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Popularity Of Internet Gambling Continues To Rise
Advancements in technology have sparked a major growth in the online gambling industry over the past few years.
This appears set to continue, with further increases of 10% per year and figures accounting for almost half of all gambling revenues within three years reportedly achievable.
Online gambling is big success because of the wide range of games it offers and the convenience of playing without any location restrictions.
We take a look at three of the top emerging trends in the online gambling industry.
USA ready to roll the dice online
The online gambling industry has enjoyed a massive boom in Europe in recent times and the United States now looks set to join the party.
There have been laws aimed at stopping online gambling in the USA, but the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn the federal ban on sports betting should change the landscape forever.
Operators such as Virgin Casino can now look at ways it can expand its offering and provide other betting products to its American customers.
Land-based casino operators have argued they would lose revenue to the online gambling industry, yet the opposite has already proved to be the case in New Jersey and it is expected that the same will happen across the country.
Interest in eSports still rising
Digital research firm Superdata recently reported that the worldwide eSports market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2017 and the figure is expected to rise further.
More online gambling operators are including an eSports offering in their services, giving them access to new groups of customers.
Games such as Counterstrike and League of Legends have built huge followings in recent times, with players able to secure massive returns and the genre attracting big live audiences.
Virtual sports such as horse racing, greyhounds and motor sports are already hugely popular online and eSports seem sure to have an increasing impact on the gambling industry over the next few years.
Step “inside” with Virtual reality
Virtual reality (VR) offers players the chance to spend a long weekend playing their favourite games “inside” their favourite casinos around the world.
A VR-ready computer and a suitable headset enables the user to travel into a virtual space full of possibilities. It is even possible for players to look out of VR casino windows and view the outside world in stunning detail.
With a real live environment, where the player can chat with both the dealer and other players, VR opens up a world of opportunities for the user.
5 Versions Of Blackjack Worth Playing Online
Blackjack is one of the most popular games you can play at an online casino.
The aim of the game is to get as close to the number 21 as possible, without going over that figure. If the dealer’s number is over 21, or you get closer to 21 than the dealer, you win ñ it’s that easy!
Online blackjack is just like the game found in real-life casinos, although there are many different versions available.
The basic rules are generally the same, with some minor variations in each which you should learn before playing.
Read on to find out more about the most popular types of online blackjack.
Classic Blackjack
Traditional or classic blackjack is a great place to start playing the game at sites such as the meadows casino.
It can be played with just one or up to eight decks of cards. You and the dealer are both dealt two cards each – one of the cards is face down for the dealer. This is known as the hole card.
You win the hand if the card total is equal to 21 and also higher than what the dealer has in their hand. If your card total is over 21, you have bust and your hand is a loser.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip is one of the most widely played types of online blackjack. This is an American version of blackjack, which allows the dealer to peek at his hole card. The dealer must stand on the soft 17.
Played with four decks, doubling down is allowed after splitting the aces. Player can re-split the cards up to three times.
European Blackjack
The European version of online blackjack is played with two decks. The two cards dealt to the players are face up, while one card is dealt face up to the dealer.
Their hole card is not dealt until the player makes a decision on how to play their cards. It can be to split, hit, stand or double the cards. You can also double down for a hand whose total equals 9, 10 or 11.
Live Blackjack
Experience the thrill of visiting a real-life casino without leaving the comfort of your own home by playing online blackjack with live dealers.
It’s just like playing right at the table, with the rules the same as the traditional version of the game, and is a great way to unwind after work.
Progressive Blackjack
This is similar to traditional blackjack, but with the difference that it allows the player a chance to win an increasing jackpot.
There is an additional single unit bet, which has to be placed to win the progressive jackpot.
All the other rules are the same, except for slight variations in when the cards can be doubled, split, hit or stand.
The Biggest Party Cities To Travel To
If you’re keen to experience some of the best parties in the world, simply continue reading in order to discover some of the biggest party cities, which are well worth adding your bucket list.
The Biggest Party Cities To Travel To:
1. Berlin, Germany
If your idea of the perfect vacation involves dancing to house music and techno music, get ready to plan a whirlwind trip to Berlin, which is the ultimate party capital of Europe. The most well-known club in Berlin is currently the Berghain & Panorama Bar, which is also known as the Church of Techno. Which is located in an old power plant and is famous for its world-class stereo system.
Alternatively, if you prefer listening to hip-hop, rather than house music, make sure to visit Chalet which is housed within a 150-year-old mansion. Chalet is located in Kreuzberg, which is known for its hip-hop scene and is decorated with vintage lamps, comfortable armchairs and boasts roaring fires.
