for decades.

ESPNFC.com:FIFA crisis, Sepp Blatter’s future — what you need to know

US prosecutors claim to have identified at least twelve different corruption patterns while investigating the International Football Federation. They have also indicted 14 FIFA present and past officials and sport marketing executives. Swiss officials announced that they are investigating now the decision procedures about hosting the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

The U.S. Department of Justice set extradition agreements with the Swiss authorities, who arrested the FIFA leaders gathered to the Congress held in Zurich. The Swiss Attorney General, probably synchronizing his steps with the DOJ, revealed their ongoing but entirely separate investigation on Wednesday afternoon, once the arrests were carried out.

The U.S. got involved after possible wrongdoings were found regarding CONCACAF, the North and Central American Football Federation based in Miami. Online mobile news also report that people and companies involved in the corruption transferred the bribe money through the United States or through companies incorporated in the United States.

The Warriors will return to the NBA finals for the first time in 40 years.

It isn’t gambling news that betting on James Harden can at times be a gamble. It’s hard to imagine that coming of a 45-point game, Harden would have the worst performance of the whole year. It’s one thing to make only 2 shots in 45 minutes, but to allow Klay Thompson to score 20 points is another matter. Even though Harden and his beard may count as two people, one man doesn’t lose or win a game. Stephen Curry, coming off a head injury, had 26 points and eight rebounds and help form Harrison Barnes as well. The Golden State Warriors will go to the NBA finals for the first time in 40 years to take on Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

usatoday.comWarriors finish off Rockets, advance to NBA Finals

Similar to their game 3 victory, Golden State took advantage of the poor Rockets shooting. Harden wasn’t the only poor shooter for Houston as the team shot collectively 35%. Despite the numbers, the Rockets had a decent chance to win this game. The Warriors got off to a slow first quarter start and the Rockets weren’t shooting well enough to take advantage of it.

Dwight Howard contributed early and attacked everything in the paint on both sides while putting up eight points and two blocks. Curry was the first Warrior to shoot a three pointer almost at the end of the quarter. Still Houston was up by five at the end of the quarter. With those sports scores, any punters at this point might have been hopeful if they wagered on Houston

The second quarter however was a different story when the Warriors started to warm up.
The Warriors were forced to miss 21 out of 27 shots including seven out of eight three pointers. The Rockets still could’ve made the lead further as the Warriors had seven turnovers. Since Harden had five turnovers alone, he helped the Warriors stay in the game and get ahead by the end of the first half.

sbnation.com Rockets vs. Warriors 2015 final score: 3 things we learned as Golden State advanced to the NBA Finals

Unfortunately Howard couldn’t manage to get into a groove with his post ups. Klay Thompson was able to finally heat up an sank in three 3-pointers which became the catalyst of Golden State’s 13-2 run. At that point the game looked as though it had hope as both teams elevated their play. Josh Smith was able two ace a pair of 3-pointers while Howard made a statement with a two-handed slam.

Golden State was able to hold on to the eight point lead they built up at the half. Thompson, who put in the first five points for the Warriors in the third quarter, picked up his fourth foul. Coach Kerr couldn’t change for a sub so Thompson stayed in the game until he picked up a fifth foul two possessions later. Thompson and his hot hand would have to sit down for the remainder of the game.

Meanwhile the Rockets got scoring opportunities from going to the free throw line. Unfortunately it was Smith who couldn’t take advantage on his attempts. The Warriors were making their own array of turnovers. Even Stephen Curry was missing otherwise open shots. It seemed as though this game became more of a contest to see who could get out of their funk first. That would be Golden State.

news.yahoo.comWarriors eliminate Rockets, end 40-year NBA Finals drought

Getting tighter on defense was probably the best thing Golden State could do because it caused the Rockets to turn over the ball giving opportunities to players such as Curry who exploded and gave more assurance to those waging within gambling laws. Jason Terry’s ten points kept the Rockets in the game at the end of the third quarter. Houston was able to reduce their nine-point deficit down to six.

An injury to Thompson’s ear, via a knee to the head, put Thompson out of the game. With any good team, including Golden State, when one player is down another one can come in to take their place. Barnes was able to score nine consecutive points extending the Warriors lead to 15 points. Although Brewer led a surge of his own, the Rockets couldn’t disrupt the Warriors game.

Curry and Company will do what hasn’t been done since legendary Rick Barry and his bunch did it 40 years ago. With James’ unprecedented five consecutive trips to the Fianls with two different teams, history will be made regardless. Harden, with 13 turnovers said “tried to do a little bit too much and turned the ball over and gave them easy baskets in transition. This isn’t where we wanted to end at. Next year we want to be better and we will.”

The Warriors will return to the NBA finals for the first time in 40 years.

It isn’t gambling news that betting on James Harden can at times be a gamble. It’s hard to imagine that coming of a 45-point game, Harden would have the worst performance of the whole year. It’s one thing to make only 2 shots in 45 minutes, but to allow Klay Thompson to score 20 points is another matter. Even though Harden and his beard may count as two people, one man doesn’t lose or win a game. Stephen Curry, coming off a head injury, had 26 points and eight rebounds and help form Harrison Barnes as well. The Golden State Warriors will go to the NBA finals for the first time in 40 years to take on Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

usatoday.comWarriors finish off Rockets, advance to NBA Finals

Similar to their game 3 victory, Golden State took advantage of the poor Rockets shooting. Harden wasn’t the only poor shooter for Houston as the team shot collectively 35%. Despite the numbers, the Rockets had a decent chance to win this game. The Warriors got off to a slow first quarter start and the Rockets weren’t shooting well enough to take advantage of it.

Dwight Howard contributed early and attacked everything in the paint on both sides while putting up eight points and two blocks. Curry was the first Warrior to shoot a three pointer almost at the end of the quarter. Still Houston was up by five at the end of the quarter. With those sports scores, any punters at this point might have been hopeful if they wagered on Houston

The second quarter however was a different story when the Warriors started to warm up.
The Warriors were forced to miss 21 out of 27 shots including seven out of eight three pointers. The Rockets still could’ve made the lead further as the Warriors had seven turnovers. Since Harden had five turnovers alone, he helped the Warriors stay in the game and get ahead by the end of the first half.

sbnation.com Rockets vs. Warriors 2015 final score: 3 things we learned as Golden State advanced to the NBA Finals

Unfortunately Howard couldn’t manage to get into a groove with his post ups. Klay Thompson was able to finally heat up an sank in three 3-pointers which became the catalyst of Golden State’s 13-2 run. At that point the game looked as though it had hope as both teams elevated their play. Josh Smith was able two ace a pair of 3-pointers while Howard made a statement with a two-handed slam.

Golden State was able to hold on to the eight point lead they built up at the half. Thompson, who put in the first five points for the Warriors in the third quarter, picked up his fourth foul. Coach Kerr couldn’t change for a sub so Thompson stayed in the game until he picked up a fifth foul two possessions later. Thompson and his hot hand would have to sit down for the remainder of the game.

Meanwhile the Rockets got scoring opportunities from going to the free throw line. Unfortunately it was Smith who couldn’t take advantage on his attempts. The Warriors were making their own array of turnovers. Even Stephen Curry was missing otherwise open shots. It seemed as though this game became more of a contest to see who could get out of their funk first. That would be Golden State.

news.yahoo.comWarriors eliminate Rockets, end 40-year NBA Finals drought

Getting tighter on defense was probably the best thing Golden State could do because it caused the Rockets to turn over the ball giving opportunities to players such as Curry who exploded and gave more assurance to those waging within gambling laws. Jason Terry’s ten points kept the Rockets in the game at the end of the third quarter. Houston was able to reduce their nine-point deficit down to six.

An injury to Thompson’s ear, via a knee to the head, put Thompson out of the game. With any good team, including Golden State, when one player is down another one can come in to take their place. Barnes was able to score nine consecutive points extending the Warriors lead to 15 points. Although Brewer led a surge of his own, the Rockets couldn’t disrupt the Warriors game.

Curry and Company will do what hasn’t been done since legendary Rick Barry and his bunch did it 40 years ago. With James’ unprecedented five consecutive trips to the Fianls with two different teams, history will be made regardless. Harden, with 13 turnovers said “tried to do a little bit too much and turned the ball over and gave them easy baskets in transition. This isn’t where we wanted to end at. Next year we want to be better and we will.”

Looking at only sports scores, this game would be hard for any punter to a wage on. You could say the team with the best player will win. Or you could say the team playing at home will win. The wisest thing would have been to simply look at J.R Smith’s Instagram message earlier in the week that said “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

J.R Smith was more a victim of collateral damage when he was traded mid-season by the New York Knicks to Cleveland. After Smith’s performance last night some may now consider Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin a genius. The people of the East Coast now have a new guest star on the LeBron James Show and his name is J.R

usatoday.com: Cavaliers beat Hawks in Eastern Conference finals Game 1

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 97-89 in Atlanta leading the series 1-0. Lebron James did what he does best, persevering through intense moments regardless of foul trouble. James has score 30 plus points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in 52 playoff games as of last night which is an NBA record making sports scores news.

J.R Smith made the difference in this game with a playoff career high of 28 points. This man had the hot hand shooting 10 out of 16 shots from the field and 8 out of 12 three-point shots. Smith’s number of 8 rebounds may be even more impressive than the 8 three pointers. Like many teams, the Cavaliers were products of timing.

Waging on the second half would have been smart because after the first few minutes of the third quarter, the Cavaliers went on a 22-4 run that lasted into the heart of the fourth quarter. Smith managed to get 17 of those 22 points during that time. Smith was an unexpected surprise to a Cavalier team that was ready to take advantage of it.

gmanetwork.com: Cavaliers draw first blood against Hawks in Eastern Conference Finals

Mozgov led the defense by dominating the boards on the inside. Unfortunately, Irving re-ignited his knee injury allowing him to play only 27 minutes. With a stable defense, a warmer Smith and a ever ready James, the Cleveland Cavaliers may have a better than average chance of getting one more win on the Hawk’s home court.

Apart from injury or fatigue, The Atlanta Hawks were the better team. They are at least nine deep. They have a chemistry that affords them good defense and unselfish ball handling. Atlanta is equipped with four All-Stars. But what Atlanta doesn’t have any more is a home court advantage that was stripped from them last night.

It was known that Jeff Teague of the Hawks would have to “come correct” in this game. Able to cut into the Cleveland defense, Teague scored 17 points in the half. Cleveland was able to muster up a respectable 26-20 lead after the first quarter. Losing their grip a bit, Cleveland was able to tie the game up 51 a piece by half time.

si.com: LeBron James’s sidekicks, led by J.R. Smith, fuel Game 1 win over Hawks

Then Cleveland’s Smith took over and kept the team in the lead until the end. Equally important was that the Hawks struggled offensively as well making shooting only 30.8% in the second half. Kyle Korver, the three-point man for the Cavaliers has gone fishing and has been replaced by his stunt double. Korver was contained to 9 points by Shumpert of the Cavaliers.

Perhaps the largest obstacle for Atlanta will be the absence of DeMarre Carrol who injured his knee in the fourth quarter. With a knee sprain or worse, the Hawks lose their only player with a remote chance of covering James on both ends of the court. Atlanta will hopefully start the second game more aggressively before James effectively reads the defense while checking it for weaknesses and making online mobile news.

Looking at only sports scores, this game would be hard for any punter to a wage on. You could say the team with the best player will win. Or you could say the team playing at home will win. The wisest thing would have been to simply look at J.R Smith’s Instagram message earlier in the week that said “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

J.R Smith was more a victim of collateral damage when he was traded mid-season by the New York Knicks to Cleveland. After Smith’s performance last night some may now consider Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin a genius. The people of the East Coast now have a new guest star on the LeBron James Show and his name is J.R

usatoday.com: Cavaliers beat Hawks in Eastern Conference finals Game 1

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 97-89 in Atlanta leading the series 1-0. Lebron James did what he does best, persevering through intense moments regardless of foul trouble. James has score 30 plus points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in 52 playoff games as of last night which is an NBA record making sports scores news.

J.R Smith made the difference in this game with a playoff career high of 28 points. This man had the hot hand shooting 10 out of 16 shots from the field and 8 out of 12 three-point shots. Smith’s number of 8 rebounds may be even more impressive than the 8 three pointers. Like many teams, the Cavaliers were products of timing.

Waging on the second half would have been smart because after the first few minutes of the third quarter, the Cavaliers went on a 22-4 run that lasted into the heart of the fourth quarter. Smith managed to get 17 of those 22 points during that time. Smith was an unexpected surprise to a Cavalier team that was ready to take advantage of it.

gmanetwork.com: Cavaliers draw first blood against Hawks in Eastern Conference Finals

Mozgov led the defense by dominating the boards on the inside. Unfortunately, Irving re-ignited his knee injury allowing him to play only 27 minutes. With a stable defense, a warmer Smith and a ever ready James, the Cleveland Cavaliers may have a better than average chance of getting one more win on the Hawk’s home court.

Apart from injury or fatigue, The Atlanta Hawks were the better team. They are at least nine deep. They have a chemistry that affords them good defense and unselfish ball handling. Atlanta is equipped with four All-Stars. But what Atlanta doesn’t have any more is a home court advantage that was stripped from them last night.

It was known that Jeff Teague of the Hawks would have to “come correct” in this game. Able to cut into the Cleveland defense, Teague scored 17 points in the half. Cleveland was able to muster up a respectable 26-20 lead after the first quarter. Losing their grip a bit, Cleveland was able to tie the game up 51 a piece by half time.

si.com: LeBron James’s sidekicks, led by J.R. Smith, fuel Game 1 win over Hawks

Then Cleveland’s Smith took over and kept the team in the lead until the end. Equally important was that the Hawks struggled offensively as well making shooting only 30.8% in the second half. Kyle Korver, the three-point man for the Cavaliers has gone fishing and has been replaced by his stunt double. Korver was contained to 9 points by Shumpert of the Cavaliers.

Perhaps the largest obstacle for Atlanta will be the absence of DeMarre Carrol who injured his knee in the fourth quarter. With a knee sprain or worse, the Hawks lose their only player with a remote chance of covering James on both ends of the court. Atlanta will hopefully start the second game more aggressively before James effectively reads the defense while checking it for weaknesses and making online mobile news.

Before Formula One arrived in Monaco, where the most famous race of the series is held, some adjustments were made regarding the track. With moving the barriers in the turn at the Swimming Pool complex, the track might be safer, nevertheless it is still tough to manage according to former driver Vitantonio Liuzzi.

He also talked about the importance of not touching the walls and the barriers in this depressingly tight venue. If we have a look at the most spectacular overtaking moves of the last decades, we will see that if you would like to see the chequered flag, it could be helpful to avoid touching the moving features of the motorsport competition too.

Motorsport.com: Monaco’s new Swimming Pool apex “still a challenge”

The exit at the Swimming Pool complex at Monaco street circuit was refurbished for this year with the barriers moved inwards and a kerb installed instead, gambling news report. Theoretically, with the barrier removed from the apex, it is easier to take the corner now than it was before, however former Formula One drivers expressed that it is still tough to get it right.

Vitantonio Liuzzi recently drove in Monaco in the Formula E series. He said, “Yes it is definitely still a challenge there, even though it is a slightly different line and trajectory”. When discussing the corner, Liuzzi, who spent six seasons in the Formula One between 2005 and 2011, also explained the significance of avoiding the walls in Monaco these days.

He expressed, “I still think it is the toughest part of the circuit and you can gain quite a bit still and honestly touching the walls a lot at Monaco is a myth. You might do it a few times and get away with it but generally it is not worth the risk.” Apart from the changes at turns 15 and 16, several parts of the track have been resurfaced, and some adjustments have been made at Tabac.

