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As more and more countries change their legislation in favour of online sports betting, sportsbooks are beginning to lose their traditional advantage of tapping unexploited markets.Unsurprisingly, the need to seek a technological edge over the competition to gain advantage is now more important than ever. As technological advancements and their industry-wide adoption grows faster, companies that leverage those innovations have it all to gain.

Technology Drives Sports Betting Further

The introduction of disruptors such as blockchain-based sports betting, as well as VR technology are just a small part of the extensive innovations we are expecting to see in the industry over the coming years. Of course, when it comes to collaborating on these technologies, there’s no better place than Betting on Sports to talk about the latest industry news and tech disruption.

Taking place on 17-20th September in London, it’s a headline event in the sports betting world, with more than 3500 delegates from around the world coming to participate, do business and network with senior executives from the industry’s largest betting and gaming companies.

Digitain on Betting on Sports

This year, Digitain is set to participate, displaying its latest in tech and innovation, as well as discussing business opportunities with its friends and future partners.

Some of the more outstanding products in Digitain’s offer include the Digital iGaming Platform, Sportsbook software, payment gateway, casino aggregator, skill-based games, and much more.

The Digital iGaming Platform is developed using cutting-edge technologies to provide a novel approach and boosted services. It also enables monitoring and management of players’ accounts, a thorough behavior analysis, and tracking online revenue for lifetime player value optimization, by supporting online and offline channels.

Digitain’s sportsbook software is developed to cater for the needs of international, European, American, African and Asian agent-based operators. It also provides comprehensive support, and a customizable interface that can be easily integrated with an existing platform through the API.

Alongside, skill-based games and bet on games are always a staple fixture in the gaming community. Digitain offers their partners access to the latest skill-based games which enable brands to reach a wide variety of player demographics. All of Digitain’s P2P games are not only easily integrated, but they also provide a hassle-free frictionless accessibility to more content. P2P games two-player games that start with one player creating the game and the second one joins.

As part of its extensive portfolio, Digitain offers the following skill based games: Belote, Backgammon, Dominoes, Game 21, Pasur. And for bet on games, Digitain has: Keno, Crash, and Hi Lo.

Create the Future

The upcoming decade will see sports betting businesses face a raft of changes and challenges, and those that fail to adapt to the latest in innovation that their customers expect will fall behind. Staying ahead of the game is crucial, and there’s no better place to do it than Betting on Sports. Providing operators, sportsbook developers and iGaming software with the latest insight into industry trends and innovation is one not to be missed. So, mark the date, join Digitain there and we’ll help you stay ahead of the competition!

Online casinos have many advantages over land-based casinos. For one, they don’t have space restrictions and can feature hundreds of games. This is great for players, except when they need to choose one casino and one game to play. When you go to a land-based casino, you can ask for a tour, or you can ask other players for advice. But, how do you do this online?

Tips for Choosing the Right Casino Game

In many online casinos, that are powered by extensive solutions, like the Casino Games Aggregator, you can go through the complete game offering by checking the casino lobby. Even then, you will find that each game has its own unique advantages. Choosing one remains a matter of personal preference. Here are five things you need to consider before deciding on a specific game.

#1 How Long Do You Intend to Play?

Online casinos don’t have time restrictions. You can play any game at any time of day, every day. And you can play as long as you like, even if you are on a small budget. What’s even better, many online casinos offer welcome bonuses to players who sign up so they can play online for real before spending their own money. But if you plan to play for a longer time, be aware of the minimal betting requirements. They are not the same for all games, so you’d need to check them beforehand.
Some games you can play for a long time with lower bets include video slots, video poker, blackjack or roulette.

#2 Do You like Quick Games?

Different casino games have different tempo. Some games, like traditional table or card games, take a while. But online casinos offer a wide variety of games, including quick games, such as video slots or classic slots. To speed things up, you can also pick the ‘auto play’ option with most slot games, and bet the same amount for several rounds.

If you are unsure of the duration of a game, one of the best ways to figure it out is to play a free round.

#3 Do You Prefer to Play Alone or With Others?

Online casinos are great for player that want to enjoy their favorite games alone. There are many automated games where players don’t need to interact with anyone, not even dealers. And of course, there are games that offer joining ‘rooms’ or ‘tables’ and playing with live dealers and real players and enjoy a nice game of poker or blackjack from the comfort of their homes.

#4 Do You Want to Bet High or Low?