2. Riga, Latvia
If you’re keen on getting off the beaten tourist track forget visiting western Europe and instead plan a trip to Riga, the party capital of Latvia. If you’re interested in dancing all night long head to the Old Town where you’ll find a wide variety of bars and nightclubs all of which are located within a short walking distance of each other.
What makes Riga’s bars so special? Many of Riga’s popular bars, which attract an international clientele are housed inside converted buildings such as old warehouses, schools, and breweries. Alternatively, if you’re looking to dress up to the nines, in order to enjoy a VIP night which you’re unlikely to forget, you may want to consider the Coyote Fly Club, which boasts a terrace which features stunning views of Vērmanes Park.
3. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is a which is located off the coast of Spain’s mainland is known for its year-round party atmosphere. If you’d love to spend your nights dancing with hundreds of locals and tourists to sets which are played by some of the world’s most renown DJs, it’s definitely worth visiting Ibiza’s two most popular nightlife districts, San Atoni and Ibiza Town.
As a bonus, once you manage to pull yourself out of your hotel bed after a long night of partying to the hottest sets, you’ll be able to sunbathe and swim to your heart’s content. As Ibiza is also known for its world-class beaches, which boast picturesque turquoise water.
4. Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
It’s well worth attending at least one Full Moon Party in Phuket, Thailand where thousands of partygoers dance on one of Ko Pha Ngan’s beaches till the sun goes up. So if you’re interested in attending one of the world’s biggest all-night beach parties, it’s definitely well worth adding Thailand to your bucket list.
5. New Jersey, USA
While New Jersey is well known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions, it is also a great place to party! There is lots of night life to check out. From bars, to clubs, to casinos, New Jersey is definitely one of the places you’ll want to travel to for a fun time! If you decide to check out any of the casinos, you can take advantage of this bonus at Party Casino, and get some practice in.
So if you’re sold on exploring a foreign country and dancing at some of the hottest clubs in the world, it’s definitely well worth visiting all four of the cities listed above. All of which are known for their wild parties.
Why You Should Get Your Kid A Pet
Kids love and adore pets and that’s why your child has been nagging you for months about getting a pet. But are they ready for the responsibilities that comes with owning a pet or should you further stall on making a decision?
The decision to have a pet is a big one since pet care takes a lot of time and regardless of your child’s age, you and other family members will have to chip in and help them take care of the pet. If the other family members are game then you should get them the pet they want since there a lot of benefits to kids growing up with pets.
Responsibility
Caring for a pet is good step towards teaching your kids responsibility. Caring for a pet requires regular feeding, washing and grooming and is a good way to a foster a sense of responsibility in your child.
Even with other family members helping, make sure your kid understands that the welfare of the pet is theirs and that they should it gets the best care at all times. This means that they also have to watch the pet for any changes in their health and inform you to check if it’s worthy of a visit to the vet.
Physical fitness
Owning a pet, particularly dogs, which require to be walked daily in order to be healthy can help your child get physically fit.
Sometimes getting the motivation to exercise can be hard to come by and dogs take the dreary out of physical exercise by making it fun and interesting. Kids can run and play around with dogs for hours without realizing the amount of physical exertion that takes.
Furthermore, it also offers a welcome distraction off the TV screen and gets them outdoors which comes with a lot of other health benefits.
Companionship
Furry companions, so they are called. Pets make for perfect companions since they give unconditional love and are always available to snuggle next to you when you want.
Owning a pet can teach your child invaluable lessons about friendship and the importance of always being there for your friends.
Empathy
One of the most important skills in life is empathy and what better way to learn about it than taking care of an animal that you have to learn what it wants without the benefit of verbal communication.
Pets Are The Best for teaching your kid about empathy. They have to learn how to know what the pet wants at any given moment: food, emotional comfort, and exercise.
Kids who own pets are less likely to be bullies and have better relationships with their peers.
Making friends
The responsibilities of caring for a pet improves your child’s confidence and self-esteem, and coupled with other benefits like better communication skills as they attempt to chat up their pets helps them socialize and make new friends much more easily.
Moreover, owning a pet presents several opportunities for your children to meet their peers through which they can become acquaintances.
Luxottica Secures Victory at EU Court
According to a recent report by the WIPR, eyewear giant Luxottica has secured a victory in the EU General Court this week, seeing a EUIPO trademark decision overturned.