Crash.net: Six of the Best: Overtakes at Monaco

The Monaco GP is recognized as the most precious one in the calendar because of the status and the glamour style of the Principality. However, the race itself can be quite boring many times, as it is virtually impossible to overtake in the streets of Monaco. For the bravest, is still possible though, but to perform a move like that, one have to be patient, expedient and skillful as well.
Like Michael Schumacher in 1998, who wrestled with Alexander Wurz from the Loews hairpin to the tunnel, however, as the Austrian was equally aggressive to his counterpart, the two touched several times. Though the German won the battle, he lost the war eventually as both of their cars damaged heavily, ruining their races respectively.

Nico Hulkenberg was luckier last year, exploiting a slight error made by Kevin Magnussen to get past him in the same section of the track, without banging his Force India dangerously against the McLaren. Kimi Raikkonen made a cleaner maneuver against Mark Webber in 2006, but it was delicate as the Finn overtook the Australian unexpectedly while climbing up the hill.
In 2013 Sergio Perez provided the show overtaking Jenson Button and forcing Fernando Alonso out of the track at the chicane a few laps later, after the Spaniard had to give the position back to the Mexican. Perez’s race ended soon however, when he hit Raikkonen at the same corner.

Equally remarkable was Nigel Mansell’s pass on Alain Prost in the tunnel in 1991 when battling for the second place. Those, who follow sports scores, might remember Schumacher infamously overtaking Fernando Alonso in 2010 after the safety car went in at the end of the last lap. However as that move went against the rules, Schuey was handed a time penalty after the race.

Before Formula One arrived in Monaco, where the most famous race of the series is held, some adjustments were made regarding the track. With moving the barriers in the turn at the Swimming Pool complex, the track might be safer, nevertheless it is still tough to manage according to former driver Vitantonio Liuzzi.

He also talked about the importance of not touching the walls and the barriers in this depressingly tight venue. If we have a look at the most spectacular overtaking moves of the last decades, we will see that if you would like to see the chequered flag, it could be helpful to avoid touching the moving features of the motorsport competition too.

Motorsport.com: Monaco’s new Swimming Pool apex “still a challenge”

The exit at the Swimming Pool complex at Monaco street circuit was refurbished for this year with the barriers moved inwards and a kerb installed instead, gambling news report. Theoretically, with the barrier removed from the apex, it is easier to take the corner now than it was before, however former Formula One drivers expressed that it is still tough to get it right.

Vitantonio Liuzzi recently drove in Monaco in the Formula E series. He said, “Yes it is definitely still a challenge there, even though it is a slightly different line and trajectory”. When discussing the corner, Liuzzi, who spent six seasons in the Formula One between 2005 and 2011, also explained the significance of avoiding the walls in Monaco these days.

He expressed, “I still think it is the toughest part of the circuit and you can gain quite a bit still and honestly touching the walls a lot at Monaco is a myth. You might do it a few times and get away with it but generally it is not worth the risk.” Apart from the changes at turns 15 and 16, several parts of the track have been resurfaced, and some adjustments have been made at Tabac.

Crash.net: Six of the Best: Overtakes at Monaco

The Monaco GP is recognized as the most precious one in the calendar because of the status and the glamour style of the Principality. However, the race itself can be quite boring many times, as it is virtually impossible to overtake in the streets of Monaco. For the bravest, is still possible though, but to perform a move like that, one have to be patient, expedient and skillful as well.
Like Michael Schumacher in 1998, who wrestled with Alexander Wurz from the Loews hairpin to the tunnel, however, as the Austrian was equally aggressive to his counterpart, the two touched several times. Though the German won the battle, he lost the war eventually as both of their cars damaged heavily, ruining their races respectively.

Nico Hulkenberg was luckier last year, exploiting a slight error made by Kevin Magnussen to get past him in the same section of the track, without banging his Force India dangerously against the McLaren. Kimi Raikkonen made a cleaner maneuver against Mark Webber in 2006, but it was delicate as the Finn overtook the Australian unexpectedly while climbing up the hill.
In 2013 Sergio Perez provided the show overtaking Jenson Button and forcing Fernando Alonso out of the track at the chicane a few laps later, after the Spaniard had to give the position back to the Mexican. Perez’s race ended soon however, when he hit Raikkonen at the same corner.

Equally remarkable was Nigel Mansell’s pass on Alain Prost in the tunnel in 1991 when battling for the second place. Those, who follow sports scores, might remember Schumacher infamously overtaking Fernando Alonso in 2010 after the safety car went in at the end of the last lap. However as that move went against the rules, Schuey was handed a time penalty after the race.

The Mercedes driver tries to close the gap on his teammate Lewis Hamilton in his home race.
After some days of testing in Barcelona, the Formula One outfits arrived in Monte Carlo, to take part in arguably the most famous racing event in the world. This could be a crucial venue for the Mercedes drivers striving for the championship. Rosberg emerged as the winner last year, completing back-to-back victories in his home race in Monaco.

That marked the start of a four-month-long period, when the German was leading the championship. Rosberg might hope another success would trigger something similar this year, however it won’t be easy for him to take the lead from his teammate in the Principality again, as Hamilton enjoys a confident, 20-point lead.

Crash.net: F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Rosberg eyeing Monaco victory hat-trick

Mercedes’s Nico Rosberg picked up his first victory of the year in Barcelona and now he prepares to win his third GP in a row in his home city. Keen followers of sports scores might remember that after the German driver came second in Monte Carlo in 2012, he won the event in 2013 and 2014, emerging as the Monaco specialist of the field.

With the German Grand Prix being cut from the calendar, this race will be Rosberg’s only true home GP this season, as he is a Monaco resident and was grown up in the Principality as well. After he edged closer to his teammate and biggest rival Lewis Hamilton with a win in Spain, he looks forward to continue closing the gap between them.

He said, “There’s still a long way to go this season so it’s all there to fight for, I’m just taking it race by race. Next we have Monaco – the most legendary, exciting and challenging event in the calendar. Throughout the whole weekend, the atmosphere is very, very special”.
Rosberg also emphasized the importance of the rare opportunity to stay in his place for the night before the race. “It’s a home race for me and it’s strange to just walk or take a scooter to the racetrack – but also very cool to sleep in your own bed each night“, he revealed.

Motorsport.com: Mercedes and Monaco: Is history set to repeat itself?

Nico Rosberg was accused of drawing yellow flags deliberately after last year’s qualifying session in Monaco, however he was found innocent by the stewards. Nevertheless he clearly benefited from the appearance of the warning signals as his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, had no opportunity to take the pole position after the other Mercedes ran wide in turn 5.

After the controversial qualification, Rosberg went on to win the race and reclaimed the lead in the championship, but he virtually started a war within the team that lasted until the end of the year. This season is a different story however, with Lewis Hamilton leading the field confidently from the opening weekend of the season, but tensions are still there between the two.

Though they are in different shape psychologically compared to their respective states twelve months ago, a victory in Monaco would be crucial again. After winning here last year, Rosberg held the lead in the championship until the Singapore GP in September, and the 29-year-old German now obviously plans to launch a similar streak.
Meanwhile Hamilton would place another strike on Rosberg, if he managed to win his teammate’s favourite race – the German won multiple races in Monaco only. At the end of the day this should be another showdown between the two, and the best could be even happier than the luckiest Monte Carlo casino winners.

The Mercedes driver tries to close the gap on his teammate Lewis Hamilton in his home race.
After some days of testing in Barcelona, the Formula One outfits arrived in Monte Carlo, to take part in arguably the most famous racing event in the world. This could be a crucial venue for the Mercedes drivers striving for the championship. Rosberg emerged as the winner last year, completing back-to-back victories in his home race in Monaco.

That marked the start of a four-month-long period, when the German was leading the championship. Rosberg might hope another success would trigger something similar this year, however it won’t be easy for him to take the lead from his teammate in the Principality again, as Hamilton enjoys a confident, 20-point lead.

Crash.net: F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Rosberg eyeing Monaco victory hat-trick

Mercedes’s Nico Rosberg picked up his first victory of the year in Barcelona and now he prepares to win his third GP in a row in his home city. Keen followers of sports scores might remember that after the German driver came second in Monte Carlo in 2012, he won the event in 2013 and 2014, emerging as the Monaco specialist of the field.

With the German Grand Prix being cut from the calendar, this race will be Rosberg’s only true home GP this season, as he is a Monaco resident and was grown up in the Principality as well. After he edged closer to his teammate and biggest rival Lewis Hamilton with a win in Spain, he looks forward to continue closing the gap between them.

He said, “There’s still a long way to go this season so it’s all there to fight for, I’m just taking it race by race. Next we have Monaco – the most legendary, exciting and challenging event in the calendar. Throughout the whole weekend, the atmosphere is very, very special”.
Rosberg also emphasized the importance of the rare opportunity to stay in his place for the night before the race. “It’s a home race for me and it’s strange to just walk or take a scooter to the racetrack – but also very cool to sleep in your own bed each night“, he revealed.

Motorsport.com: Mercedes and Monaco: Is history set to repeat itself?

Nico Rosberg was accused of drawing yellow flags deliberately after last year’s qualifying session in Monaco, however he was found innocent by the stewards. Nevertheless he clearly benefited from the appearance of the warning signals as his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, had no opportunity to take the pole position after the other Mercedes ran wide in turn 5.

After the controversial qualification, Rosberg went on to win the race and reclaimed the lead in the championship, but he virtually started a war within the team that lasted until the end of the year. This season is a different story however, with Lewis Hamilton leading the field confidently from the opening weekend of the season, but tensions are still there between the two.

Though they are in different shape psychologically compared to their respective states twelve months ago, a victory in Monaco would be crucial again. After winning here last year, Rosberg held the lead in the championship until the Singapore GP in September, and the 29-year-old German now obviously plans to launch a similar streak.
Meanwhile Hamilton would place another strike on Rosberg, if he managed to win his teammate’s favourite race – the German won multiple races in Monaco only. At the end of the day this should be another showdown between the two, and the best could be even happier than the luckiest Monte Carlo casino winners.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are about to take on the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern conference championship. Compared to the impressive play that led Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets to their respective conference finals, neither east coast team’s sports scores have “turned heads.” Both battle weary teams will have to step up their performance if they wish to beat either the Warriors or Rockets.

The Cavaliers are victims of injury. Kyrie Irving, a key player, suffered from an ankle sprain that has made it difficult for the Cleveland team to adjust to. Kevin Love, an equally potent contributor wasn’t present in the playoffs which caused disarray in their line-up. Meanwhile the Hawks might be victims of “burn out” as their compromised bench has affected their post season play.

si.com: NBA playoffs preview: Hawks, Cavs meet in mutual disarray in East finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to defeat the Boston Celtics in straight wins. The Chicago Bulls however tested Cleveland by putting them down in the last series by one game. The Cavaliers cleared the test winning three straight games to take the series and making sports score news. Lebron James, the best player in the NBA, is a threat Atlanta doesn’t have an answer for.

The four-time MVP and two time champion has a post season average of 26.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game. James well-known in his post-season play surmounting a Durant, Westbrook and Harden of the Oklahoma Thunder or Garnett, Pierce and Allen of the Boston Celtics.

Atlanta’s Carrol Millsap may be the only realistic option for the Hawk defense since Kent Bazemore is absent. Irving is still a key factor and will be greatly needed. Even under ankle injury, Irving should still able to stand out of the paint and open himself up for easy two-pointer. Cleveland’s Mozgov is still proven zealous enough to make a difference on the inside on defense.

si.com: Cavaliers vs. Hawks: Analysis, Predictions for Eastern Conference Finals Game 1

Thompson will still have to hold his weight in the series hopefully counterbalancing Irving. Smith, Dellavedova and Shumpert are capable of providing the tools needed for the Cavalier offence. Shumpert in particular will have to ”up” his game since the normal Altanta offense may provide him with the longest looks at the basket. Either way you bet, it’s still safer than buying florida lottery tickets online.

The Atlantic Hawks have a pretty spread-out offense with four players having scoring averages between 17 and 15.3 points per game during the playoffs. Such an impressive display led Atlanta to 60 victories which led the eastern conference. Unfortunately they still lack any one deterrent for James. Cleveland’s record of 108.2 points per 100 possessions in the play-offs, will be difficult for Atlanta to stop.

That is important considering that the Hawks ranked seventh in efficiency in the NBA and second in postseason defensive efficiency. Let’s not forget that Cleveland would rather not run if given the choice. It should prove difficult for the Cavaliers to guard four guys with equal scoring potential without leaving one open.

fivethirtyeight.com: LeBron Dominates The Conference Finals

Cleveland is ranked at 92.9 possessions per 48 minutes in the postseason which could be trouble against a more spry offence like Atlanta. Movement by the hawks should help make gambling news and clear the spread. Jeff Teague should be able handle Irving and his bad ankle throughout the series. Jeff Teague will be dancing all over the court, forcing Irving to give the “Tiny Tim from Hell” impersonation.

Kyle Korver is going to be mobile throughout the series and it looks as though Cleveland’s J.R Smith could be the only one remotely able to cover him. The Atlanta offence has the potential to “rain” three-pointers against a Cavalier defense that’s “still under construction.” With drives into the heart of the Cavalier defense, technically sound pacing and effective passing, Atlanta has a better than average shot at winning the series.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are about to take on the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern conference championship. Compared to the impressive play that led Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets to their respective conference finals, neither east coast team’s sports scores have “turned heads.” Both battle weary teams will have to step up their performance if they wish to beat either the Warriors or Rockets.

The Cavaliers are victims of injury. Kyrie Irving, a key player, suffered from an ankle sprain that has made it difficult for the Cleveland team to adjust to. Kevin Love, an equally potent contributor wasn’t present in the playoffs which caused disarray in their line-up. Meanwhile the Hawks might be victims of “burn out” as their compromised bench has affected their post season play.

si.com: NBA playoffs preview: Hawks, Cavs meet in mutual disarray in East finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to defeat the Boston Celtics in straight wins. The Chicago Bulls however tested Cleveland by putting them down in the last series by one game. The Cavaliers cleared the test winning three straight games to take the series and making sports score news. Lebron James, the best player in the NBA, is a threat Atlanta doesn’t have an answer for.

The four-time MVP and two time champion has a post season average of 26.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game. James well-known in his post-season play surmounting a Durant, Westbrook and Harden of the Oklahoma Thunder or Garnett, Pierce and Allen of the Boston Celtics.

Atlanta’s Carrol Millsap may be the only realistic option for the Hawk defense since Kent Bazemore is absent. Irving is still a key factor and will be greatly needed. Even under ankle injury, Irving should still able to stand out of the paint and open himself up for easy two-pointer. Cleveland’s Mozgov is still proven zealous enough to make a difference on the inside on defense.

si.com: Cavaliers vs. Hawks: Analysis, Predictions for Eastern Conference Finals Game 1

Thompson will still have to hold his weight in the series hopefully counterbalancing Irving. Smith, Dellavedova and Shumpert are capable of providing the tools needed for the Cavalier offence. Shumpert in particular will have to ”up” his game since the normal Altanta offense may provide him with the longest looks at the basket. Either way you bet, it’s still safer than buying florida lottery tickets online.

The Atlantic Hawks have a pretty spread-out offense with four players having scoring averages between 17 and 15.3 points per game during the playoffs. Such an impressive display led Atlanta to 60 victories which led the eastern conference. Unfortunately they still lack any one deterrent for James. Cleveland’s record of 108.2 points per 100 possessions in the play-offs, will be difficult for Atlanta to stop.

That is important considering that the Hawks ranked seventh in efficiency in the NBA and second in postseason defensive efficiency. Let’s not forget that Cleveland would rather not run if given the choice. It should prove difficult for the Cavaliers to guard four guys with equal scoring potential without leaving one open.

fivethirtyeight.com: LeBron Dominates The Conference Finals

Cleveland is ranked at 92.9 possessions per 48 minutes in the postseason which could be trouble against a more spry offence like Atlanta. Movement by the hawks should help make gambling news and clear the spread. Jeff Teague should be able handle Irving and his bad ankle throughout the series. Jeff Teague will be dancing all over the court, forcing Irving to give the “Tiny Tim from Hell” impersonation.