Betting low is a good tactic if you want to play for a longer time, are on a budget or you simply don’t want to test your luck. Players who prefer to bet low in classic card games are called ‘low rollers’. In addition to betting low in card games, the wide variety of slot games makes classic and video slots a popular choice. This game is available in every online casino. And in some, can be played even with bets as low as 1 cent.If you are looking for thrill, want to spend more money, and join the ‘high rollers’ club, classic table games such as blackjack, poker, baccarat or Punto Banco, and roulette usually have the option to join a table that allows (extra) high betting. Usually, those are the VIP tables.

#5 Are You Looking for an Intellectual Challenge?

Slot games are games of chance and require no skill. On the other hand, card games don’t rely solely on chance. Some card games are intellectually challenging, and leave room for learning and improvement. In those games you can actually implement a game plan and a winning strategy. Blackjack and poker are great examples of this. Since there are numerous variations, you need to constantly look for ways to adapt your strategy. The more you play, the more you know. But before you start playing for money, it would be wise to practice a lot. There are many free casinos where you can do that – get better without risk.

If you are looking for a different mental challenge, you can also look for sports betting opportunities. Sports betting is great for sports fans that want test their knowledge, have some fun, and earn money.

Having fun and taking risk are the two main drivers of casino gaming. And the best way to decide which casino game suits you the most is to play different games. But keep in mind that no wins are guaranteed. So make sure to use the practice mode first. Bet carefully, and only ever play with money you can afford to lose. Happy playing!

The past few years, the iGaming industry grew in popularity and had consistent growth. The technological innovations that drive the industry have also resulted with the development of various alternative payment methods, created to accommodate the ever-changing rules and regulation, as well as players’ needs. But one thing is constant through it all – operators must provide multiple and safe payment systems, including e-wallets, contactless payment, mobile payment, and even cryptocurrency.

The list of alternative payment methods constantly grows and evolves. And online gaming operators must be aware of the new trends and choose the ones that are most suitable and preferred by their clients. Here are the most prominent alternative payments in the iGaming industry, making for more secure and transparent relationships between players and iGaming merchants.

Cryptocurrencies

Even though online gaming and online casino platforms continuously upgrade their safety and security measures, many players still feel uncomfortable sharing personal information like debit and credit card numbers. That’s why, many of them prefer using cryptocurrency payments to play. Everything that both parties want, online gaming operators and players, is provided by cryptocurrencies based on Blockchain technology, like bitcoin, litecoin, and ethereum. Including identity theft protection, everyone access and use it, its decentralized, transparent, secure, cost-effective and recognition at the universal level. So it seems that the iGaming industry and cryptocurrencies are a match made in heaven.

Blockchain Technology and Tokenization

Another way players can make deposits and withdrawals without using personal information is by using of tokenization. Tokenization is the process of replacing sensitive data with unique identification numbers. And usually, these transactions happen over the blockchain technology. The tokenization payments which use Blockchain offer a high level of security, while remaining transparent, yet anonymous. This alternative payment method is very important for the iGaming industry because it gives players the confidence to log in and play. Ensuring them, they will stay safe, secure, protected and anonymous even in the case of a data breach.

Wearable Payment Tech

Wearable devices are slowly becoming the new standard. From simply tracking your vitals and results during physical activities, to receiving smartphone notifications or making calls. And now, they are slowly entering the payment industry.  Wearables, such as smartwatches, allow for making contactless payments, which adds a layer of convenience and security. Therefore, making wearables a real game-changer for players and online gambling providers.

Artificial Intelligence in Payment Processing

Another technological advancement that makes its way into the world of payments is artificial intelligence (AI). This tech already has a wide application in the gaming industry. More specifically in instant cross-platform payments, fraud analysis, customer payment risk, data protection and privacy, and more. The use of AI help operators and iGaming providers understand users’ issue, monitor and understand how players interact with games in different environments, and track their behavior. That way they can offer player games that are more suited to their preferences, making them want to play more. But, the use of AI in payments can also lead to enabling even more convenient payment methods that protect the safety and security of players and operators. AI can be a huge game-changer for the industry, in every way, and operators must keep their eyes on any further advancements and applications.  

Eliminating Credit Cars and Opting in for Alternative Payments

Most players are increasingly concerned about the safety and security of their personal information. As a result, many of them choose to use alternative payments that don’t require the direct use of debit or credit cards.