The case focused on a recent trademark application by Chinese company Xian Chen, who applied for the trademark ‘Bey Beni’ in January 2014. Although the European Union Intellectual Property Office granted the trademark in class 9 (optical apparatus and instruments), prescription sunglasses and designed eyewear manufacturer Luxottica opposed the ruling based on its ‘Ray Ban’ trademark.
Luxottica asserted that the applied-for mark was too similar to Ray Ban, and as such infringed on their own intellectual property. Although their first appeal was dismissed by the EUIPO’s Board of Appeal, stating their was only a small degree of similarity, the EU General Court has upheld Luxottica’s objection, annulling the contested decision and refusing registration of the ‘Bey Beni’ trademark.
Although the General Court agreed that there was a weak phonetic similarity between the brands, it found that there was enough similarities in other areas (such as target market and visual similarity) to reject the applied-for mark and rule in Luxottica’s favour.
As a result of the ruling, the EUIPO will be forced to pay for the costs of Luxottica’s legal action, including their previous appeals.
Where to Find the Best Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico for the Ultimate Getaway
Need some vitamin C? Mexico is always an excellent choice for a holiday thanks to its warm climate. You can even opt to treat yourself by staying in some of the best luxury villa rentals in Mexico and enjoy a grand getaway.
Where should you go, though? Here are four great places where you’ll find some of the finest luxury villas in this beautiful country:
Punta Mita
Exclusivity is one of the grandest things you can enjoy in a getaway and it’s the very thing Punta Mita can offer. This private peninsula is a master planned community that is also deemed as a secret retreat of the rich, famous, and successful.
It’s one of the most exclusive resort communities in Mexico and is made to be one of the most private and secure locations in the world. This is why you can expect to pass through several checkpoints on your way to your rental villa.
Just how posh is Punta Mita? Some of its frequent guests and possible property owners are the Kardashian clan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lawrence, Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson, Mario Lopez, Kirsten Dunst, Joe Francis, and Grant Gustin just to name a few.
What makes it a big hit is its mild tropical climate that you can enjoy all year round. Combine this with its inviting white sand beaches and you’ve got yourself an excellent destination.
What to Do Here:
- Hike Cierro de Mono, a.k.a. Monkey Mountain
- Surf at and explore Sayulita
- Go on the Marietas Island Tour
- Visit the Hidden Island
- Enjoy various watersports
- Golf
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is possibly one of the most popular destinations for American tourists who want to have some fun under the sun. Its unique geography, which allows the sea and desert meet, is its primary draw. Being one of the sunniest places in the world also helped make it a popular getaway over the years.
With a 20-mile Resort Corridor, you definitely won’t run out of things to do, explore, and enjoy in Los Cabos. You might even bump into vacationing celebs as stars like Reese Witherspoon, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Christian Bale, and Jessica Alba have been spotted here.
Travel experts recommend scheduling your visit from May to June. The winter vacationers will already be out of your hair around this time and the summer showers won’t fall yet. You can also go during late winter to early spring, but expect the winter crowd.
What to Do Here:
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery
- Surf and try out various watersports
- Eat lots of seafood
- Explore the local art scene
- Go scuba diving and snorkelling
- Enjoy various outdoor adventures
- Golf
Puerto Vallarta
Featuring miles of green turquoise seawater, Puerto Vallarta is a major beach resort city in Mexico. It was once a bustling fishing town with a rich cultural history. Everything changed when Hollywood stars Ava Gardner, Richard Burton, and Elizabeth Taylor filmed “The Night of the Iguana” in the area.
They brought the paparazzi and then the investors came next. Tourism became one of its biggest source of income soon enough, making it the international beach destination that it is today.
When should you visit? December to April are the busiest months with winter vacationers looking for warmth. May to June is the perfect time for a visit because there are fewer tourists in the area.
What to Do Here:
- Go on a yacht tour
- Enjoy the local delicacies
- Explore
- Try their many fine dining options
- Discover the local art scene
Riviera Maya
Last but not the least, the Riviera Maya offers a beautiful spot on the Caribbean coast. This resort district is not just packed with beautiful beaches and natural wonders but it’s also brimming with culture and history. So aside from spending some time under the sun, you can also get to know about Mayan history on your visit.
The best time to schedule your trip would be during their dry season (November to February). You can still visit during the months of March to May, but be warned that it will be very hot and humid during this time.