Kyle Korver is going to be mobile throughout the series and it looks as though Cleveland’s J.R Smith could be the only one remotely able to cover him. The Atlanta offence has the potential to “rain” three-pointers against a Cavalier defense that’s “still under construction.” With drives into the heart of the Cavalier defense, technically sound pacing and effective passing, Atlanta has a better than average shot at winning the series.

After a story emerged from the Brazilian media about a Cayman Islands-based marketing company influencing team selection of the national side, the federation denied the allegations. They acknowledged however the existence of the contract that was discussed in the report, but emphasized that the actual head coach of the national team picks the best players before every game Brazil is involved in.

After the national team’s coach, Dunga has called up Liverpool star playmaker Philippe Coutinho to the squad preparing for the Copa America, the fans of Brazil and the Reds are curiously waiting to see the midfield trickster playing alongside Neymar. Coutinho struggled when on national duty so far, but now he has to take his game to a new level for club and country.

ESPNFC: Brazil says squad selection done solely by coach, not marketing partners

The CBF, the Brazilian Football Confederation denies that a marketing company, that buys the commercial rights of every friendly game of the Brazilian national football team for 1 million dollars, would also name the line-up of the Selecao. The CBF reacted to alleged details of its contract with a Cayman Island-based firm published by a Brazilian newspaper.
According to the report, there would be a fifty percent cut from the fee the company usually pays to CBF per matches if players like Neymar are left out of the team. However, CBF stated that “the criteria for selecting the squad for the matches of the Brazilian team are, and always will be, with the coach”.

They did not deny the existence of such agreement, saying “The contract between the CBF and ISE is not a secret and large parts of it have been published before”. CBF’s statement also emphasizes that coaches always select the best players available naturally, not because of the influence of a marketing company.
The contract between CBF and International Sports Events on behalf of the federation was agreed by former president Ricardo Teixeira, who stepped down from his position in 2012. He quit after he was accused with corruption together with former president of the FIFA, Joao Havelange, as many who follow sports scores remember.

Rushthekop.com: Copa America Important For Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho will have a shot to prove his skills to South America and the world at international level this summer, wearing the special yellow shirt of Brazil. Gambling news reported earlier this month that Brazil head coach Dunga left out Chelsea’s Oscar from the squad due to injury, and picked Coutinho, that came as a surprise for many.
Dunga expressed that he expects the little magician to entertain Brazilian supporters like he does with the people of Liverpool. He said, “There is a lot of talk about Coutinho here in England because of what he is doing with Liverpool. I would like to see the Brazilian fans clamouring for him too.”

When he got the opportunity before, the playmaker failed to deliver for Brazil so far. However, with a bunch of strong performances under his belt and with a considerable growth in confidence, Coutinho will have a chance to develop his game further playing alongside stars like Barcelona’s Neymar and Orlando City’s Kaka.
Coutinho was named to the PFA Team of the Year and was arguably Liverpool’s most important player in this year’s campaign. After the departure of Steven Gerrard and possibly of Raheem Sterling, Coutinho’s role will be increasingly important for the Reds. His new experiences with the national team in Chile might help him to offer even more for Liverpool.

After a story emerged from the Brazilian media about a Cayman Islands-based marketing company influencing team selection of the national side, the federation denied the allegations. They acknowledged however the existence of the contract that was discussed in the report, but emphasized that the actual head coach of the national team picks the best players before every game Brazil is involved in.

After the national team’s coach, Dunga has called up Liverpool star playmaker Philippe Coutinho to the squad preparing for the Copa America, the fans of Brazil and the Reds are curiously waiting to see the midfield trickster playing alongside Neymar. Coutinho struggled when on national duty so far, but now he has to take his game to a new level for club and country.

ESPNFC: Brazil says squad selection done solely by coach, not marketing partners

The CBF, the Brazilian Football Confederation denies that a marketing company, that buys the commercial rights of every friendly game of the Brazilian national football team for 1 million dollars, would also name the line-up of the Selecao. The CBF reacted to alleged details of its contract with a Cayman Island-based firm published by a Brazilian newspaper.
According to the report, there would be a fifty percent cut from the fee the company usually pays to CBF per matches if players like Neymar are left out of the team. However, CBF stated that “the criteria for selecting the squad for the matches of the Brazilian team are, and always will be, with the coach”.

They did not deny the existence of such agreement, saying “The contract between the CBF and ISE is not a secret and large parts of it have been published before”. CBF’s statement also emphasizes that coaches always select the best players available naturally, not because of the influence of a marketing company.
The contract between CBF and International Sports Events on behalf of the federation was agreed by former president Ricardo Teixeira, who stepped down from his position in 2012. He quit after he was accused with corruption together with former president of the FIFA, Joao Havelange, as many who follow sports scores remember.

Rushthekop.com: Copa America Important For Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho will have a shot to prove his skills to South America and the world at international level this summer, wearing the special yellow shirt of Brazil. Gambling news reported earlier this month that Brazil head coach Dunga left out Chelsea’s Oscar from the squad due to injury, and picked Coutinho, that came as a surprise for many.
Dunga expressed that he expects the little magician to entertain Brazilian supporters like he does with the people of Liverpool. He said, “There is a lot of talk about Coutinho here in England because of what he is doing with Liverpool. I would like to see the Brazilian fans clamouring for him too.”

When he got the opportunity before, the playmaker failed to deliver for Brazil so far. However, with a bunch of strong performances under his belt and with a considerable growth in confidence, Coutinho will have a chance to develop his game further playing alongside stars like Barcelona’s Neymar and Orlando City’s Kaka.
Coutinho was named to the PFA Team of the Year and was arguably Liverpool’s most important player in this year’s campaign. After the departure of Steven Gerrard and possibly of Raheem Sterling, Coutinho’s role will be increasingly important for the Reds. His new experiences with the national team in Chile might help him to offer even more for Liverpool.

A report emerged from the Brazilian media suggesting that a certain Cayman Island-based company has total control over naming the national teams’ starting line-up since years. The firm allegedly has power over broadcasting rights and copyrights too, and a third party is reportedly owns the rights of organizing friendlies for the national team.

The Brazilian Football Federation supposedly needs to prove injuries via medical certificates before any changes to be made in the squad. This would be a useful excuse for the awful display of Brazilian teams in recent tournaments indeed, especially for the ugly 7-1 against Germany on home soil in the World Cup last year.

ESPNFC.com: Brazilian national team’s squad selection sold to firm, alleges report

The coaches of Brazil’s national football team don’t have full control over the team since years, gambling newsreport. CBF, Brazil’s Football Federation signed a contract with marketing company ISE back in 2006, and since the 2011 extension the firm incorporated in the Cayman Islands and its business partners can allegedly influence player call-ups.

The deal supposedly includes that Brazil’s best players, quoted as “A Team”, must play in every international outings, and every changes have to be made according to a particular marketing standard. Allegedly, CBF have to prove any “A Team” injuries with credible medical documents, and have to communicate any substitutions towards ISE in advance.
If a change is to be made, Brazil need to field a player of “similar level in relation to marketing value, technical ability and reputation” according to the report. The alleged deal naturally rules out testing young players in friendlies, and includes penalty payments if Brazil fails to meet the terms.
CBF denied the report however, which also claims that the organization traded the rights of arranging the national team’s friendly games to another company. The story also tells that the Cayman Islands firm has full control over broadcasting rights and copyrights too. The contract runs out in 2022.

Daily Mail: Brazil national team

picked by its commercial partners since 2006 with only ‘marketable’ stars selected, claims Sao Paulo newspaper after disclosing ‘contract’
Commercial partners has been influencing the starting line-up of the Brazilian national football teams since 2006, according to a report emerged from the local media, shocking many who follow sports scores in Brazil. The story tells that only players with a high enough marketing value can be included to the team.

The report claims to have seized a contract signed in 2006 by the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and ISE, a company that doesn’t have any registered employees, and is incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Allegedly a Saudi Arabian firm is behind ISE that is called Dallah Al-Baraka and is involved in finance, healthcare, banking, transport, manufacturing and other fields.
The story tells that CBF’s business partners choose players for the national team and the coaches have little to do with the starting line-up. The Brazilian federation supposedly has to ask ISE before calling up a new player, and the company would consider the possibility only after evaluating his marketing value.

The report suggests eventually that those who recently managed the Brazilian national team, Dunga, Mano Menezes and Luis Felipe Scolari, weren’t in the position to decide on starters, as breaking the relevant article would trigger a penalty. In this case ISE would pay only the half of the 1 million dollar match fee.

A report emerged from the Brazilian media suggesting that a certain Cayman Island-based company has total control over naming the national teams’ starting line-up since years. The firm allegedly has power over broadcasting rights and copyrights too, and a third party is reportedly owns the rights of organizing friendlies for the national team.

The Brazilian Football Federation supposedly needs to prove injuries via medical certificates before any changes to be made in the squad. This would be a useful excuse for the awful display of Brazilian teams in recent tournaments indeed, especially for the ugly 7-1 against Germany on home soil in the World Cup last year.

ESPNFC.com: Brazilian national team’s squad selection sold to firm, alleges report

The coaches of Brazil’s national football team don’t have full control over the team since years, gambling newsreport. CBF, Brazil’s Football Federation signed a contract with marketing company ISE back in 2006, and since the 2011 extension the firm incorporated in the Cayman Islands and its business partners can allegedly influence player call-ups.

The deal supposedly includes that Brazil’s best players, quoted as “A Team”, must play in every international outings, and every changes have to be made according to a particular marketing standard. Allegedly, CBF have to prove any “A Team” injuries with credible medical documents, and have to communicate any substitutions towards ISE in advance.
If a change is to be made, Brazil need to field a player of “similar level in relation to marketing value, technical ability and reputation” according to the report. The alleged deal naturally rules out testing young players in friendlies, and includes penalty payments if Brazil fails to meet the terms.
CBF denied the report however, which also claims that the organization traded the rights of arranging the national team’s friendly games to another company. The story also tells that the Cayman Islands firm has full control over broadcasting rights and copyrights too. The contract runs out in 2022.

Daily Mail: Brazil national team

picked by its commercial partners since 2006 with only ‘marketable’ stars selected, claims Sao Paulo newspaper after disclosing ‘contract’
Commercial partners has been influencing the starting line-up of the Brazilian national football teams since 2006, according to a report emerged from the local media, shocking many who follow sports scores in Brazil. The story tells that only players with a high enough marketing value can be included to the team.

The report claims to have seized a contract signed in 2006 by the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and ISE, a company that doesn’t have any registered employees, and is incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Allegedly a Saudi Arabian firm is behind ISE that is called Dallah Al-Baraka and is involved in finance, healthcare, banking, transport, manufacturing and other fields.
The story tells that CBF’s business partners choose players for the national team and the coaches have little to do with the starting line-up. The Brazilian federation supposedly has to ask ISE before calling up a new player, and the company would consider the possibility only after evaluating his marketing value.

The report suggests eventually that those who recently managed the Brazilian national team, Dunga, Mano Menezes and Luis Felipe Scolari, weren’t in the position to decide on starters, as breaking the relevant article would trigger a penalty. In this case ISE would pay only the half of the 1 million dollar match fee.

It looks like Steven Gerrard still considers himself as a hardcore Red, or at least he doesn’t feel that he is too much of a Galactico yet, at least his actions indicated that last weekend. Though, as his very last game comes closer and closer, some members of the team expressed that it is vital for Liverpool, to find a new leader after the department of arguably the best player in club history. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers ask other potential leaders to step up, while Adam Lallana thinks that the whole team should act together, each of them taking more responsibility.

Daily Mail: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard refuses to sign LA Galaxy shirt until he arrives in MLS

Steven Gerrard might have played his last game at Anfield, but it is obvious that he still considers himself a 100 percent Liverpool player. He is joining Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, but on Saturday he refused to sign the shirt of his future team, gambling news report.
Gerrard will leave Liverpool for Los Angeles after seventeen years, to enjoy a more central role in the last years of his career. However, when a fan offered a Galaxy shirt for him to sign it while on his lap of honour at Anfield, he said, ’I’m not signing it until I’m there’.
Gerrard played more than 700 games for Liverpool and won ten trophies there. Though he failed to win the championship last year which would have crowned his career, he has a Champions League trophy from ten years ago, clearly the highlight of his curriculum vitae.

Though his playing time dropped significantly for this season and on Saturday he played his last game at Anfield for Liverpool, which was a sour one as the Reds suffered a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. Gerrard will play his ultimate game for Liverpool this weekend at Stoke.
Gerrard will be the second high-profile English footballer in Galaxy’s club history after David Beckham, who played in California for five years between 2007 and 2012. Los Angeles is captained by Irish international Robbie Keane, who was Gerrard’s teammate for roughly half a season at Liverpool six years ago.

The Guardian: Adam Lallana calls for leaders to emerge from Steven Gerrard’s shadow

Former Southampton captain Adam Lallana, who signed for Liverpool last summer, thinks every player in the Reds squad have to give more after Steven Gerrard will depart from the team to join the Los Angeles Galaxy. He also talked about his first season, which he considers as a pretty average one.
Lallana was the most expensive player Liverpool bought a year ago, as he cost 25 million pounds. Though the Reds were able to spend 117 million pounds on new acquisitions after Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona, as many who follow sports scores remember, neither of the newcomers had a brilliant season.
The 27-year-old international had injury problems, but he started last weekend and scored the opener against Crystal Palace at Anfield. However, the visitors spoiled Steven Gerrard’s last home game, and team manager Brendan Rodgers expressed after the match that Liverpool will have to find their new leaders after Gerrard’s exit.

Lallana agreed with this, doubting that a single individual effort would be enough from anyone. He said, “There shouldn’t be any responsibility on anyone to solely fill Steven’s boots. It is going to have to be a contribution from the team. If everyone gives two, three per cent extra then hopefully we can half fill that spot.”
He went on to add, “I’m 27 and I feel that responsibility. I’m a leader and I feel responsible in the group but we have a lot of leaders in the team. We have good team spirit as well. I just hope we can build on this season. There are a lot of ups and downs but plenty of positives to be had. We need to learn from it, take it into next year and definitely build on it.”

It looks like Steven Gerrard still considers himself as a hardcore Red, or at least he doesn’t feel that he is too much of a Galactico yet, at least his actions indicated that last weekend. Though, as his very last game comes closer and closer, some members of the team expressed that it is vital for Liverpool, to find a new leader after the department of arguably the best player in club history. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers ask other potential leaders to step up, while Adam Lallana thinks that the whole team should act together, each of them taking more responsibility.

Daily Mail: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard refuses to sign LA Galaxy shirt until he arrives in MLS

Steven Gerrard might have played his last game at Anfield, but it is obvious that he still considers himself a 100 percent Liverpool player. He is joining Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, but on Saturday he refused to sign the shirt of his future team, gambling news report.
Gerrard will leave Liverpool for Los Angeles after seventeen years, to enjoy a more central role in the last years of his career. However, when a fan offered a Galaxy shirt for him to sign it while on his lap of honour at Anfield, he said, ’I’m not signing it until I’m there’.
Gerrard played more than 700 games for Liverpool and won ten trophies there. Though he failed to win the championship last year which would have crowned his career, he has a Champions League trophy from ten years ago, clearly the highlight of his curriculum vitae.

Though his playing time dropped significantly for this season and on Saturday he played his last game at Anfield for Liverpool, which was a sour one as the Reds suffered a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. Gerrard will play his ultimate game for Liverpool this weekend at Stoke.
Gerrard will be the second high-profile English footballer in Galaxy’s club history after David Beckham, who played in California for five years between 2007 and 2012. Los Angeles is captained by Irish international Robbie Keane, who was Gerrard’s teammate for roughly half a season at Liverpool six years ago.