This preference pushes operators to look for other, better-suited alternatives that can accommodate the needs of the players. And with iGaming facilities spread across multiple geo-locations, it is important to identify the payment alternatives that are best fit for each region. Oftentimes, this means offering different solutions to different regions.

Hopefully, the new alternative payments such as cryptocurrencies and tokenization can help operators overcome such complications and provide a one-stop solution that can accommodate all their needs in one place. While at the same time, allow players from all over the world enjoy their favorite games without having to worry about currency acceptance or data safety.

The Netherlands is a country famous for its relaxed laws on some types of entertainment. But when it comes to gambling, and specifically online gambling, up until 2012 their attitude wasn’t so liberal. Interestingly enough, Dutch residents can gamble online, but only on websites hosted in the Netherlands. On the other hand, the government has a more relaxed view on non-Dutch operators. So some of the world’s biggest and most famous brands operate on the Dutch market.

The Gambling Landscape

Over the years, the Netherlands has been the host to many types of gambling services. When it comes to traditional gambling activity, Netherlands is the home of one of the world’s oldest lotteries – Staatsloterij – that’s been running since 1762. The gambling scene in the Netherlands is actually a state-controlled monopoly called Holland Casino. There are 14 casinos throughout the country. Holland casino even applied for an online gambling license, but was rejected.  

As online gambling began to spread rapidly, the Dutch government was strongly opposed to allowing it in the country. The Dutch government has tried to block their citizens from betting on foreign sites for a long time. And even took measures to block online gamblers by blacklisting numerous sites, and even insisting that bank’s shouldn’t deal with them all. But the banks refused. However, this was a futile effort and the Netherlands have found out that it’s almost impossible to control the internet because there are over 450 sites that accept bets from Dutch citizens.

The sports betting section slightly different though. There are two other companies that control it – De Lotto and Scientific Games Racing B.V. Scientific Games handles horse race betting, while De Lotto handles all the other markets and is the only legal online sportsbook available.

Changes in the Regulation

The popularity of online gambling, and the potential to generate millions of euros in tax revenues, licensing and registration fees if legalized, has led the Netherlands to make changes to their strict legislation.

Over the years, the old laws were modernized. But at the beginning of 2019 has been pivotal. Two years after the lower house – the Dutch House of Representatives – voted in favor of allowing third-parties to legally offer online gambling, the Senate has voted in favor of legislation to legalize internet-based gambling, opening the market to foreign and Dutch firms to apply for licenses.

Very soon, over 300 companies have openly expressed their interest in running a gambling website in the Netherlands, and at least 50 of them are expected to make a formal application for a license next year.

 The new legislation will not only allow new players to enter the market, but it also brings changes in the current 29% tax rate that the state-run Holland casino and gambling arcade owners are paying at the moment. The tax rate is expected to be dropped to 20% in order to increase competition between operators. But the lower tax rate also translates into better player benefits. Including higher bonuses, more enticing promo offers and higher payout rates.

Meanwhile, the Dutch market is ranked at the 17th largest iGaming market in the European Union, with over 700,000 active online players, earning a gross gambling revenue (GGR) between 130 and 250 million euros.

The Future of Online Gambling in the Netherlands

Gaming industry experts are very optimistic the legalization of online gambling can be favorable for the Dutch market. The predictions say the gross gambling revenue will be even higher, making the Dutch market more competitive. In fact, once online poker and other forms of gambling are legal in the Netherlands, the Government projects at least EUR 10 million yearly in tax revenue from online gambling.

Additionally, this change of legislation is expected to make ripples in other European countries that are still against legalization of online gambling. But we have yet to see how the story of Netherland’s legal online gambling unfolds.

Starting an iGaming company, whether it’s opening a new business or taking your land-based casino online is a serious feat. The good news is that the industry is evolving very fast, which provides operators numerous opportunities for success. As a result, there are more and more operators entering the market, with the hope to leverage iGaming. Making it challenging for companies to survive and grow into respected operators.

Why the Right iGaming Software Provider Matters?

The extremely competitive market and increased player expectations make running an online gaming business challenges. The key to being successful in this ever-changing industry is having a trusted iGaming software provider. A high-quality igaming software provides secure and rigid business growth, and most importantly, boosts ROI.

When choosing your iGaming software provider, you need to make sure you can rely on this trusted partner to go through the stages of leading a successful online gaming business. Meaning, your trusted iGaming software provider should have the following features.