What to Do Here:
- Explore the beautiful cenotes (water caves)
- Learn about the local culture, history, and biodiversity
- Enjoy the nightlife
- Go scuba diving and snorkelling
Tips On How To Conduct Yourself In A Casino
No matter the place you are, there are certain rules you have to abide by. If you want to visit a tribe in Equatorial Guinea or deep in rural India, you first of all need to research and know how to conduct yourself when you reach the place. You do not want to be attracting all the attention simply because you are doing stuff that is foreign to the inhabitants of that place. The same applies to casinos, well at least if you limit yourself to online casinos you may probably not know the etiquette required by a casino but if you happen to visit a land-based casino, you need to be well aware of the do’s and don’ts so as not to attract unnecessary attention from other players and casino staff.
Know the rules
If very important that you learn the rules of the game of your choice before you decide to sit at the table and embarrass yourself. For example, if you do not know how to play a game, such as poker, it would be ideal to look up how to play prior to going to the casino. There is nothing more annoying in a casino than a fellow who keeps asking for instructions in the middle of the game. Honour yourself by doing some research and knowing the ins and outs of the game before playing. You can do this in a number of ways including by playing at an online casino and learning all the tricks before making your land-based casino adventure. You can alternatively watch a game as other pros play i.e. if you are in a casino that allows such behaviour and if the players are comfortable with that and also you can get yourself a chair at the beginner section of the casino if the casino you visit offers a beginner’s table.
Know your chips
When you sit at the table, it’s no longer about using the Pound, Euro or the US, you all will be talking in terms of casino chips. This, therefore, means you need to be aware of the value of each chip. There are generally three types of chips you will encounter on the table, there is the black chip which on average has a value of $100, a green chip on average worth $25 and a red chip worth $5 on average. Also, keep in mind that it’s rude to ask for your small chips to be converted into one larger higher value tips for instance if you have 5 red chips, they equate to one green chip but never ask to convert your chip at the table. The only place you can do this is at the dealer’s table when cashing out.
Avoid smoking and drinking
Casinos, in general, do not restrict smoking nor drinking as they know that a majority of players indulge in those activities. However, they also know that they are those players who neither smoke nor drink. In order, to protect non-smokers and non-drinkers, they prefer people who are considerate when drinking i.e. those who drink not to get dangerously intoxicated and those who smoke at longer intervals. Though your casino may allow you to smoke and drink, it’s advisable not to indulge in any of these activities while at the table as you might get in the way of other players and end up inconveniencing them.
The Best Android Game Apps
If you often find yourself having some free minutes at work, school or even at home, you probably know how important it is to have some gaming apps on your phone. This is especially important to have if you are travelling with family or going on a long road trip. Having some gaming apps will help you wind up your free time without having to let your mind wander and lead you into doing stuff you will regret later on. As such, here are some gaming apps that you should have on your Android phone. The following games are freemium games, of course by now you know that they aren’t many games being developed that are totally free, maybe if you visit online casinos such as netbet.co.uk can you find free games. Though freemium, these games don’t come with any ads and they take long before they start asking you for in-app purchases.
Asphalt 8: Airborne or Asphalt Extreme
Gameloft released two new games in 2018, Asphalt 8: Airborne and Asphalt Extreme. Both of them are free for Android users but do come with in-app purchases. There aren’t many racing games that can compete with these two when it comes to design and entertainment. Asphalt Extreme is an off-road style racer in which you have to master driving in the dusty and rocky tracks. You can play alone or with a group of friends as it has a multiplayer function. Asphalt 8: Airborne is an upgraded version of earlier Asphalt games. One of the new additions to Asphalt 8: Airborne is that you can now play the game competing online with another human.
Critical Ops
The game, Critical Ops is one of the few first person shooter games that are completely free on Google Play (with in-app purchases, of course!). The game is addictive, you play as a shooter who is searching for and eliminating all terrorists in the city. The cities alleys and buildings provide cover for both you and the terrorist. If you are fed up with being the nice guy, you can also switch things up and take on the role of a terrorist who is bent on destroying the city while at the same time keeping close attention to the shooter who is out to kill you. Critical Ops has an online multiplayer community meaning you do not have to play against computer generated opponents but you can play against a friend online.
Clash Royale
Clash Royale is a game from Supercell that has the potential of challenging popular games such as Zuma and Candy Crush. In Clash Royale, the objective is to collect cards and build decks which you would use in squaring off in duels with other online opponents. The more decks you win, the more you are rewarded with trophies. You lose when squaring off your decks and also you lose your trophies. The game is quite addictive and can be played by a single player or by 2 or more players. To play with your friends, you need to form clans which will enable you to share cards and challenge your opponents as a clan.