The Guardian: Adam Lallana calls for leaders to emerge from Steven Gerrard’s shadow

Former Southampton captain Adam Lallana, who signed for Liverpool last summer, thinks every player in the Reds squad have to give more after Steven Gerrard will depart from the team to join the Los Angeles Galaxy. He also talked about his first season, which he considers as a pretty average one.
Lallana was the most expensive player Liverpool bought a year ago, as he cost 25 million pounds. Though the Reds were able to spend 117 million pounds on new acquisitions after Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona, as many who follow sports scores remember, neither of the newcomers had a brilliant season.
The 27-year-old international had injury problems, but he started last weekend and scored the opener against Crystal Palace at Anfield. However, the visitors spoiled Steven Gerrard’s last home game, and team manager Brendan Rodgers expressed after the match that Liverpool will have to find their new leaders after Gerrard’s exit.

Lallana agreed with this, doubting that a single individual effort would be enough from anyone. He said, “There shouldn’t be any responsibility on anyone to solely fill Steven’s boots. It is going to have to be a contribution from the team. If everyone gives two, three per cent extra then hopefully we can half fill that spot.”
He went on to add, “I’m 27 and I feel that responsibility. I’m a leader and I feel responsible in the group but we have a lot of leaders in the team. We have good team spirit as well. I just hope we can build on this season. There are a lot of ups and downs but plenty of positives to be had. We need to learn from it, take it into next year and definitely build on it.”

A federal judge intervened to temporarily block New Jersey’s plans to allow sports betting at the state’s racetrack and casinos.

State lawmakers have been trying to find ways to bring sports betting to New Jersey for years, but it looks like all attempts are destined to fail. A few weeks ago, officials passed a bill allowing licensed casinos and racetracks to accept wagers.

After Governor Chris Christie signed the document into law and Monmouth Park said it was ready to start taking bets last Sunday, professional sports leagues challenged the decision in court, asking the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent this from happening.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp decided to grant the request made by the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other sports groups, but did not rule on the merits of the issue yet. A full hearing will be scheduled in the future.

A spokesman for Christie emphasized that the restraining order is temporary and added: “We continue to have full confidence in the strength and appropriateness of our position as we move forward in the litigation.”

USA Today: Judge: New Jersey can’t launch sports betting

Latest gambling news announce that a federal judge decided not to allow casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to start taking sports bets. In his ruling late Friday, US District Court Judge Michael Shipp put in place a temporary restraining order to prevent state operators from offering such services last week.

Monmouth Park was planning on giving its bookmaking operations a test run on Sunday, when it would have accepted bets on NFL games, but the court said Governor Chris Christie can’t launch sports betting in the state for now.

Monmouth Park officials were expecting about 10,000 people to rush to the track this Sunday to bet on Jets-Bills, Eagles-Cardinals, as well as on other NFL games. The track was going to open as early as 7 am, in order to allow visitors to place wagers on the Lions-Falcons game played in London at 9:30 am E.T.

But the NFL and other American sports leagues have filed a complaint asking the judge to stop state operators from taking bets immediately, invoking a 1992 federal law restricting sports betting to Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.

A final decision will be made only after a full hearing, but for now the judge has issued a restraining order stopping Monmouth Park from going ahead with its plans. Attorneys representing the racetrack have argued that the business won’t survive without this new source of revenue.

NESN: Judge Grants Leagues’ Request, Stops N.J. Sports Betting Temporarily

Following a request from four major professional sports leagues and the NCAA, a federal judge issued a restraining order preventing New Jersey operators from taking sports bets for now. The request was made by the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, who went to court over a new bill signed by Governor Chris Christie, allowing casinos and racetracks in the state to offer betting services.

Under current gambling laws, Nevada is the only state allowed to offer betting on individual games at local bookmakers. Delaware also offers multi-game parlay pools, requiring players to pick several games correctly before winning any money.

“More legal gambling leads to more total gambling, which in turns leads to an increased incentive to fix plaintiffs’ matches,” Shipp said in court last Friday, adding that sports betting in New Jersey “would engender the same ills” that lawmakers sought to combat when they came up with the 1992 federal law.

Attorneys representing the sports organizations have argued that the leagues would suffer irreparable harm if such offers were available in the state. The lawsuit will proceed and the court will schedule a full hearing, but Shipp said a temporary restraining order was necessary to make sure that the matter is properly debated in court first.

Wall Street Journal: Judge Blocks Bid to Legalize Sports Betting in New Jersey

A previous attempt to overturn the sports betting ban and allow New Jersey players to bet on sports failed, and officials are not sure what will happen next. For now, Nevada continues to remain the only state where sports betting is fully legal. Delaware has a few similar operations, but the state only offers multi-game parlay pools.

While Atlantic City casinos said they would wait for the judge’s decision before starting any bookmaking operations, Monmouth Park Racetrack had originally planned to begin sports betting this weekend. The venue’s plans were put on hold by the restraining order.

Dennis Drazin, the operator of Monmouth Park, wrote in a recent statement: “While we are disappointed not to be able to start this Sunday, we are confident that sports betting will be coming to New Jersey in the very near future.”

While preventing the racetrack from starting its new operations, Judge Shipp also requested the five plaintiffs to put up a $1.7 million bond, to cover New Jersey’s potential revenue losses should the state eventually win the argument. The judge also said the temporary restraining order only applies to sports scores at events run by the four leagues and the NCAA.

A federal judge intervened to temporarily block New Jersey’s plans to allow sports betting at the state’s racetrack and casinos.

State lawmakers have been trying to find ways to bring sports betting to New Jersey for years, but it looks like all attempts are destined to fail. A few weeks ago, officials passed a bill allowing licensed casinos and racetracks to accept wagers.

After Governor Chris Christie signed the document into law and Monmouth Park said it was ready to start taking bets last Sunday, professional sports leagues challenged the decision in court, asking the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent this from happening.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp decided to grant the request made by the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other sports groups, but did not rule on the merits of the issue yet. A full hearing will be scheduled in the future.

A spokesman for Christie emphasized that the restraining order is temporary and added: “We continue to have full confidence in the strength and appropriateness of our position as we move forward in the litigation.”

USA Today: Judge: New Jersey can’t launch sports betting

Latest gambling news announce that a federal judge decided not to allow casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to start taking sports bets. In his ruling late Friday, US District Court Judge Michael Shipp put in place a temporary restraining order to prevent state operators from offering such services last week.

Monmouth Park was planning on giving its bookmaking operations a test run on Sunday, when it would have accepted bets on NFL games, but the court said Governor Chris Christie can’t launch sports betting in the state for now.

Monmouth Park officials were expecting about 10,000 people to rush to the track this Sunday to bet on Jets-Bills, Eagles-Cardinals, as well as on other NFL games. The track was going to open as early as 7 am, in order to allow visitors to place wagers on the Lions-Falcons game played in London at 9:30 am E.T.

But the NFL and other American sports leagues have filed a complaint asking the judge to stop state operators from taking bets immediately, invoking a 1992 federal law restricting sports betting to Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.

A final decision will be made only after a full hearing, but for now the judge has issued a restraining order stopping Monmouth Park from going ahead with its plans. Attorneys representing the racetrack have argued that the business won’t survive without this new source of revenue.

NESN: Judge Grants Leagues’ Request, Stops N.J. Sports Betting Temporarily

Following a request from four major professional sports leagues and the NCAA, a federal judge issued a restraining order preventing New Jersey operators from taking sports bets for now. The request was made by the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, who went to court over a new bill signed by Governor Chris Christie, allowing casinos and racetracks in the state to offer betting services.

Under current gambling laws, Nevada is the only state allowed to offer betting on individual games at local bookmakers. Delaware also offers multi-game parlay pools, requiring players to pick several games correctly before winning any money.

“More legal gambling leads to more total gambling, which in turns leads to an increased incentive to fix plaintiffs’ matches,” Shipp said in court last Friday, adding that sports betting in New Jersey “would engender the same ills” that lawmakers sought to combat when they came up with the 1992 federal law.

Attorneys representing the sports organizations have argued that the leagues would suffer irreparable harm if such offers were available in the state. The lawsuit will proceed and the court will schedule a full hearing, but Shipp said a temporary restraining order was necessary to make sure that the matter is properly debated in court first.

Wall Street Journal: Judge Blocks Bid to Legalize Sports Betting in New Jersey

A previous attempt to overturn the sports betting ban and allow New Jersey players to bet on sports failed, and officials are not sure what will happen next. For now, Nevada continues to remain the only state where sports betting is fully legal. Delaware has a few similar operations, but the state only offers multi-game parlay pools.

While Atlantic City casinos said they would wait for the judge’s decision before starting any bookmaking operations, Monmouth Park Racetrack had originally planned to begin sports betting this weekend. The venue’s plans were put on hold by the restraining order.

Dennis Drazin, the operator of Monmouth Park, wrote in a recent statement: “While we are disappointed not to be able to start this Sunday, we are confident that sports betting will be coming to New Jersey in the very near future.”

While preventing the racetrack from starting its new operations, Judge Shipp also requested the five plaintiffs to put up a $1.7 million bond, to cover New Jersey’s potential revenue losses should the state eventually win the argument. The judge also said the temporary restraining order only applies to sports scores at events run by the four leagues and the NCAA.

Sponsorships offered by betting companies without a UK license must come with a disclaimer.

After the court rejected the Gibraltar Betting and Gambling Association’s request to overturn new UK gambling laws, authorities are now going after British sports clubs and teams that closed sponsorship agreements with unlicensed betting companies.

The UK Gambling Commission is now asking that all adverts promoting operators without a British permit include a message saying their services are not available for UK players. Since the regulator did not include any clear instructions in its letter to sports governing bodies, clubs and teams are not sure how to approach the issue.

The new rules created a lot of confusion. Should logos on posters or flyers include an asterisk to a disclaimer? Do they need to mention this on players’ T-shirts too? For now, these questions remain unanswered.

PokerNews: UK Gambling Commission Warns Sports Teams About Deals with Unlicensed Operators

Nick Tofiluk, the director of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), sent out a letter to all sports governing bodies in the country, to warn them about the dangers of closing sponsorship deals with betting companies that did not apply for a UK license, as requested by the new regulations which came into force on November 1.

“You may be aware that all remote gambling operators selling into the British market, whether based here or abroad, will be required to hold a Gambling Commission license to transact with British based consumers,” Tofiluk wrote.

“We are aware that in some cases commercial partnership arrangements (which include sponsorship) are in place between sports clubs or bodies and remote gambling operators who do not hold a Commission license,” he continued.

In its letter, the regulatory body adopted a firm position on the matter, stating: “Those operators cannot in our view advertise their betting services without both making it clear in the product as advertised and in reality that betting is not available to those in Britain.”

As a consequence, such adverts will have to be accompanied by a disclaimer, and sports teams that don’t follow these rules risk being prosecuted.

“This letter seeks to draw to your attention the risks to sports clubs and bodies of maintaining such relationships”, the letter said, clarifying that those “risks” include committing an offence by breaking the law, as well as jeopardizing the state’s efforts to combat match fixing and betting corruption.

OutLaw.com: Regulator’s approach risks future of British sport sponsorship deals with offshore gambling providers, say experts

Law experts say the new guidance issued by the UK Gambling Commission could complicate things for sports clubs and teams looking to close shirt sponsorship deals with foreign-based betting companies.

Gambling law specialist Susan Biddle of Pinsent Masons, the firm behind Out-Law.com said she could “foresee practical problems if the requirement that the prohibition on play by British consumers has to be made ‘clear in the product as advertised’ means the prohibition has to be made clear as part of the advertisement or sponsorship itself.”

“For example, would players’ shirts, replica shirts and stadium boards which carry a sponsor’s logo each have to include an asterisk to a disclaimer somewhere else on the shirt or board?” she asked.

“Such a requirement would seem in practice to mean that sponsorship or other advertising by unlicensed offshore remote gambling operators will not be possible even if as a matter of practice they can achieve 100% successful blocking of British consumers,” the lawyer explained.

GamingZion: New British Gambling Laws Come into Force

Despite all the controversy, the new British gambling laws came into force on November 1, after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association’s (GBGA) attempt to overturn the Government’s decision in court failed last month.

The new regulations and the upcoming 15% point on consumption tax coming this December have scared away some betting companies, who preferred to withdraw from the British market.

As of November 1, online gamblers can bet on sports scores using websites that have received approval for a continuation license. Remote operators have to apply for UK permits and pay an additional tax, regardless of where they’re located and even if they already hold a valid license in another jurisdiction.
“The Government announced that this law was introduced with the express intention of addressing concerns it said it had about the protection of consumers. The measures introduced through this Act are neither reasonable nor proportionate to achieving that goal and are likely to have adverse consequences for consumers,” the GBGA wrote in a statement, a few months ago.

The introduction of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 will be followed by an increase in taxes. Starting December 1, the Government is changing its rules for General Betting Duty (GBD), Pool Betting Duty (PBD), and Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). The changes will affect both offshore casino and sportsbook operators, as well as betting shops across the country.

According to the UK Government’s website: “Gambling activities are currently taxed on a ‘place of supply’ basis. This means that if you’re supplying gambling from the UK, you pay tax on all your gross gambling profits. Operators supplying UK customers from outside the UK pay no UK gambling taxes.”

Sponsorships offered by betting companies without a UK license must come with a disclaimer.

After the court rejected the Gibraltar Betting and Gambling Association’s request to overturn new UK gambling laws, authorities are now going after British sports clubs and teams that closed sponsorship agreements with unlicensed betting companies.

The UK Gambling Commission is now asking that all adverts promoting operators without a British permit include a message saying their services are not available for UK players. Since the regulator did not include any clear instructions in its letter to sports governing bodies, clubs and teams are not sure how to approach the issue.

The new rules created a lot of confusion. Should logos on posters or flyers include an asterisk to a disclaimer? Do they need to mention this on players’ T-shirts too? For now, these questions remain unanswered.

PokerNews: UK Gambling Commission Warns Sports Teams About Deals with Unlicensed Operators

Nick Tofiluk, the director of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), sent out a letter to all sports governing bodies in the country, to warn them about the dangers of closing sponsorship deals with betting companies that did not apply for a UK license, as requested by the new regulations which came into force on November 1.

“You may be aware that all remote gambling operators selling into the British market, whether based here or abroad, will be required to hold a Gambling Commission license to transact with British based consumers,” Tofiluk wrote.

“We are aware that in some cases commercial partnership arrangements (which include sponsorship) are in place between sports clubs or bodies and remote gambling operators who do not hold a Commission license,” he continued.

In its letter, the regulatory body adopted a firm position on the matter, stating: “Those operators cannot in our view advertise their betting services without both making it clear in the product as advertised and in reality that betting is not available to those in Britain.”

As a consequence, such adverts will have to be accompanied by a disclaimer, and sports teams that don’t follow these rules risk being prosecuted.

“This letter seeks to draw to your attention the risks to sports clubs and bodies of maintaining such relationships”, the letter said, clarifying that those “risks” include committing an offence by breaking the law, as well as jeopardizing the state’s efforts to combat match fixing and betting corruption.

OutLaw.com: Regulator’s approach risks future of British sport sponsorship deals with offshore gambling providers, say experts

Law experts say the new guidance issued by the UK Gambling Commission could complicate things for sports clubs and teams looking to close shirt sponsorship deals with foreign-based betting companies.

Gambling law specialist Susan Biddle of Pinsent Masons, the firm behind Out-Law.com said she could “foresee practical problems if the requirement that the prohibition on play by British consumers has to be made ‘clear in the product as advertised’ means the prohibition has to be made clear as part of the advertisement or sponsorship itself.”

“For example, would players’ shirts, replica shirts and stadium boards which carry a sponsor’s logo each have to include an asterisk to a disclaimer somewhere else on the shirt or board?” she asked.

“Such a requirement would seem in practice to mean that sponsorship or other advertising by unlicensed offshore remote gambling operators will not be possible even if as a matter of practice they can achieve 100% successful blocking of British consumers,” the lawyer explained.

GamingZion: New British Gambling Laws Come into Force

Despite all the controversy, the new British gambling laws came into force on November 1, after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association’s (GBGA) attempt to overturn the Government’s decision in court failed last month.

The new regulations and the upcoming 15% point on consumption tax coming this December have scared away some betting companies, who preferred to withdraw from the British market.