1. Robust and Flexible Platform

The provider should provide a scalable and flexible platform that will be the basis of your operations. It should be able to accommodate all your business needs. The platform will be the core of your iGaming business, and the place where you store all your user data and manage your gaming processes. Whether you go for a white label or turnkey solution, your iGaming platform must contain some basic features.

2.Wide Variety of Quality Games

Even the best developed platform is worthless if it doesn’t offer a large scale of top quality games. The platform should enable you to add comprehensive Sportsbook, Casino, Live Casino, VR Casino, and Skill games to ensure player engagement and enjoyable user experience. The most reliable iGaming software providers offer a wide variety of cutting-edge gaming and betting solutions to meet the varying players’ needs.

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3.Advanced Customer Relationship Management Tools

An iGaming platform should take special steps to attract players and keep them engage. One way to do that is by offering bonuses, jackpots and tournaments with big pool prizes. Most iGaming platforms come equipped with CRM tools that will enable you to better understand players’ needs. Then, offer them what they want, reduce the churn rate, refine player segmentation for targeted market and so on.  

4.Anti-Fraud and Risk Management Tools

Online gaming operators are often the target of cheaters seeking ways to take more than they fair share. Since risky players can cause a huge problem, protecting your gaming business from fraudulent activities is crucial. When choosing an iGaming software provider they offer an AI-powered real-time risk management system. Most modern ML-based risk management tools allow gaming operators to promote responsible gaming, and instantly detect and manage risky players, so they can preventing fraudulent activities before they happen happens.

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5.Multicurrency and Multilingual Support

Providing players with 24/7 support is another extremely important aspect of running an iGaming business. Cos if you fail to provide a correct answer to only one question, you risk losing a customer. But some of the trusted iGaming software providers also provide services such as – top-quality, prompt, helpful, multichannel, and multilingual support. Moreover, you need to make sure your software provider is also enable players to use different payments methods in multiple currencies.

Final Words

There are the top 5 factors you need to consider when choosing an iGaming software provider. The company you partner with needs to be able to provide you full support, comprehensive tools and featured that will help you run a successful iGaming business.

There are many gaming and betting software providers on the market that offer all-in-one, innovative solutions that ensure the growth of your company. And it’s up to you to do your research, and find that one that best fits your needs. Making the right decision and picking the best and most trusted iGaming software provides is how your company can stand out of the competition with a rich offering of quality games, increasing number of returning players and sustainable income. So make it wisely.

Punto Banco is a version of the famous card game Baccarat that’s been played in land-based casinos for decades. Originally, it was developed in Argentinian casinos, and introduced to the United States in the 1950s, changing the gambling world forever.

The original game of Baccarat had an aura of class about it, especially because in land-based casinos it’s played in a separate room for high rollers. But despite it’s aura, the game can be intimidating to rookies since the rules are unclear at first. But the truth is, Punto Banco has the simplest set of rules of all casino card games.

Baccarat is still very popular today. In land-based, as well as in many online casinos and mobile gambling apps. In online casinos though, players can usually enjoy the more simplistic version of baccarat, Punto Banco. So if you are looking at Punto Banco, and wish to try it for the first time, we suggest you first read the rules. Once you understand what the game is about, and how to play it, there are high chances for making high returns. To help you out, here are our top three tips for making the most of it. Let’s dive right in.

Understand the Pattern and Remember that There is No Winning or Losing Hand

Punto Banco is a game that can involve up to 12 players. And of course, more players means higher chances to win. But, this may not always be true, unless you master the rules and the patterns. And remember there is no predetermined outcome – there are no winning or losing hands.

Although the house may have the edge, like in every casino game, the idea is to create suspense and eliminate high predictability. But you can have the upper hand by mastering the pattern and observing your opponents’ strategies. Simple observation and analysis should help. After all, it is a game of chance. So make your moves wisely.

Place Bets Strategically

Before making a bet, consider the odds at hand, But more importantly, where you place your bet. You should know that the odds in Punto Banco are usually in favor of the player (Punto) or the banker (Banco). What does this mean? This means you should bet either on the player or on the banker because a tie rarely yields wins. Since your goal is to maximize the chances of winning, you must opt for the winning side.

Choose Games with Lower Vigorish

All casinos take commission. But it varies depending on the casino, and the game you play. So before engaging in game play, do your research and choose the casinos that have smaller commission. The games that have smaller commission usually elevate the chances of making higher wins. Especially when you place the bet on the banker. The goal is to reduce the house advantage and increase your chance of winning.