Creating The Best Birthday Experiences
When it comes to your children’s birthdays, it’s all too easy to throw money at the problem of unique gifts without giving much thought to the memory. That’s why it’s important that you don’t think of children’s birthdays as a chore, and rather as an opportunity to bond closer to your family and create those memories that will last a lifetime. With a little planning and some consideration of your child’s age and personal interest, you could be working towards building a day full of fun and emotion that is far harder to forget than simply handing over the latest trending toy. Think outside of the toy box, and use these ideas as a springboard to creating the very best in unique birthday experiences.
For the Harry Potter fan
If your child is a bit of a Harry Potter fan then your birthday present buying is a lot easier. From toys and ornaments by official suppliers, to themed parties, it’s easy to find things to buy and activities to do that will be far better than they could have dreamed. If your child is turning 11, then that’s the perfect age to go full-on Potter crazy, and you can tie-in anything you plan with the fact that 11 is the age that children start at Hogwarts. Get some cheap prices on Ticket Sales and take the budding wizards and witches to the latest showing of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and you’ll never have to worry about raising a muggle ever again.
A night at the museum
It’s one thing to take the kids along to a museum, but what about spending the night there? No matter where you are in the world, it’s easy to find a museum that offers sleepover nights for younger audiences, and we all know that children love a sleepover. Sleep in the shadows of dinosaurs, wander darkened exhibitions and enjoy the atmosphere. Not only will it be exhausting for the younger birthday boys and girls, it will also provide endless conversation and discussion. Spending your time with your children is the most important gift that you can give and by combining time and interests, you can’t fail to win parent of the year. Check out your local museums, and if there’s nothing yet available, chat with them about the possibilities.
Nurture their talent
No matter how old your child may be, you can be fairly certain that they have an interest in being famous. They probably don’t even know what they want to be famous for, but between Instagram and YouTube, children are obsessed with getting rich for being themselves. Although this could be unhealthy, you can turn that into a positive by showing them some behind the scenes fun at a TV station or radio station. If you have a child who simply loves to talk, get in contact with your local radio station and find out about spending the day there. They might even let your child go live on air, and that is an experience that will never be forgotten.
Never forget that you need to tailor the birthday experience to the interests of your child. Think of the unique, and you might just end up bringing the whole family closer together, and that’s much better than handing over a gift that will be forgotten in a week.
Importance Of Cakes In Ceremonies
Have you ever wondered why at the heart of every important celebration is a meticulously prepared delectable cake? The sharing of this tasty treat is the icing on the cake, and it is not in vain. Cakes play an important role in every occasion they’re served. From symbolizing sharing and generosity, to indicating the climax of an occasion, cakes have found a special place in the heart of every celebration including weddings, birthdays, big events and so on. Listed here are some of the importance of cakes and why you should have one at your next occasion.
- Symbol of love
In ceremonies such as weddings, cakes play an important role in symbolizing the love of partners towards each other. The cutting of the cake shows the willingness of the partners to share and take care of each other in their marriage while feeding each other symbolizes their willingness to provide and be there for each other in times of need. In birthdays, cakes symbolize the love of the birthday person towards their family or friends. The bigger the cake, the bigger the love!
- Sharing and Generosity
Cutting the cake and distributing to the attendees is a show of generosity in certain ceremonies, and occasions that involve acts of charity usually have this important centerpiece to symbolize their generosity.
- A Present or Gift
Cakes are a cuisine usually associated with affluence and prestige. Giving out a cake as a present is a sign of appreciation and shows the commitment you have towards the recipient of the gift. Cakes are sweet, meticulously prepared, and thoughtful. However, it doesn’t have to break the bank, and you can easily research all cake prices online. To that end, they act as a valuable gift to a loved one especially in occasions such as valentine’s day, graduation, or even career promotion celebrations.
- Life milestone
Cakes are used to mark milestones made in someone’s life. For instance, birthday cakes are used to indicate the beginning of a new year in someone’s life. Wedding cakes indicate the beginning of a marriage, graduation cakes denote a new milestone in the education space, while baby shower cakes show the beginning of a new life as a parent.
- Symbolizes climax of the ceremony
Most celebratory ceremonies wouldn’t feel complete without the cutting of a cake, or the sharing of one. The sharing of the cake symbolizes that the ceremony has reached the climax. In most cases, it is the sweetest of the foods in the ceremony, the best looking of them all, and the scarcest. To that end, all events in the ceremony lead up to the cutting of the cake. The birthday is not complete until the cake is cut and shared, same with a wedding, a baby shower and a plethora of other ceremonies.
Cakes are significant in any occasion they’re served. They show the generosity of the providers, their love, the cyclical nature of life, act as present or gift, and are the main show of climax of any event. It would almost be a taboo not to have this precious gateau in your celebrations!