As of November 1, online gamblers can bet on sports scores using websites that have received approval for a continuation license. Remote operators have to apply for UK permits and pay an additional tax, regardless of where they’re located and even if they already hold a valid license in another jurisdiction.
“The Government announced that this law was introduced with the express intention of addressing concerns it said it had about the protection of consumers. The measures introduced through this Act are neither reasonable nor proportionate to achieving that goal and are likely to have adverse consequences for consumers,” the GBGA wrote in a statement, a few months ago.

The introduction of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 will be followed by an increase in taxes. Starting December 1, the Government is changing its rules for General Betting Duty (GBD), Pool Betting Duty (PBD), and Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). The changes will affect both offshore casino and sportsbook operators, as well as betting shops across the country.

According to the UK Government’s website: “Gambling activities are currently taxed on a ‘place of supply’ basis. This means that if you’re supplying gambling from the UK, you pay tax on all your gross gambling profits. Operators supplying UK customers from outside the UK pay no UK gambling taxes.”

Police revealed that Peter Foster scammed investors out of more than $10 million, in an international ponzi scheme.

The man allegedly ran a betting scheme called the Sports Trading Club, conning hundreds of Australian families. According to online gambling news, Foster told investors that he could make them a fortune through the sports betting site, an operation he ran from a hideout located in the Byron Bay area.

Using the alias Mark Hughes, the conman tricked his victims into giving him millions of dollars. Newspapers said he had raked in more than $10 million in the last few months alone, and he spent part of his illegal income on a yacht.

Police found several computers in Foster’s home office, as well as multiple mobile phones registered to different names. The equipment was all part of the plot.

The Age: Peter Foster implicated in international betting scam

Hundreds of investors could lose millions in an international betting scheme run by Peter Foster, following the notorious conman’s dramatic arrest at a luxury property near Byron Bay. The man was hiding from Australian authorities and it is believed he operated the Sports Trading Club from his hiding place.

Police raided his house on Tuesday afternoon and found six mobile phones, as well as several computers in his home office. Foster tried to flee but crashed into a neighbour’s fence and got tackled by a police officer. He allegedly tried to grab the officer’s gun and was charged with assaulting him.

The betting syndicate has offices in London, Sydney and Hong Kong, but Foster’s hideout is said to have played a key role in the operation. Sports Trading Club takes investments between $50,000 and $250,000 and places bets on sports scores, in major events around the world.

In June, the company’s UK communication manager, Patrick McMahon, told reporters that investors had received a 1900% return since January 2013. “We don’t gamble, we trade,” he said. “We make money out of other peoples’ mistakes. When one side gambles and the other trades, it is like owning the casino.”

In July, the trading company said it had gained $150 million by backing Germany to win the FIFA World Cup. It also scored a “multi-million-dollar win” by betting against Serena Williams and Novac Djokovic at the Australian Open.

Brisbane Times: Conman Peter Foster tracked for a month before arrest

Serial conman Peter Foster spent more than a year on the run before police finally arrested him in his hideout near Byron Bay. The conman had been wanted since September last year, when he failed to show up for his court date at Brisbane Federal Court. The judge found him guilty of contempt of court.

NSW Superintendent Stuart Wilkins told reporters: “We had information from the last month or so he was in and around the Byron Bay area but not a specific location so this is a good result all round. As the result of excellent community consultation and a group of people working together this person has been arrested and will be now going before courts.”

Foster, 52, is known for a series of weight loss product scams, including a nasal spray called Sensaslim. His most recent appearance in court was for breaching a previous order to stop selling these products. Over the past year, the man had been telling the media that he was in Fiji, even sending photos of himself relaxing in a chair and reading a newspaper printed in Fiji.

The police said they were not sure how long he had been hiding at the Ewingsdale property where he was caught and arrested this week. He was chased by local detectives and a TV camera crew before being tackled.

He was charged with assaulting police officers and resisting arrest, but Detective Senior Constable Gary Sheehan told reporters: “He did show a great deal of concern about his mother…but other than that he was quite cooperative. He was very cooperative, quite remorseful and, in fact, he actually apologized to me in the courtroom.”

Daily Telegraph: Con man Peter Foster pleads guilty to assault after grabbing detective’s gun

While authorities have their doubts about Peter Foster’s claim of looking after his ailing mother, the conman pleaded guilty of assaulting detectives during his arrest at Byron Bay. He was transported to the Arthur Gorrie prison in Brisbane.

Foster blamed his actions on the news crew’s “Rambo style” pursuit, and his solicitor said he had been “confused” after attempting to run away from the cameras and escape through a back gate.

“He had an adrenaline rush. He wanted to get away from the film crew,” solicitor Terry Fisher explained.

According to Fisher, Foster had been looking after his mother and living the life of a “monk” for the past 11 months. “He has effectively been living like a monk. He should have just blended in with the locals (in northern NSW). The fact that he’s separated from his mother is causing him a great deal of pain. That is ffecting him quite deeply,” he added.

On the other hand, Tweed-Byron Local Area Commander Superintendent Stuart Wilkins claimed that Foster had been living with a male friend. Authorities did not want to comment on the allegations that Foster was running an online betting operation.

Police revealed that Peter Foster scammed investors out of more than $10 million, in an international ponzi scheme.

The man allegedly ran a betting scheme called the Sports Trading Club, conning hundreds of Australian families. According to online gambling news, Foster told investors that he could make them a fortune through the sports betting site, an operation he ran from a hideout located in the Byron Bay area.

Using the alias Mark Hughes, the conman tricked his victims into giving him millions of dollars. Newspapers said he had raked in more than $10 million in the last few months alone, and he spent part of his illegal income on a yacht.

Police found several computers in Foster’s home office, as well as multiple mobile phones registered to different names. The equipment was all part of the plot.

The Age: Peter Foster implicated in international betting scam

Hundreds of investors could lose millions in an international betting scheme run by Peter Foster, following the notorious conman’s dramatic arrest at a luxury property near Byron Bay. The man was hiding from Australian authorities and it is believed he operated the Sports Trading Club from his hiding place.

Police raided his house on Tuesday afternoon and found six mobile phones, as well as several computers in his home office. Foster tried to flee but crashed into a neighbour’s fence and got tackled by a police officer. He allegedly tried to grab the officer’s gun and was charged with assaulting him.

The betting syndicate has offices in London, Sydney and Hong Kong, but Foster’s hideout is said to have played a key role in the operation. Sports Trading Club takes investments between $50,000 and $250,000 and places bets on sports scores, in major events around the world.

In June, the company’s UK communication manager, Patrick McMahon, told reporters that investors had received a 1900% return since January 2013. “We don’t gamble, we trade,” he said. “We make money out of other peoples’ mistakes. When one side gambles and the other trades, it is like owning the casino.”

In July, the trading company said it had gained $150 million by backing Germany to win the FIFA World Cup. It also scored a “multi-million-dollar win” by betting against Serena Williams and Novac Djokovic at the Australian Open.

Brisbane Times: Conman Peter Foster tracked for a month before arrest

Serial conman Peter Foster spent more than a year on the run before police finally arrested him in his hideout near Byron Bay. The conman had been wanted since September last year, when he failed to show up for his court date at Brisbane Federal Court. The judge found him guilty of contempt of court.

NSW Superintendent Stuart Wilkins told reporters: “We had information from the last month or so he was in and around the Byron Bay area but not a specific location so this is a good result all round. As the result of excellent community consultation and a group of people working together this person has been arrested and will be now going before courts.”

Foster, 52, is known for a series of weight loss product scams, including a nasal spray called Sensaslim. His most recent appearance in court was for breaching a previous order to stop selling these products. Over the past year, the man had been telling the media that he was in Fiji, even sending photos of himself relaxing in a chair and reading a newspaper printed in Fiji.

The police said they were not sure how long he had been hiding at the Ewingsdale property where he was caught and arrested this week. He was chased by local detectives and a TV camera crew before being tackled.

He was charged with assaulting police officers and resisting arrest, but Detective Senior Constable Gary Sheehan told reporters: “He did show a great deal of concern about his mother…but other than that he was quite cooperative. He was very cooperative, quite remorseful and, in fact, he actually apologized to me in the courtroom.”

Daily Telegraph: Con man Peter Foster pleads guilty to assault after grabbing detective’s gun

While authorities have their doubts about Peter Foster’s claim of looking after his ailing mother, the conman pleaded guilty of assaulting detectives during his arrest at Byron Bay. He was transported to the Arthur Gorrie prison in Brisbane.

Foster blamed his actions on the news crew’s “Rambo style” pursuit, and his solicitor said he had been “confused” after attempting to run away from the cameras and escape through a back gate.

“He had an adrenaline rush. He wanted to get away from the film crew,” solicitor Terry Fisher explained.

According to Fisher, Foster had been looking after his mother and living the life of a “monk” for the past 11 months. “He has effectively been living like a monk. He should have just blended in with the locals (in northern NSW). The fact that he’s separated from his mother is causing him a great deal of pain. That is ffecting him quite deeply,” he added.

On the other hand, Tweed-Byron Local Area Commander Superintendent Stuart Wilkins claimed that Foster had been living with a male friend. Authorities did not want to comment on the allegations that Foster was running an online betting operation.

A federal judge intervened to temporarily block New Jersey’s plans to allow sports betting at the state’s racetrack and casinos.

State lawmakers have been trying to find ways to bring sports betting to New Jersey for years, but it looks like all attempts are destined to fail. A few weeks ago, officials passed a bill allowing licensed casinos and racetracks to accept wagers.

After Governor Chris Christie signed the document into law and Monmouth Park said it was ready to start taking bets last Sunday, professional sports leagues challenged the decision in court, asking the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent this from happening.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp decided to grant the request made by the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other sports groups, but did not rule on the merits of the issue yet. A full hearing will be scheduled in the future.

A spokesman for Christie emphasized that the restraining order is temporary and added: “We continue to have full confidence in the strength and appropriateness of our position as we move forward in the litigation.”

USA Today: Judge: New Jersey can’t launch sports betting

Latest gambling news announce that a federal judge decided not to allow casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to start taking sports bets. In his ruling late Friday, US District Court Judge Michael Shipp put in place a temporary restraining order to prevent state operators from offering such services last week.

Monmouth Park was planning on giving its bookmaking operations a test run on Sunday, when it would have accepted bets on NFL games, but the court said Governor Chris Christie can’t launch sports betting in the state for now.

Monmouth Park officials were expecting about 10,000 people to rush to the track this Sunday to bet on Jets-Bills, Eagles-Cardinals, as well as on other NFL games. The track was going to open as early as 7 am, in order to allow visitors to place wagers on the Lions-Falcons game played in London at 9:30 am E.T.

But the NFL and other American sports leagues have filed a complaint asking the judge to stop state operators from taking bets immediately, invoking a 1992 federal law restricting sports betting to Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.

A final decision will be made only after a full hearing, but for now the judge has issued a restraining order stopping Monmouth Park from going ahead with its plans. Attorneys representing the racetrack have argued that the business won’t survive without this new source of revenue.

NESN: Judge Grants Leagues’ Request, Stops N.J. Sports Betting Temporarily

Following a request from four major professional sports leagues and the NCAA, a federal judge issued a restraining order preventing New Jersey operators from taking sports bets for now. The request was made by the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, who went to court over a new bill signed by Governor Chris Christie, allowing casinos and racetracks in the state to offer betting services.

Under current gambling laws, Nevada is the only state allowed to offer betting on individual games at local bookmakers. Delaware also offers multi-game parlay pools, requiring players to pick several games correctly before winning any money.

“More legal gambling leads to more total gambling, which in turns leads to an increased incentive to fix plaintiffs’ matches,” Shipp said in court last Friday, adding that sports betting in New Jersey “would engender the same ills” that lawmakers sought to combat when they came up with the 1992 federal law.

Attorneys representing the sports organizations have argued that the leagues would suffer irreparable harm if such offers were available in the state. The lawsuit will proceed and the court will schedule a full hearing, but Shipp said a temporary restraining order was necessary to make sure that the matter is properly debated in court first.

Wall Street Journal: Judge Blocks Bid to Legalize Sports Betting in New Jersey

A previous attempt to overturn the sports betting ban and allow New Jersey players to bet on sports failed, and officials are not sure what will happen next. For now, Nevada continues to remain the only state where sports betting is fully legal. Delaware has a few similar operations, but the state only offers multi-game parlay pools.

While Atlantic City casinos said they would wait for the judge’s decision before starting any bookmaking operations, Monmouth Park Racetrack had originally planned to begin sports betting this weekend. The venue’s plans were put on hold by the restraining order.

Dennis Drazin, the operator of Monmouth Park, wrote in a recent statement: “While we are disappointed not to be able to start this Sunday, we are confident that sports betting will be coming to New Jersey in the very near future.”

While preventing the racetrack from starting its new operations, Judge Shipp also requested the five plaintiffs to put up a $1.7 million bond, to cover New Jersey’s potential revenue losses should the state eventually win the argument. The judge also said the temporary restraining order only applies to sports scores at events run by the four leagues and the NCAA.

A federal judge intervened to temporarily block New Jersey’s plans to allow sports betting at the state’s racetrack and casinos.

State lawmakers have been trying to find ways to bring sports betting to New Jersey for years, but it looks like all attempts are destined to fail. A few weeks ago, officials passed a bill allowing licensed casinos and racetracks to accept wagers.

After Governor Chris Christie signed the document into law and Monmouth Park said it was ready to start taking bets last Sunday, professional sports leagues challenged the decision in court, asking the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent this from happening.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp decided to grant the request made by the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other sports groups, but did not rule on the merits of the issue yet. A full hearing will be scheduled in the future.

A spokesman for Christie emphasized that the restraining order is temporary and added: “We continue to have full confidence in the strength and appropriateness of our position as we move forward in the litigation.”

USA Today: Judge: New Jersey can’t launch sports betting

Latest gambling news announce that a federal judge decided not to allow casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to start taking sports bets. In his ruling late Friday, US District Court Judge Michael Shipp put in place a temporary restraining order to prevent state operators from offering such services last week.

Monmouth Park was planning on giving its bookmaking operations a test run on Sunday, when it would have accepted bets on NFL games, but the court said Governor Chris Christie can’t launch sports betting in the state for now.

Monmouth Park officials were expecting about 10,000 people to rush to the track this Sunday to bet on Jets-Bills, Eagles-Cardinals, as well as on other NFL games. The track was going to open as early as 7 am, in order to allow visitors to place wagers on the Lions-Falcons game played in London at 9:30 am E.T.

But the NFL and other American sports leagues have filed a complaint asking the judge to stop state operators from taking bets immediately, invoking a 1992 federal law restricting sports betting to Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.

A final decision will be made only after a full hearing, but for now the judge has issued a restraining order stopping Monmouth Park from going ahead with its plans. Attorneys representing the racetrack have argued that the business won’t survive without this new source of revenue.

NESN: Judge Grants Leagues’ Request, Stops N.J. Sports Betting Temporarily

Following a request from four major professional sports leagues and the NCAA, a federal judge issued a restraining order preventing New Jersey operators from taking sports bets for now. The request was made by the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, who went to court over a new bill signed by Governor Chris Christie, allowing casinos and racetracks in the state to offer betting services.

Under current gambling laws, Nevada is the only state allowed to offer betting on individual games at local bookmakers. Delaware also offers multi-game parlay pools, requiring players to pick several games correctly before winning any money.

“More legal gambling leads to more total gambling, which in turns leads to an increased incentive to fix plaintiffs’ matches,” Shipp said in court last Friday, adding that sports betting in New Jersey “would engender the same ills” that lawmakers sought to combat when they came up with the 1992 federal law.

Attorneys representing the sports organizations have argued that the leagues would suffer irreparable harm if such offers were available in the state. The lawsuit will proceed and the court will schedule a full hearing, but Shipp said a temporary restraining order was necessary to make sure that the matter is properly debated in court first.