BONUS TIP: Take Advantage of Online Casino Bonuses

Many online casinos offer bonuses to players. And in the case of Punto Banco, you can use the bonuses to increase your playing experience. This is especially good for rookie players that are just begging to learn the game. It is always smart for beginners to establish the foundation by first learning the key rules and getting an initial grasp of the game.

Playing Punto Banco Online vs at a Land-Based Casino

Playing Punto Banco online versus at land-based casinos is usually a matter of personal preference. Many people enjoy the experience of going to a traditional casino because of the atmosphere present at many casinos, especially prestigious establishments.

But, online casinos offer many things that land-based casinos not’s, like the option of playing from the privacy of your home. And the best online casinos offer a great selection of the most popular casinos games you can find in brick-and-mortar casinos, including Baccarat, or Punto Banco. If you prefer having a human interaction, you can choose to play with a live dear, or you can choose a gable game where you deal the cards yourself.

The numerous features make for different gaming experiences, which make online casinos universally popular. And perhaps the one thing that makes playing Punto Banco in online casinos stand out from playing in traditional casinos are bonuses and reward programs.

Whatever your preference, make sure to read the game rules, understand and memorize them before starting a game. Remember our tips, and once you get the hold of the game, try some of the more advanced betting strategies!

Online gaming and gambling are on a constant rise. The internet made online casino gambling available to anyone. Which was very positive to many players how now can enjoy their favorite games without having to make an expensive trip to the casino.

But just like traditional, brick-and-mortar casinos, the online casinos have their dos and don’ts. And before you enter one, it’s important to understand the etiquette, and prevent yourself form looking foolish or worse, like a total amateur. Read on and learn how to behave in an online casino. We’ll have you looking like a pro before your first log in.

1. Know the Law of the Land

Since you can play online from any place in the world, before you log in to your favorite casino, check to see if online gambling is legal in the country, state, province or region where you are residing at the moment. Consult our legality page.  So you won’t end up losing more than just your hand at poker.

2. Play to Win but Expect to Lose

“House always wins” is something we hear all the time, and there’s a reason for that. Gambling online affords players the luxury to take their time to master the games and learn their strategies. Use this to your advantage. Take time to master the games and play to win. But no matter what lucky charm you have on or how smart and strategic your moves are, expect to lose sometimes. Expecting to win all the time will only lead to frustration and no one needs that.

3. Play According to the Best Rules

Almost all online casinos offer the same games. But they may have different variations and not have the same rules. Make Google your friend and search for the rules which suit your preferences. Study the rules or print them out for future reference. That way, you set yourself for success.  

4. Learn to Assess and Trust the Odds

Most casino games are games of chance, that’s true. But some or not. Mathematical statistics are proven, and all casino games are designed on percentages and probabilities for a reason. Don’t rely on luck alone cos there’s more to it. Constant winners aren’t only “lucky” – they have a better understanding of the odds. Learn to calculate the odds – don’t hate them!

5. Always have a Timely Play

Yes, it is expected to take a moment to consider your next move. However, you should make your next move in a timely manner. If you need to do something away from your computers or smartphone, it might be better to use the “sit out next hand” button. The other players will be thankful you did that.

6. Don’t Bet More than You Can Afford

Gambling is meant to be fun. Winning some money plays a big role here, but to win, you must bet first. And the party mood goes away quickly when you spend your rent or grocery money away. Create a gaming budget and stick to a limit that you can realistically afford.

7. Don’t Bet on “Setting Systems”

If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Stick to the rules and use proven mathematical strategies to plan your next move. Don’t rely on someone’s unsolicited advice or betting system they made out cos it is a surefire way to fill somebody else’s pockets.

8. Be Polite to All Players

Even though there are casino games where you play against a computer, keep in mind that online casinos are a real community, and most of the time you are playing against real people. Be cultured and polite, even if your playing style is aggressive.

9. Don’t Do or Permit any “Flaming”

One of the worst things you can do is take out your anger or frustration on other players. Or allow and instigate someone else to act angrily. Instead, calm down, and take sit the next hand out. If angry and insulting comments are directed to you, try to respond calmly and avoid getting into a ‘fight’.

Remember that even though you are playing online, it’s still an establishment where you are expected to follow certain rules and behave. Use our short guide to online gambling etiquette to learn the basic dos and don’ts, so you won’t end up being the annoying player that no one wants to play against.