Wall Street Journal: Judge Blocks Bid to Legalize Sports Betting in New Jersey

A previous attempt to overturn the sports betting ban and allow New Jersey players to bet on sports failed, and officials are not sure what will happen next. For now, Nevada continues to remain the only state where sports betting is fully legal. Delaware has a few similar operations, but the state only offers multi-game parlay pools.

While Atlantic City casinos said they would wait for the judge’s decision before starting any bookmaking operations, Monmouth Park Racetrack had originally planned to begin sports betting this weekend. The venue’s plans were put on hold by the restraining order.

Dennis Drazin, the operator of Monmouth Park, wrote in a recent statement: “While we are disappointed not to be able to start this Sunday, we are confident that sports betting will be coming to New Jersey in the very near future.”

While preventing the racetrack from starting its new operations, Judge Shipp also requested the five plaintiffs to put up a $1.7 million bond, to cover New Jersey’s potential revenue losses should the state eventually win the argument. The judge also said the temporary restraining order only applies to sports scores at events run by the four leagues and the NCAA.

New Jersey residents might have to wait a while longer before they can place bets on sports and horse races in the state.

With Governor Chris Christie approving a new gambling bill and rumors of the Taj Mahal closing later in November, New Jersey continues to be at the centre of attention in the US. At the end of last week, state authorities gave casinos and racetracks the green light to start accepting bets, but professional sports leagues have challenged the decision in court.

Monmouth Park is prepared to start taking bets at the racetrack this Sunday, but punters might have to wait a while longer because the country’s four professional sports leagues and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have filed a lawsuit on Monday, seeking a temporary injunction to stop local gambling venues from opening sports books.

On the other hand, industry representatives argue that allowing sports betting in the state could help thousands of former Atlantic City casino employees find a new job.

NY Times: Sports Betting in New Jersey Is Challenged

For a while now, New Jersey has been trying to come up with ways to circumvent a 1992 federal law banning state regulators from handing out sports betting licenses. Last week, an important step has been taken in that direction after Governor Chris Christie signed the new gambling law partially repealing the statewide sports wagering ban. But then came the bad news: professional leagues are seeking an injunction from Judge Michael A. Shipp of Federal District Court.

New Jersey’s first sports book is schedules to have a soft opening this Sunday at Monmouth Park. The racetrack’s operators said they’re planning to have 10 tellers take bets, only on the National Football League for now, all by hand. Both the track’s managers and state leaders expect thousands of people lining up to place their bets on football Sundays.

Dennis Drazin, a legal adviser for Monmouth Park, told reporters: “As we speak, we are geared up to start taking bets.” Lawyers representing the NCAA, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball declined to make any comments at this point.

The challenge argues that New Jersey has tried this trick three years ago, when attempts to legalize gambling on amateur and professional sports failed. “Because this effort is no more lawful than New Jersey’s past ones, it, too, should be enjoined,” lawyers wrote in the complaint.

On the other hand, State Senator Raymond J. Lesniak said: “I have a hard time believing that a judge will determine that the leagues can prove they can be irreparably damaged by Monmouth racetrack’s taking bets, when people are betting every single day legally in Nevada,” adding that sports associations are looking to secure a monopoly.

USA Today: NFL, other leagues move to stop N.J. sports betting plan

In the complained filed earlier this week, the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and the NCAA said New Jersey was “in clear and flagrant violation of federal law.” Attorneys representing the leagues are expected to ask the judge for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction, to prevent local businesses from taking bets.

According to track consultant Dennis Drazin, Monmouth Park is planning to take bets on sports scores as early as October 26, during the Jets-Bills game, as well as for other NFL match-ups scheduled for Sunday. The operator is likely to add a $100 bet limit for the first day. Records will initially be kept by hand, and the track expects 5,000 customers to rush to the bookies this Sunday.

“We won’t be able to have everything set up electronically for 3 or 4 weeks,” Drazin explained. “My own take on this is the people have been clamoring for this for so long that we want to introduce them to it even if you can’t do it full scale just yet.’”

Legal analysts said it’s hard to predict if all this will actually happen on Sunday.

“The leagues loaded up their complaint with buzzwords to paint a picture of immediate and irreparable harm to the plaintiffs if bets start being taken, and they’ve won injunctive relief in the past,” gaming attorney Christopher Soriano said.

According to Drazin, the track could earn as much as $1 billion per year from sports betting, giving the state’s gambling industry a much needed boost.

Philadelphia Business Journal: Hundreds file for unemployment after casino closures

Atlantic City saw its last wave of casino workers filing for unemployment at the beginning of September, following the closure of two casinos over Labor Day weekend. More than 5,000 employees lost their jobs in the process.

An assistance center was set up at the Atlantic City Convention Center, and officials from the state Department of Labor and union representatives from Local 54 of Unite-HERE were there to offer them help in filing for unemployment. They were also given information on how to sign up for health insurance.

“We’re working every day to create solutions,” Mayor Don Guardian told reporters. “As a city that cares about its residents first, we want you to know what steps we’re taking to assist in transitioning individuals losing jobs.”

Officials added that laid-off workers would be getting all the necessary training “to help ensure [they] have a smooth, quick transition to new employment.”

Job-training initiatives will be held at the Atlantic Cape Community College, aiming to train up to 1,200 employees every year. Officials plan to open a job placement center by October, assisting all Atlantic City residents.

Atlantic City started the year with 12 casinos, but their number has dropped to just eight by mid-September.

New Jersey residents might have to wait a while longer before they can place bets on sports and horse races in the state.

With Governor Chris Christie approving a new gambling bill and rumors of the Taj Mahal closing later in November, New Jersey continues to be at the centre of attention in the US. At the end of last week, state authorities gave casinos and racetracks the green light to start accepting bets, but professional sports leagues have challenged the decision in court.

Monmouth Park is prepared to start taking bets at the racetrack this Sunday, but punters might have to wait a while longer because the country’s four professional sports leagues and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have filed a lawsuit on Monday, seeking a temporary injunction to stop local gambling venues from opening sports books.

On the other hand, industry representatives argue that allowing sports betting in the state could help thousands of former Atlantic City casino employees find a new job.

NY Times: Sports Betting in New Jersey Is Challenged

For a while now, New Jersey has been trying to come up with ways to circumvent a 1992 federal law banning state regulators from handing out sports betting licenses. Last week, an important step has been taken in that direction after Governor Chris Christie signed the new gambling law partially repealing the statewide sports wagering ban. But then came the bad news: professional leagues are seeking an injunction from Judge Michael A. Shipp of Federal District Court.

New Jersey’s first sports book is schedules to have a soft opening this Sunday at Monmouth Park. The racetrack’s operators said they’re planning to have 10 tellers take bets, only on the National Football League for now, all by hand. Both the track’s managers and state leaders expect thousands of people lining up to place their bets on football Sundays.

Dennis Drazin, a legal adviser for Monmouth Park, told reporters: “As we speak, we are geared up to start taking bets.” Lawyers representing the NCAA, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball declined to make any comments at this point.

The challenge argues that New Jersey has tried this trick three years ago, when attempts to legalize gambling on amateur and professional sports failed. “Because this effort is no more lawful than New Jersey’s past ones, it, too, should be enjoined,” lawyers wrote in the complaint.

On the other hand, State Senator Raymond J. Lesniak said: “I have a hard time believing that a judge will determine that the leagues can prove they can be irreparably damaged by Monmouth racetrack’s taking bets, when people are betting every single day legally in Nevada,” adding that sports associations are looking to secure a monopoly.

USA Today: NFL, other leagues move to stop N.J. sports betting plan

In the complained filed earlier this week, the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and the NCAA said New Jersey was “in clear and flagrant violation of federal law.” Attorneys representing the leagues are expected to ask the judge for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction, to prevent local businesses from taking bets.

According to track consultant Dennis Drazin, Monmouth Park is planning to take bets on sports scores as early as October 26, during the Jets-Bills game, as well as for other NFL match-ups scheduled for Sunday. The operator is likely to add a $100 bet limit for the first day. Records will initially be kept by hand, and the track expects 5,000 customers to rush to the bookies this Sunday.

“We won’t be able to have everything set up electronically for 3 or 4 weeks,” Drazin explained. “My own take on this is the people have been clamoring for this for so long that we want to introduce them to it even if you can’t do it full scale just yet.’”

Legal analysts said it’s hard to predict if all this will actually happen on Sunday.

“The leagues loaded up their complaint with buzzwords to paint a picture of immediate and irreparable harm to the plaintiffs if bets start being taken, and they’ve won injunctive relief in the past,” gaming attorney Christopher Soriano said.

According to Drazin, the track could earn as much as $1 billion per year from sports betting, giving the state’s gambling industry a much needed boost.

Philadelphia Business Journal: Hundreds file for unemployment after casino closures

Atlantic City saw its last wave of casino workers filing for unemployment at the beginning of September, following the closure of two casinos over Labor Day weekend. More than 5,000 employees lost their jobs in the process.

An assistance center was set up at the Atlantic City Convention Center, and officials from the state Department of Labor and union representatives from Local 54 of Unite-HERE were there to offer them help in filing for unemployment. They were also given information on how to sign up for health insurance.

“We’re working every day to create solutions,” Mayor Don Guardian told reporters. “As a city that cares about its residents first, we want you to know what steps we’re taking to assist in transitioning individuals losing jobs.”

Officials added that laid-off workers would be getting all the necessary training “to help ensure [they] have a smooth, quick transition to new employment.”

Job-training initiatives will be held at the Atlantic Cape Community College, aiming to train up to 1,200 employees every year. Officials plan to open a job placement center by October, assisting all Atlantic City residents.

Atlantic City started the year with 12 casinos, but their number has dropped to just eight by mid-September.

The UK Government will move forward with its plan to tax remote gambling companies who cater to British players.

The court has given the British Government the green light to implement its new gambling laws. The decision comes after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association challenged the government’s new licensing and taxation policies in court, hoping to receive approval to continue catering to British players remotely, without actually paying taxes in the UK.

For several years now, top gambling operators – including big names like William Hill, Ladbrokes or bet365 – have been running their online casinos and betting services from places like Gibraltar, Malta or Isle of Man. These offshore jurisdictions have much lower taxes than the UK, allowing gambling companies to pocket millions of pounds that would normally go to the British government.

The industry has been preparing for the big tax change, which is expected to cost it around GBP300 million a year, but the move has also caused share prices to drop. British bookmaker William Hill saw its shares fall 3.3%, while Ladbrokes shares dropped more than 4% following the court’s decision.

Reuters: RPT- Court clears Britain to take tighter control of online gambling

In order to tighten controls on the online betting industry, the British Government will require all internet gambling companies to obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission before providing their services on the local market.

With the new license comes an additional 15% tax on online profits made from bets placed by UK-based customers, which is scheduled to come into force on December 1. As of March 2015, bookmakers will also pay 20 to 25% more on lucrative high stakes gambling machines. It is estimated that this tax increase will cost betting companies around GBP75 million a year.

As for the new gambling act, officials had initially set the deadline for October 1, but were forced to postpone the measures until November 1 after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) challenged them in court, claiming they contravened European laws guaranteeing free movement of services.

Judge Nicholas Green dismissed the appeal on Friday, saying: “Parliament was clearly within its rights to act as it did.”

“We remain concerned the UK regulator will find it difficult to hold companies to account in jurisdictions outside of the EU where it has no legal powers and common legal framework or culture,” the GBGA wrote in a statement.

Critics argue that the new regulations will result in unlicensed operators offering better odds on sports scores, thus encouraging gamblers to turn to illegal websites, which offer no consumer protection.

GBGA: “Unlawful’” Gambling Law Poses “New Danger” for Consumers

Earlier in June, the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) raised a few issues regarding the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, labeling it as “unlawful”, and claiming that it “threatens the safety of consumers online.”

The new regime will require the UK Gambling Commission to police the online industry worldwide, which will be very difficult. GBGA chief Peter Howitt believes that the new law, combined with planned tax changes, will cause local players to migrate to the unregulated market.

“This is bad for UK consumers, bad for the regulated industry, bad for Gibraltar and is in breach of European law, but fantastic news for operators who choose to avoid proper regulation,” he said in a statement.

“We know of no precedent where any regulator in any industry will be granted the role of licensing and regulating operators all over the world in this way, threatening to criminalize companies and people who fail to submit to its regime. This is plainly unworkable.”

In addition to being “unlawful” and “unworkable”, the new law is also “unnecessary”, the association said. Gibraltar has one of the world’s most effective regulatory regimes and would continue to be responsible for its gambling industry, but it would also have to share information with the UK regulator on a formal basis.

In a statement released by the GBGA, the association’s lawyers added: “All this Act achieves is a wholly unjustified, disproportionate and discriminatory interference with the right to free movement of services, a right enshrined in European Law.”

Gaming Intelligence: Pinnacle Sports to shut down UK operations

Curaçao-licensed betting operator Pinnacle Sports announced that it will withdraw from the UK market. The company decided to stop catering to British players after the Government announced it was introducing tighter regulations under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.

At the beginning of September, the company sent a notification to all its customers, announcing it will shut down its UK operations from September 30th. Apart from withdrawals, all account functions have been disabled starting September 30. The restriction applies to subscribers who have listed UK as their place of residence, in their account details.

“Amendments to the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act come into force on October 1st, 2014 requiring all companies that advertise or provide gambling services to British residents to obtain a license from the British Gambling Commission,” the betting operator explained in a statement.

Pinnacle is just one of the many online gambling operators who chose to withdraw from the British market due to the 15% point of consumption tax. The list also includes SBOBet and 12BET, both licensed in Isle of Man, and Gibraltar-based Mansion casino.

The UK Government will move forward with its plan to tax remote gambling companies who cater to British players.

The court has given the British Government the green light to implement its new gambling laws. The decision comes after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association challenged the government’s new licensing and taxation policies in court, hoping to receive approval to continue catering to British players remotely, without actually paying taxes in the UK.

For several years now, top gambling operators – including big names like William Hill, Ladbrokes or bet365 – have been running their online casinos and betting services from places like Gibraltar, Malta or Isle of Man. These offshore jurisdictions have much lower taxes than the UK, allowing gambling companies to pocket millions of pounds that would normally go to the British government.

The industry has been preparing for the big tax change, which is expected to cost it around GBP300 million a year, but the move has also caused share prices to drop. British bookmaker William Hill saw its shares fall 3.3%, while Ladbrokes shares dropped more than 4% following the court’s decision.

Reuters: RPT- Court clears Britain to take tighter control of online gambling

In order to tighten controls on the online betting industry, the British Government will require all internet gambling companies to obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission before providing their services on the local market.

With the new license comes an additional 15% tax on online profits made from bets placed by UK-based customers, which is scheduled to come into force on December 1. As of March 2015, bookmakers will also pay 20 to 25% more on lucrative high stakes gambling machines. It is estimated that this tax increase will cost betting companies around GBP75 million a year.

As for the new gambling act, officials had initially set the deadline for October 1, but were forced to postpone the measures until November 1 after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) challenged them in court, claiming they contravened European laws guaranteeing free movement of services.

Judge Nicholas Green dismissed the appeal on Friday, saying: “Parliament was clearly within its rights to act as it did.”

“We remain concerned the UK regulator will find it difficult to hold companies to account in jurisdictions outside of the EU where it has no legal powers and common legal framework or culture,” the GBGA wrote in a statement.

Critics argue that the new regulations will result in unlicensed operators offering better odds on sports scores, thus encouraging gamblers to turn to illegal websites, which offer no consumer protection.

GBGA: “Unlawful’” Gambling Law Poses “New Danger” for Consumers

Earlier in June, the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) raised a few issues regarding the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, labeling it as “unlawful”, and claiming that it “threatens the safety of consumers online.”

The new regime will require the UK Gambling Commission to police the online industry worldwide, which will be very difficult. GBGA chief Peter Howitt believes that the new law, combined with planned tax changes, will cause local players to migrate to the unregulated market.

“This is bad for UK consumers, bad for the regulated industry, bad for Gibraltar and is in breach of European law, but fantastic news for operators who choose to avoid proper regulation,” he said in a statement.

“We know of no precedent where any regulator in any industry will be granted the role of licensing and regulating operators all over the world in this way, threatening to criminalize companies and people who fail to submit to its regime. This is plainly unworkable.”

In addition to being “unlawful” and “unworkable”, the new law is also “unnecessary”, the association said. Gibraltar has one of the world’s most effective regulatory regimes and would continue to be responsible for its gambling industry, but it would also have to share information with the UK regulator on a formal basis.

In a statement released by the GBGA, the association’s lawyers added: “All this Act achieves is a wholly unjustified, disproportionate and discriminatory interference with the right to free movement of services, a right enshrined in European Law.”

Gaming Intelligence: Pinnacle Sports to shut down UK operations

Curaçao-licensed betting operator Pinnacle Sports announced that it will withdraw from the UK market. The company decided to stop catering to British players after the Government announced it was introducing tighter regulations under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.

At the beginning of September, the company sent a notification to all its customers, announcing it will shut down its UK operations from September 30th. Apart from withdrawals, all account functions have been disabled starting September 30. The restriction applies to subscribers who have listed UK as their place of residence, in their account details.

“Amendments to the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act come into force on October 1st, 2014 requiring all companies that advertise or provide gambling services to British residents to obtain a license from the British Gambling Commission,” the betting operator explained in a statement.

Pinnacle is just one of the many online gambling operators who chose to withdraw from the British market due to the 15% point of consumption tax. The list also includes SBOBet and 12BET, both licensed in Isle of Man, and Gibraltar-based Mansion casino.

Pro boxer Floyd Mayweather flaunts his winnings on Instagram, after betting large amounts of money on the Seahawks and the Colts.

Floyd Mayweather is certainly one of the luckiest punters out there. The man has won $105 million over the past year by betting on sports scores. He began the week by adding almost $1 million to his total winnings, after placing a lot of money on the Seahawks and on the Colts.

The professional boxer took the opportunity to show off his latest winnings on social media after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins 27-17 in a messy game with a total of 16 penalties. A photo of Mayweathear’s lucky betting ticket was posted on Instagram.

“I bet $220,000.00 on the World Champion Seattle Seahawks (Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman) and walked away with $420,000.00,” the boxer wrote.

CBS Sports: Floyd Mayweather wins $200K betting Seahawks on Monday night

Mayweather came dangerously close to losing this wager. If it hadn’t been for Russell Wilson’s ridiculous play, the boxer’s bet would have most likely ended up in a push, where he wouldn’t have won (nor lost) anything.

A late move pushed the score to 27-17 instead of 24-17, which wouldn’t have turned out so great for Mayweather. And the Seahawks got a late field goal after Wilson passed to Marshawn Lynch. This was the pass that helped the boxer win the wager.

A notorious punter well-known for betting huge amounts of money – and scoring even larger prizes – had also posted a betting slip proving that he won $685,714 by putting money on the Colts in Week 3. That wager happened three weeks ago, when the Colts played against the Jaguars.

Washington Post: Redskins-Seahawks best and worst

The Washington Post has compiled a “best and worst moments” article from the game on Monday night, where the Redskins lost 27-17 to the Seahawks at FedEx Field.

Among the best moments of the game, the newspaper highlighted the game-clincher in the fourth quarter, when Russell Wilson was pursued by three defenders and Washington’s running backs carried 15 times for 28 yards. Ryan Kerrigan is mentioned as best defender, and Kirk Cousins’ 60-yard pass to DeSean Jackson is said to be the best long pass play.

The worst record in prime time goes to the Redskins. Since Joe Gibbs retired the second time, the Redskins are 3-17 in prime-time games, the newspaper argues. It also mentions the team’s four losses as “worst stats”. That’s how many losses the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants have, combined.

There’s a “worst challenge success rate” award too, which goes out to Jay Gruden who is now 0 for 5 in challenges as an NFL head coach.

Daily News: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. earns $1.8 million betting on Colts, Seahawks

In other recent gambling news, Floyd Mayweather added another $1.8 million to his fortune, which is estimated at $280 million. The boxing champion placed a wager on the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks to win by more than seven points and won.

“I bet $720,000.00 and I walked away with $1,405,714.28. When you’re betting on Andrew, it’s never Luck,” he wrote on Instagram, where he attached a photo of a ticket stub dated 9-21-14. That was the day when the Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars by 44-17.

Mayweather was recently mentioned among the top-earning athletes, on a list put together by Forbes Magazine. He made $105 million in his last two fights alone. The boxer never misses a chance to flaunt his wealthy lifestyle in public, and he usually does it through Instagram.

Those who follow him know that he frequently posts pictures of cash, although his favorite “prizes” often include expensive watches, cars or even women.

Independent: Super Bowl 2014: Floyd Mayweather denies placing $10.4m bet on the Denver Broncos after Seattle Seahawks crushing win

Back in February, it was rumored that Floyd Mayweather Jr had lost $10.4 million by betting on the Denver Broncos in an NFL match where the team was crushed by the Seattle Seahawks. The boxer later denied these rumors, claiming that ne never even put money on the Super Bowl match.

“For the record, I did not bet $10 million on the Broncos. As a matter of fact, I didn’t bet all,” he wrote on Instagram. “I can’t control what rumors that are put out there. Good or bad publicity keeps me relevant. The only thing I would bet $10 million on is myself. From the looks of my record, I’m a guaranteed win.”

During the previous week, pictures had emerged on social media websites showing that the athlete had placed a staggering amount of money on the Broncos. It was said that he had bet on the Peyton Manning-led team to win the season showcase.

It was then revealed that the picture had been originally posted in 2012. This information only supported Mayweather’s claims that no bet was ever made.

Pro boxer Floyd Mayweather flaunts his winnings on Instagram, after betting large amounts of money on the Seahawks and the Colts.

Floyd Mayweather is certainly one of the luckiest punters out there. The man has won $105 million over the past year by betting on sports scores. He began the week by adding almost $1 million to his total winnings, after placing a lot of money on the Seahawks and on the Colts.

The professional boxer took the opportunity to show off his latest winnings on social media after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins 27-17 in a messy game with a total of 16 penalties. A photo of Mayweathear’s lucky betting ticket was posted on Instagram.

“I bet $220,000.00 on the World Champion Seattle Seahawks (Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman) and walked away with $420,000.00,” the boxer wrote.

CBS Sports: Floyd Mayweather wins $200K betting Seahawks on Monday night

Mayweather came dangerously close to losing this wager. If it hadn’t been for Russell Wilson’s ridiculous play, the boxer’s bet would have most likely ended up in a push, where he wouldn’t have won (nor lost) anything.

A late move pushed the score to 27-17 instead of 24-17, which wouldn’t have turned out so great for Mayweather. And the Seahawks got a late field goal after Wilson passed to Marshawn Lynch. This was the pass that helped the boxer win the wager.

A notorious punter well-known for betting huge amounts of money – and scoring even larger prizes – had also posted a betting slip proving that he won $685,714 by putting money on the Colts in Week 3. That wager happened three weeks ago, when the Colts played against the Jaguars.

Washington Post: Redskins-Seahawks best and worst

The Washington Post has compiled a “best and worst moments” article from the game on Monday night, where the Redskins lost 27-17 to the Seahawks at FedEx Field.

Among the best moments of the game, the newspaper highlighted the game-clincher in the fourth quarter, when Russell Wilson was pursued by three defenders and Washington’s running backs carried 15 times for 28 yards. Ryan Kerrigan is mentioned as best defender, and Kirk Cousins’ 60-yard pass to DeSean Jackson is said to be the best long pass play.

The worst record in prime time goes to the Redskins. Since Joe Gibbs retired the second time, the Redskins are 3-17 in prime-time games, the newspaper argues. It also mentions the team’s four losses as “worst stats”. That’s how many losses the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants have, combined.

There’s a “worst challenge success rate” award too, which goes out to Jay Gruden who is now 0 for 5 in challenges as an NFL head coach.

Daily News: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. earns $1.8 million betting on Colts, Seahawks

In other recent gambling news, Floyd Mayweather added another $1.8 million to his fortune, which is estimated at $280 million. The boxing champion placed a wager on the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks to win by more than seven points and won.

“I bet $720,000.00 and I walked away with $1,405,714.28. When you’re betting on Andrew, it’s never Luck,” he wrote on Instagram, where he attached a photo of a ticket stub dated 9-21-14. That was the day when the Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars by 44-17.

Mayweather was recently mentioned among the top-earning athletes, on a list put together by Forbes Magazine. He made $105 million in his last two fights alone. The boxer never misses a chance to flaunt his wealthy lifestyle in public, and he usually does it through Instagram.

Those who follow him know that he frequently posts pictures of cash, although his favorite “prizes” often include expensive watches, cars or even women.

Independent: Super Bowl 2014: Floyd Mayweather denies placing $10.4m bet on the Denver Broncos after Seattle Seahawks crushing win

Back in February, it was rumored that Floyd Mayweather Jr had lost $10.4 million by betting on the Denver Broncos in an NFL match where the team was crushed by the Seattle Seahawks. The boxer later denied these rumors, claiming that ne never even put money on the Super Bowl match.

“For the record, I did not bet $10 million on the Broncos. As a matter of fact, I didn’t bet all,” he wrote on Instagram. “I can’t control what rumors that are put out there. Good or bad publicity keeps me relevant. The only thing I would bet $10 million on is myself. From the looks of my record, I’m a guaranteed win.”

During the previous week, pictures had emerged on social media websites showing that the athlete had placed a staggering amount of money on the Broncos. It was said that he had bet on the Peyton Manning-led team to win the season showcase.

It was then revealed that the picture had been originally posted in 2012. This information only supported Mayweather’s claims that no bet was ever made.

After rumors that Kate might be carrying twins, UK betting companies found themselves forced to change their strategy.

Less than a month after gambling news announced that bookmakers were taking bets on the name, gender and weight of the second royal baby, some companies are starting to fear they might be cleared out due to inside knowledge.

Bookmakers have become suspicious after a large number of newly opened accounts where users have placed a lot of money on Kate being pregnant with twins. While some of them have slashed the odds, but kept the option, others have suspended betting on it altogether.

On September 8, when it was confirmed that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child, odds for twins were at 20/1. But once the media spread the rumor that Kate is having twins and people rushed to the bookies to place money on it, most companies adjusted the odds in their favor.

At most online sportsbooks, wagering on two new royal babies could pay out a modest 5/2, while William Hill has decided to suspend bets entirely.

Daily Mail: All bets are orf! Insider info fears see bookmakers suspend betting on Kate giving birth to twins after surge in wagers from new accounts

The surge in baby bets started on Monday night, when William Hill initially slashed the odds on Royal twins from 20/1 to 9/1. After that, the company suspended wagers entirely. Rupert Adams, a spokesman for the company explained: “We have had a load of unexpected bets including a large number of new accounts. With any other market I would say that people know.”

Another major betting company, Coral, changed its odds from 20/1 to 10/1 and then to 8/1, in just a few weeks. The bookmaker claims it was the first one to make the change, after one customer placed a GBP1,000 bet on royal twins, at odds of 20/1.

Coral spokesman Nicola McGeady told reporters: “Since Will and Kate announced their news, all the big money has come for twins. With the gamble picking up pace overnight, we fear someone knows something we don’t.”

Ladbrokes was recently offering 8/1 and Paddy Power adjusted its offer to as low as 5/2. The odds for triplets remain at 100/1.

ParentDish: Duchess of Cambridge pregnant with twins? Betting suspended on royal baby

Newspapers have reported that the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with twins. What first sounded like unsupported gossip has started to seem highly probable, after bookmakers said they were suspecting that the large number of royal twins’ bets could mean the rumors are true.

Clarence House announced Kate’s second pregnancy on September 8, adding that she is suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme morning sickness. Bookmakers quickly added baby names to their regular sports scores offers.

Meanwhile, the internet started to spread the information that Kate must be pregnant with twins, because the medical condition is more common in multiple pregnancies. The truth is that the Duchess suffered of the same extreme morning sickness with her first baby. It is unlikely that the Palace will release any more details about whether Kate is carrying twins or not. When she was expecting Prince George, all they did was confirm the month she is due.

But just to be on the safe side, top UK bookmaker William Hill suspended wagering on the couple expecting twins on Monday, and Coral followed its example putting all royal baby betting options on hold for now.

International Business Times: Kate Middleton, Prince William To Name Royal Baby Girl After Princess Diana: Report

Newspaper have already reported that Kate Middleton and Prince William received permission to name their new child after Queen Elizabeth, but royal biographer Andrew Morton claims the pair told friends they also want to honor William’s late mother, Princess Diana.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have yet to learn the gender of their second child, but if female, she will be named Elizabeth Diana Windsor, British newspapers wrote. Morton says the couple is hoping for a girl to join their 14-month-old son, Prince George.

Morton, who is best known for his 1992 biography on Princess Diana, told reporters: “They discussed girls’ names before George was born and now they’re hoping the next one is a girl so they can carry out their wish to honor William’s mother. They’re not too thrilled at the thought it would be shortened to Princess Di but it won’t change their minds.”

The Globe cited an “inside source” saying: “They’ve already told the ailing queen that they believe it’s a girl. Like many of us, William and Kate fear the queen doesn’t have long left and want to honor her while she is still alive.”

After rumors that Kate might be carrying twins, UK betting companies found themselves forced to change their strategy.

Less than a month after gambling news announced that bookmakers were taking bets on the name, gender and weight of the second royal baby, some companies are starting to fear they might be cleared out due to inside knowledge.

Bookmakers have become suspicious after a large number of newly opened accounts where users have placed a lot of money on Kate being pregnant with twins. While some of them have slashed the odds, but kept the option, others have suspended betting on it altogether.

On September 8, when it was confirmed that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child, odds for twins were at 20/1. But once the media spread the rumor that Kate is having twins and people rushed to the bookies to place money on it, most companies adjusted the odds in their favor.

At most online sportsbooks, wagering on two new royal babies could pay out a modest 5/2, while William Hill has decided to suspend bets entirely.

Daily Mail: All bets are orf! Insider info fears see bookmakers suspend betting on Kate giving birth to twins after surge in wagers from new accounts

The surge in baby bets started on Monday night, when William Hill initially slashed the odds on Royal twins from 20/1 to 9/1. After that, the company suspended wagers entirely. Rupert Adams, a spokesman for the company explained: “We have had a load of unexpected bets including a large number of new accounts. With any other market I would say that people know.”

Another major betting company, Coral, changed its odds from 20/1 to 10/1 and then to 8/1, in just a few weeks. The bookmaker claims it was the first one to make the change, after one customer placed a GBP1,000 bet on royal twins, at odds of 20/1.

Coral spokesman Nicola McGeady told reporters: “Since Will and Kate announced their news, all the big money has come for twins. With the gamble picking up pace overnight, we fear someone knows something we don’t.”

Ladbrokes was recently offering 8/1 and Paddy Power adjusted its offer to as low as 5/2. The odds for triplets remain at 100/1.

ParentDish: Duchess of Cambridge pregnant with twins? Betting suspended on royal baby

Newspapers have reported that the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with twins. What first sounded like unsupported gossip has started to seem highly probable, after bookmakers said they were suspecting that the large number of royal twins’ bets could mean the rumors are true.

Clarence House announced Kate’s second pregnancy on September 8, adding that she is suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme morning sickness. Bookmakers quickly added baby names to their regular sports scores offers.

Meanwhile, the internet started to spread the information that Kate must be pregnant with twins, because the medical condition is more common in multiple pregnancies. The truth is that the Duchess suffered of the same extreme morning sickness with her first baby. It is unlikely that the Palace will release any more details about whether Kate is carrying twins or not. When she was expecting Prince George, all they did was confirm the month she is due.

But just to be on the safe side, top UK bookmaker William Hill suspended wagering on the couple expecting twins on Monday, and Coral followed its example putting all royal baby betting options on hold for now.