When online gambling software developers consider the next markets, Latin America is rarely their first choice. That’s no surprise since the top countries by game revenue are China, the U.S., and Japan. Truth is, Latin America finished 2018 with 19% growth year-over-year on mobile platforms. And the predictions say that by 2021 there will be over 235 million smartphone users. Latin America is going through a rapid advancement and quickly catching up to global market leaders.

Let’s look at the Numbers

Latin America is comprised of 26 countries. Collectively, it is twice as big as Europe, and has almost the same number of people. And if all countries are consolidated, like the European Union, it would be the fourth largest. Yet it is still off the radar for most online gambling software developers.

Usually, this is due to the fact that there are income disparities and low bank account ownership. These facts, combined with the recent regional economic decline are making doing business difficult. But there’s still good reason for gambling software developers and operators to consider taking their businesses to Latin America. As it seems it will be the next big mobile gambling market.

For one, industry research shows that the LatAm mobile gaming and gambling market will be worth over $2 billion this year, making it over three times larger than Southeast Asia. Additionally, the growth rates are similar for both regions. The growth is expected to continue, even though only something over 150 million of approximately 630 million people have smartphones. The majority of whom reside in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Peru.

You need to Invest to Get a Return

In the past several years, Latina America has grown into a potentially huge market, which already accounts for 4 percent of the world’s total game revenue. But research shows that online gambling software developers do not consider this market important and spend less than one percent of their annual ad budget in Latin America.

The key to online gambling growth in Latin America lies in considering it as a region instead of a collection of countries. Mexico has 130 million people and is one of 20 countries that speak Spanish. On the other hand, there’s Brazil, with over 200 million people speaking Portuguese. This fact alone makes it very easy to segment potential players in this region based on language. Meaning Latin America has little of the linguistic complexity of Europe or Asia. Operators’ teams can partner with a local expert in the region and still manage global acquisition campaigns.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to appeal to the new generation of gamblers, the ones that prefer online gambling – e.g. millennials (the generation born between 1985 and 2000) who value personalised, innovative online experiences. This is one reason why games themed around a variety of niches are so popular online, providing choice for any type of gamer, regardless of how varied their interests.

Millennials also want to be able to choose between multiple touchpoints. Providing an omni-channel experience that enables playing on desktop and mobile devices is crucial. People in Latin America favour mobile gaming and gambling, the same as in the Western world. It’s just another area online gambling operators should consider when expanding to this market.

Last Words

Even though gambling restrictions remain in place across the world, governments are beginning to see the benefits of a legal but regulated gambling industry. But until online gambling operators see appreciable change in legislation in the U.S and Europe, they are on the lookout for new opportunities. So it’s no wonder Latin America’s one of their new targets.

With the population of the continent standing at over 600 million, there’s a huge audience out there. And people have a strong appetite for gambling. What’s more, travel and tourism are booming in the region – at a rate of 5.1% per year between 2010 and 2020 – which adds the potential for gambling tourism. While it remains to be seen which online gambling operators and software providers will come out on top, there’s no doubt that large organizations with experience working internationally have a clear advantage.

It goes without saying that betting laws, rules and regulations vary for different countries. Different betting regulatory bodies also govern specific regions in some countries. However, the reach of the body’s authority is not always clearly stated, and leaves a lot of confusion to where gambling and betting are legal and where they are not. There’s no such issue in Russia though since gambling laws are pretty clear. Yet, betting is mostly illegal in Russia.

Gambling and Betting Laws in Russia

Online gambling is completely banned in Russia and all online betting activity by Russian citizens is deemed illegal. Additionally, land-based gambling is illegal in the whole country, except in four regions. In spite of the ban, Russians still gamble online with offshore operators. Yet, it doesn’t appear that it is likely the gambling legislation is about to change in the near future.

Brief History of Russian Gambling

In the period from 1928 to 1989 all forms of gambling were banned in the Soviet Union. But the tight grip was starting to loosen. In 1988 when slot machines were legalised in certain locations, then in 1989 all gambling and betting became legal on the whole territory.

As a result, land-based casinos started to open. By 2002, there were over 50 casinos operating in Moscow alone. As gambling’s popularity kept growing, the government felt necessary to control the situation. And in 2006, they voted on a law that prohibits all online gambling and betting. In spite of the ban, most gambling sites still welcomed Russian customers since they were one of the most enthusiastic online gamblers.