International Business Times: Kate Middleton, Prince William To Name Royal Baby Girl After Princess Diana: Report

Newspaper have already reported that Kate Middleton and Prince William received permission to name their new child after Queen Elizabeth, but royal biographer Andrew Morton claims the pair told friends they also want to honor William’s late mother, Princess Diana.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have yet to learn the gender of their second child, but if female, she will be named Elizabeth Diana Windsor, British newspapers wrote. Morton says the couple is hoping for a girl to join their 14-month-old son, Prince George.

Morton, who is best known for his 1992 biography on Princess Diana, told reporters: “They discussed girls’ names before George was born and now they’re hoping the next one is a girl so they can carry out their wish to honor William’s mother. They’re not too thrilled at the thought it would be shortened to Princess Di but it won’t change their minds.”

The Globe cited an “inside source” saying: “They’ve already told the ailing queen that they believe it’s a girl. Like many of us, William and Kate fear the queen doesn’t have long left and want to honor her while she is still alive.”

David Walsh, who owns the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, has asked for permission to open a casino.

The Tasmanian Government it now seeking advice on whether to allow the millionaire to open a gambling venue targeted at high-roller tourists. The founder of the museum is planning to build a hotel in northern Hobart, at the Berriedale site, and has recently proposed to add a small casino to the hotel.

At present, the Federal Group has monopoly on operating gambling venues in Tasmania. The company has an arrangement with the local government, giving it exclusive rights to operate casinos here for a period of 20 years. The contract is due to expire in 2018.

According to local gambling news, Walsh’s proposal is for a pokie-free gambling venue for high-rollers, with a maximum of 12 gaming tables.

The Guardian: David Walsh plans mini casino for Tasmania’s Mona

Walsh made a fortune playing card games and now he hopes to offer tourists a small gambling facility that offers his type of entertainment: high-stakes casino games. The millionaire has begun to discuss his project with stakeholders.

“I would be very happy indeed to have a little high-roller, tourist-only, no-pokie casino to be part of the Mona package,” Walsh told reporters at the Mercury newspaper.

The casino would be called Monaco and it would have no more than 12 gambling tables for wealthy international art lovers to enjoy. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened in 2011 and has built a global reputation since, helping the Tasmanian tourism sector grow. Walsh thinks visitors would get a kick out of playing blackjack in highbrow surroundings.

A casino would certainly boost the museum’s profits, but for now the Federal Group has an exclusive license to operate the state’s two gambling venues. While Walsh does not believe his business would have a negative impact on the current casino operations, he still needs government approval to implement his project.

ABC News: MONA casino plan: Tasmanian Government seeks advice on proposal for high-roller tourists

The State Government received a proposal for a high-roller, no-pokie gambling venue and is now seeking advice on whether to allow it or not. Giving Walsh the green light would break the Federal Group’s 20-year monopoly on operating casinos in Tasmania, so it’s not an easy decision. On the other hand, the company’s exclusive arrangement expires in 2018.

Mayor Stuart Slade said he was surprised by the idea, but welcomed the absence of poker machines.Federal authorities have refused to comment on the casino issue, for now.

“We do have a number of poker machines in the City of Glenorchy, and of course that would just add further to that,” Slade said. “It’s my understanding… this is for a select group of people who wish to participate in a form of gambling and pokies wouldn’t be a part of that,” he explained.

David Walsh’s museum has brought thousands of tourists to Tasmania and has helped boost the local economy. The owner of the venue has been planning to expand accommodation for a while now, but recently added a small casino to the proposal.

With or without a casino, the hotel will be a huge success, says the Tourism Industry Council’s Luke Martin.

“I think everything MONA does is absolutely cutting edge, it’s innovative, it captures attention. Ultimately what that incorporates, whether that’s a casino or business events space, MONA is within its rights to look at the options and investment,” he said.

“Whether it does incorporate something like a casino, that’s obviously got a regulatory issue and they’re going to have to pursue that with the State Government.”

The Monthly: At Home With David Walsh, The Gambler

Most people didn’t hear the name David Walsh before 2009, when the man made global headlines thanks to a strange and somewhat macabre bet he placed. It was not your usual wager, where players try to guess football sports scores or place their money on a horse; Walsh had instead put money on the life of French artist Christian Boltanski.

The Monthly describes the details of the unusual wager placed by Walsh, this mysterious figure from Tasmania. Even in his home country, people know little about him apart from the rumor that he made his fortune by gambling.

Walsh built the highly successful Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, a private art museum dedicated to sex and death. The building resembles a post-apocalyptic fortress and it opened in January 2011, becoming a major attraction for art lovers.

David Walsh, who owns the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, has asked for permission to open a casino.

The Tasmanian Government it now seeking advice on whether to allow the millionaire to open a gambling venue targeted at high-roller tourists. The founder of the museum is planning to build a hotel in northern Hobart, at the Berriedale site, and has recently proposed to add a small casino to the hotel.

At present, the Federal Group has monopoly on operating gambling venues in Tasmania. The company has an arrangement with the local government, giving it exclusive rights to operate casinos here for a period of 20 years. The contract is due to expire in 2018.

According to local gambling news, Walsh’s proposal is for a pokie-free gambling venue for high-rollers, with a maximum of 12 gaming tables.

The Guardian: David Walsh plans mini casino for Tasmania’s Mona

Walsh made a fortune playing card games and now he hopes to offer tourists a small gambling facility that offers his type of entertainment: high-stakes casino games. The millionaire has begun to discuss his project with stakeholders.

“I would be very happy indeed to have a little high-roller, tourist-only, no-pokie casino to be part of the Mona package,” Walsh told reporters at the Mercury newspaper.

The casino would be called Monaco and it would have no more than 12 gambling tables for wealthy international art lovers to enjoy. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened in 2011 and has built a global reputation since, helping the Tasmanian tourism sector grow. Walsh thinks visitors would get a kick out of playing blackjack in highbrow surroundings.

A casino would certainly boost the museum’s profits, but for now the Federal Group has an exclusive license to operate the state’s two gambling venues. While Walsh does not believe his business would have a negative impact on the current casino operations, he still needs government approval to implement his project.

ABC News: MONA casino plan: Tasmanian Government seeks advice on proposal for high-roller tourists

The State Government received a proposal for a high-roller, no-pokie gambling venue and is now seeking advice on whether to allow it or not. Giving Walsh the green light would break the Federal Group’s 20-year monopoly on operating casinos in Tasmania, so it’s not an easy decision. On the other hand, the company’s exclusive arrangement expires in 2018.

Mayor Stuart Slade said he was surprised by the idea, but welcomed the absence of poker machines.Federal authorities have refused to comment on the casino issue, for now.

“We do have a number of poker machines in the City of Glenorchy, and of course that would just add further to that,” Slade said. “It’s my understanding… this is for a select group of people who wish to participate in a form of gambling and pokies wouldn’t be a part of that,” he explained.

David Walsh’s museum has brought thousands of tourists to Tasmania and has helped boost the local economy. The owner of the venue has been planning to expand accommodation for a while now, but recently added a small casino to the proposal.

With or without a casino, the hotel will be a huge success, says the Tourism Industry Council’s Luke Martin.

“I think everything MONA does is absolutely cutting edge, it’s innovative, it captures attention. Ultimately what that incorporates, whether that’s a casino or business events space, MONA is within its rights to look at the options and investment,” he said.

“Whether it does incorporate something like a casino, that’s obviously got a regulatory issue and they’re going to have to pursue that with the State Government.”

The Monthly: At Home With David Walsh, The Gambler

Most people didn’t hear the name David Walsh before 2009, when the man made global headlines thanks to a strange and somewhat macabre bet he placed. It was not your usual wager, where players try to guess football sports scores or place their money on a horse; Walsh had instead put money on the life of French artist Christian Boltanski.

The Monthly describes the details of the unusual wager placed by Walsh, this mysterious figure from Tasmania. Even in his home country, people know little about him apart from the rumor that he made his fortune by gambling.

Walsh built the highly successful Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, a private art museum dedicated to sex and death. The building resembles a post-apocalyptic fortress and it opened in January 2011, becoming a major attraction for art lovers.

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.

Just when everyone thought Ben Affleck’s blackjack adventures were long forgotten, the actor admitted to counting cards.

Until recently, the Hollywood movie star refused to comment on rumors that suggested he was addicted to gambling. Now Ben Affleck says he wants to clear things up once and for all, offering to talk about why he was kicked out of Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, how much he gambles and what his wife Jennifer Garner has to say about it.

Yes, he counted cards when he was at the casino, he admitted; but apart from blackjack, he is not interested in betting on sports scores and doesn’t gamble “at all”. All news about him being addicted to casino games were made up, the actor added. He also denied rumors about his wife threatening to leave him because of his habit of playing blackjack.

The actor is now at the center of attention in the latest online blackjack news, after openly talking about how casinos refuse to allow good players to sit down at the blackjack table.

Daily Mail: ‘That’s all bulls***!’ Ben Affleck says wife Jennifer Garner has no plans to leave him over his gambling

Ben Affleck has recently denied what several tabloids and newspapers wrote months ago, that his wife Jennifer Gardner was at the end of her tether after he was kicked out of a Las Vegas casino for counting cards.

In a recent interview with Details magazine, the actor fumed: “See, that’s tabloid s***. That’s all bulls***. They completely lie.”

At the end of April, Ben Affleck was caught counting cards at a Las Vegas blackjack table, and tabloids suggested Jennifer was considering leaving him because he was gambling too much. However, the new Batman has assured fans that his wife is neither unhappy with their marriage of nine years, nor about to divorce him.

ABC News: Ben Affleck Admits to Counting Cards in a Casino

Referring to the incident that took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas earlier in April, when Ben Affleck was banned from the blackjack table, the 42 year-old actor had no trouble admitting that he counted cards while playing the game.

“That is true,” he told Details magazine. “I took some time to learn the game and became a decent blackjack player. And once I became decent, the casinos asked me not to play blackjack.”

“I mean the fact that being good at the game is against the rules at a casino should tell you something about a casino,” he continued. “There’s a lot of hospitality, backslapping, when they think you’re gonna come in and dump money, and if they think you might leave with some money, it’s like, ‘You know what? Why don’t you try craps or roulette?”

The actor also denied rumors suggesting he was addicted to gambling: “I get to correct the impression that there’s something wrong with it or that it demonstrates some, like, compulsive activity.”

“I don’t bet on football games, and I don’t gamble at all, really, outside of that. But I knew with blackjack that there’s a way you can improve your odds. And so I started trying to learn. And then I just got to a point in my life where I’m like, ‘If I’m going to do something, I’m going to try and do it really well.’”

While counting cards is not illegal, casinos frown upon it because the strategy helps players lower the house edge and significantly increases their chances of winning.

“I will say this: There were a number of casinos that said, ‘Hey, you can’t play blackjack here. We know you count cards. But, you know, you’re welcome to come, do whatever you want, see a show, have dinner. We’ll comp ya. Play roulette, we know you don’t play craps, but hang out, we still want your presence and business.’”

People: Ben Affleck Sets the Record Straight About Gambling Rumors

After it was reported that Ben Affleck was a problem gambler and that his wife Jennifer Garner was considering leaving him because of his bad habit, the Hollywood actor is not holding back in expressing how he feels about tabloids and the rumors they spread.

The movie star is determined to set the record straight about stories claiming that his wife Jennifer Garner was fed up with his gambling, after Affleck was reportedly banned from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“That’s tabloid s–––. That’s all bulls–––,” he told Details. “They completely lie … My only hope is that people with any common sense recognize that those stories are false.”

The 42-year-old actor clarified that he was not banned from the venue, but simply asked to refrain from playing blackjack, a game he became skilled at.

“I wish I could say they were afraid of me in every capacity. But they only said, ‘No blackjack.’ I mean, the fact that being good at the game is against the rules at the casinos should tell you something about casinos,” he added.

Furthermore, Affleck insisted that blackjack is the only casino game he plays: “I had always liked blackjack. I don’t play any other games of chance. I don’t bet on football games, and I don’t gamble at all, really, outside of that.”

Just when everyone thought Ben Affleck’s blackjack adventures were long forgotten, the actor admitted to counting cards.

Until recently, the Hollywood movie star refused to comment on rumors that suggested he was addicted to gambling. Now Ben Affleck says he wants to clear things up once and for all, offering to talk about why he was kicked out of Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, how much he gambles and what his wife Jennifer Garner has to say about it.

Yes, he counted cards when he was at the casino, he admitted; but apart from blackjack, he is not interested in betting on sports scores and doesn’t gamble “at all”. All news about him being addicted to casino games were made up, the actor added. He also denied rumors about his wife threatening to leave him because of his habit of playing blackjack.

The actor is now at the center of attention in the latest online blackjack news, after openly talking about how casinos refuse to allow good players to sit down at the blackjack table.

Daily Mail: ‘That’s all bulls***!’ Ben Affleck says wife Jennifer Garner has no plans to leave him over his gambling

Ben Affleck has recently denied what several tabloids and newspapers wrote months ago, that his wife Jennifer Gardner was at the end of her tether after he was kicked out of a Las Vegas casino for counting cards.

In a recent interview with Details magazine, the actor fumed: “See, that’s tabloid s***. That’s all bulls***. They completely lie.”

At the end of April, Ben Affleck was caught counting cards at a Las Vegas blackjack table, and tabloids suggested Jennifer was considering leaving him because he was gambling too much. However, the new Batman has assured fans that his wife is neither unhappy with their marriage of nine years, nor about to divorce him.

ABC News: Ben Affleck Admits to Counting Cards in a Casino

Referring to the incident that took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas earlier in April, when Ben Affleck was banned from the blackjack table, the 42 year-old actor had no trouble admitting that he counted cards while playing the game.

“That is true,” he told Details magazine. “I took some time to learn the game and became a decent blackjack player. And once I became decent, the casinos asked me not to play blackjack.”

“I mean the fact that being good at the game is against the rules at a casino should tell you something about a casino,” he continued. “There’s a lot of hospitality, backslapping, when they think you’re gonna come in and dump money, and if they think you might leave with some money, it’s like, ‘You know what? Why don’t you try craps or roulette?”

The actor also denied rumors suggesting he was addicted to gambling: “I get to correct the impression that there’s something wrong with it or that it demonstrates some, like, compulsive activity.”

“I don’t bet on football games, and I don’t gamble at all, really, outside of that. But I knew with blackjack that there’s a way you can improve your odds. And so I started trying to learn. And then I just got to a point in my life where I’m like, ‘If I’m going to do something, I’m going to try and do it really well.’”

While counting cards is not illegal, casinos frown upon it because the strategy helps players lower the house edge and significantly increases their chances of winning.

“I will say this: There were a number of casinos that said, ‘Hey, you can’t play blackjack here. We know you count cards. But, you know, you’re welcome to come, do whatever you want, see a show, have dinner. We’ll comp ya. Play roulette, we know you don’t play craps, but hang out, we still want your presence and business.’”

People: Ben Affleck Sets the Record Straight About Gambling Rumors

After it was reported that Ben Affleck was a problem gambler and that his wife Jennifer Garner was considering leaving him because of his bad habit, the Hollywood actor is not holding back in expressing how he feels about tabloids and the rumors they spread.

The movie star is determined to set the record straight about stories claiming that his wife Jennifer Garner was fed up with his gambling, after Affleck was reportedly banned from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“That’s tabloid s–––. That’s all bulls–––,” he told Details. “They completely lie … My only hope is that people with any common sense recognize that those stories are false.”

The 42-year-old actor clarified that he was not banned from the venue, but simply asked to refrain from playing blackjack, a game he became skilled at.

“I wish I could say they were afraid of me in every capacity. But they only said, ‘No blackjack.’ I mean, the fact that being good at the game is against the rules at the casinos should tell you something about casinos,” he added.

Furthermore, Affleck insisted that blackjack is the only casino game he plays: “I had always liked blackjack. I don’t play any other games of chance. I don’t bet on football games, and I don’t gamble at all, really, outside of that.”