A few years later, in 2009, the Russian government decided to restrict land-based gambling too. The offline betting and gambling establishments that didn’t comply with the new Russian law were closed. Moreover, sports betting and casino gambling was only allowed at bookmakers and casinos working and operating in four Russian regions: Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnador Krai, Altai Krai, and Primorsky Krai. Gambling and betting was banned in the other parts of the countries, which is still the case today.

Three years later, in 2012, the Russian Supreme Court took gambling prohibition a step further. This new decision stated that Internet providers must block all sites operated by online gaming and betting operators in order to make it impossible for Russians to access them. Additionally, a special regulatory body called Roskomnadzor was created. Its purpose was to track down illegal online betting activity and listing all illegal betting sites for Russians. This ruling was against the beliefs and policies of Russian Internet providers so they objected this law vehemently. However, the government’s stance was clear, and they threatened they would revoke the Internet provider’s licenses if they didn’t comply.

As expected, online gambling and betting operators closed their virtual doors to Russian players. But there are some operators that continue to provide services to Russian customers, and interestingly enough, the government hasn’t taken any steps to block these financial transactions.

The Reality of Online Gambling

Russian laws regarding gambling and betting are very strict, and it’s clear that you are breaking the law if you choose to gamble online. There’s also a debate whether poker should fall under this law since it’s a game of skill and not a game of chance, but sports betting and casino games are clearly illegal. However, despite the heavy restrictions, the real picture shows that online betting continues to be one of the favorite part-time activities for Russians.

This is due to the fact that the Russian government is more concerned with identifying and penalizing illegal betting and gambling operators than with individual players. Online gamblers who bet and play online don’t seem to be of interest to the Russian government. This is clear due to the fact that betting transactions between Russian citizens and offshore betting companies are still possible and continue to go through even though they are officially considered illegal activity.

Roskomnadzor is still actively blacklisting new sites, and their infamous list of forbidden online betting and gambling sites is constantly updated with new arrivals. Now, it includes even some of the most famous sites, such as Poker Stars. But the Russians who were using the Poker Stars app before the ban came in force can still use the site’s services.

Truth is, even though gambling and betting are considered illegal, Russians can still place wagers and gamble online if they find a way to do so. They will probably not be stopped, nor legally sanctioned for their actions. It is estimated that around 65% of betting in Russia is done illegally and most of this illegal activity is done through illegal online betting sites.

For the time being, domestic operators are prohibited from offering online gambling services, and Internet providers are required to block gambling sites. Unfortunately, we are not optimistic that the strict anti-gambling laws in Russia will change any time soon. But we keep our fingers crossed.

There have been some major, if not historic developments regarding gambling in the United States in 2018. New Jersey’s eight years of litigation have finally led to success with the highest court in the land, as That victory has led to the Supreme Court invalidating PASPA, and in turn allowing states to take control over sports betting authorization.

Due to this major change in legislature, seven states have already legalised sports betting; and while only a small fraction of US states have done so the potential for the US to become a world leader in sports betting is already becoming clear. However, this growth depends on how willing state and federal legal bodies are to embrace polices that would allow the industry to develop and compete for market share with offshore competitors.

Sports betting predictions for the US for 2019

But how will this shift reflect on what happens in the future? Will all of the US legalise sports betting? Probably not – but, regardless, with a nation of 350 million, there will certainly be some exciting developments! So, let’s explore some of the top predictions for the US in the year ahead.

Prediction 1: More states will authorise sports betting legislation

We predict that around 30 states will follow in the steps of New Jersey and introduce legislation, or at the very least consider the idea of legalising sports betting. Following on from that, there’s a big chance that a third of the country’s states will actually pass a bill though the legislature and attain the governor’s signature. As a result, we believe this will lead to a total of 16 or more states that have legal sports betting by the end of 2019.

Big states such as California, Texas or Florida will likely still need at least a couple more years to get on the same page. New York on the other hand, seems to be very anxious to get sports betting as soon as possible given they tremendous amount of potential revenue being lost to their neighboring state of New Jersey. Additionally, it wouldn’t be a surprising if a bunch of New England or Midwestern states rush to authorize sports betting for fear of having their neighbors ‘stealing’ the profits. This adoption is also likely to be exponential; the more states pass a bill, the greater the odds of other states in the region springing into action.

Predictions 2: The lottery-based model of sports betting will prove unsuccessful

Most US states have state-run lotteries, but states will soon find out that a state agency cannot do the activities a sports betting operator needs to be successful on its own and succeed. Sports bettors are sophisticated customers with very specific needs, who won’t settle for a poor and inadequate offering.

We predict that states who believe a generic sports betting product will win them market share will be in for a bad surprise.  A plain offering that lacks innovation, convenience and competitive pricing will only push players to the offshore operators since no two sports betting customers are alike. Moreover, states that try to monopolize sports betting are risking getting seriously hit and earning very low revenues.

Prediction 3: Congress won’t address the wire act nor implement federal sports betting legislation

While PASPA’s repeal has made sports betting possible, it hasn’t provided an environment to enable companies that want to operate in multiple states. The Wire Act still prohibits interstate sports betting activities, which means that sportsbooks that operate in New Jersey can’t offer their products to people in Texas until Congress directly addresses the issue.

While Sen. Orrin Hatch from Utah has circulated a proposed amendment to the legislation, it didn’t address the Wire Act in a meaningful way for sports betting operators – and unsurprisingly, it was received with disappointment. Nevertheless, it is the state legislatures, not the federal government that holds the future of sports betting in the US in their hands. Whether this means that the Federal Government will take a step back and try to limit online sports betting and gaming, we can only wait and see.

Prediction 4: sports leagues new and struggling, will heavily invest in sports betting 

Leagues such as bowling definitely need to find a way to boost popularity and relevance if they want to bolster their relevance. A great example is NASCAR. A well-established league that can benefit greatly from sports betting, we can only Imagine the traction that they will receive if they offer fans the opportunity to bet again with every lap.

When it comes to the football leagues, XFL and AAR, are already familiar with the importance of sports betting as part of their marketing strategy. In fact, they are already using enhanced betting strategies in attempt to win over new fans. A simpler approach, offering betting options only on major European and US leagues may be the best for newly established operators. But we expect that sportsbooks will start taking bets on even more exotic offerings during 2019.

Prediction 5: New Jersey to keep growing, but Nevada to keep place as revenue-leader

The growth in New Jersey is remarkable and with no stop in sight. The impressive results are almost entirely a result of their booming mobile betting marketplace, which now accounts for over 70% of the total sports betting market in the state. Industry watchers are getting curious and starting to question whether New Jersey can become a serious rival to Nevada. At the moment, New Jersey’s monthly handle still hasn’t reached even half the volume Nevada holds, keeping it far behind, but the question is, for how much longer?

Predictions currently stand at New Jersey reaching 60% of Nevada’s sports betting volume. But, if New York and Pennsylvania pass legislation, it will be interesting to see how it will affect and limit New Jersey’s success and growth. Of course, Nevada doesn’t have such worries since California and Arizona are nowhere near legalising sports betting.

Prediction 6: Mobile betting continues to fominate

The convenience of mobile sports betting makes it the preferred method of wagering for most bettors, and we expect the reign of mobile increase even if physical sportsbook handles reaches a plateau. While convenience is important, mobile has more options for in-play betting that make it more attractive.

In more mature European markets, in-play betting includes over half of all total bets. And as New Jersey operators grow and they become more sophisticated, we expect this mobile trend to continue. There’s no limit to how much mobile betting can grow in New Jersey and we believe this success will encourage other states to authorize mobile sports betting.

Prediction 7: Mobile-only sports betting will boost even states with no casinos will pass a bill

OK, well, sports betting is not a casino game. And even before Vegas, there were neighborhood bookies in most major cities in the US. The only thing different now is the way people do it. Technology has advanced and now it allows people to bet while watching. And mobile makes it even easier for bettors to place bets wherever and whenever it feels comfortable.

At the moment, few of the states that have casinos or racetracks have authorized sports betting, but this is totally irrelevant for creating a successful sports betting market. Mobile sportsbooks make it possible for operators to offer their products and services without the need for a physical facility, and states are becoming aware of this. In fact, Virginia and Tennessee, two states that do not have any gaming facilities, will be exploring mobile sports betting legislation in 2019. So don’t be surprised if both of these states authorize mobile sports betting, and by doing so, prove that mobile betting is a feasible and profitable as a stand-alone product.

The future of sports betting in the US

From these predictions, it is safe to conclude that online sports betting is promising to become the next big thing in the US. With more states becoming aware of the benefits of legalising sports betting and enabling mobile betting, we expect to see the Wire Act drop, more states to jump on the wagon, and of course, some interesting ‘fights’ over market share.