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Church leaders are up in arms with the Jamaican Government's decision to allow horse racing to commence on Sundays. Races are usually restricted to Wednesdays and Saturdays but this Sunday, November 29, heralds the first full weekend of racing at Kingston's Caymanas Park. Racing on the 'day of rest' has apparently been instigated in order to attract tourists and revive the economy. The one concession the Government made was to ban off-track betting on the day; with betting parlors remaining closed. The Church Raise Concerns The issue is causing contention within church circles; with strong opposition being voiced over the negative financial and social affects they foresee accompanying additional racing events. There was however, a more positive statement from Rev. Michael Shim-Hue, Chairman of Jamaica's Pentecostal Union, who said the church were pleased that the Government had taken the step of preventing off-track betting. Promoters Push for Wider Betting There is, however, a chink of light for ardent bettors, keen to place a bet on the newest races in town. Information Minister, Daryl Vaz, has stated he will meet with race promoters to discuss the racing ban further. The second scheduled race, on December 13, could yet see more widespread betting if promoters manage to convince Vaz of its benefit.
There has been a lot of contradiction on the Jamaican gambling scene this year. Teen gambling is on the rise against a backdrop of lower betting by the general population whilst at the same time the government is planning for additional casinos and betting opportunities to kick start a struggling economy. Recession Effects on Gambling This year has seen a lack of disposable income that has caused a slowdown in gambling. Horse racing has been hit particularly badly, according to the Jamaica Observer. On the other hand, in September 2009 analysis of research from 2007 was published, warning of the rise in teenage gambling in Jamaica. The Rise Life Management Ltd report highlighted that 1 in 5 Jamaican adolescents under the age of 19 already have a gambling problem or are at risk of developing one. Poker, racing bets and online casinos are their main areas of interest. The report urged educational intervention and made the link between gambling and more marginalized kids. Gambling as Recession-Buster The commencement of weekend racing at Kingston's Caymanas Park caused a stir in November. Church leaders raised concerns over move, which the government apparently approved in order to draw in the tourists and boost the economy. Although trackside betting is all part of the fun at Caymanas Park, off track betting is currently not available, something the industry is lobbying to change. The new weekend racing has been drawing record crowds and made pleasing profits of $17.9 million from only eight races during its first weekend. In another attempt to use the sports and gambling industry to counteract the economic downturn, Parliament began debating the approval of new casinos in April. There has already been interest from developers looking to build casinos at the Montego Bay and Trelawny resorts. However, November saw the draft bill withdrawn, although not due to a reversal of policy but to allow time for consultation with industry and government stakeholders. Big Money Lotto In September Super Lotto arrived in Jamaica - giving locals access to mega-jackpots. The prize money is sky high as the Super Lotto combines the lotteries from 8 local countries, meaning that jackpots start at an astonishing J$180 million! If you haven't got in on the fun yet, why not?! Talking of the lottery, Jamaicans this year benefited from a new Gtech mobile feature which enables lottery tickets to be bought via a mobile phone account. For those selecting lucky numbers, winner notifications will be sent via text and winnings deposited into mobile accounts. Playing the lottery just got quicker and easier. Another monstrous mobile event is Casino King's launch of both iPhone and android casinos, adding more flexible ways to flutter. Jamaicans betting online can also ensure swift deposits and payments are made, as online casinos such as Jackpot City and Gaming Club increasingly improve their payment options and accepted currencies. The Year Ahead For poker lovers, now is the time to qualify for the for live European Poker Tour events, which are due to take place locally next month! In January 2010 the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure is taking place at the Atlantis Resort & Casino on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. Those wishing to hone up their skills can practice on popular sites operating locally, such as Cool Hand Poker and Full Tilt. Another one to watch in 2010 is Gaming Club's new Microgaming stomper, 'Hellboy'. Launching on 14 January, this comic-book themed 5 reel, 20 payline video slots thriller has some great features. As well as utilizing Hellboy's iconic characters, such as Prof. Trevor Bruttenholm, Johann Krause and Abe Sapien, the game includes a 4 Level Bonus Feature plus a 2x and 4x Gamble Feature. 2010 will likely see the government continuing to address the tough economic climate with activity around the gambling industry. Jamaica may well get one or two new resort casinos and increased access to horse racing and betting. Hopefully, with initial signs of a few economic shoots emerging, the local gambling scene will see a much welcome rise in activity.
The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure 2010 has dropped anchor in the Bahamas, and players are flopping, turning and betting galore in this exciting world-class Poker event. Big poker action, big-money prizesThe poker festival in the Bahamas runs from the 4th January through to the 14th January 2010. It is the 2nd largest buy-in tournament on the planet, with the Main Event costing a cool $10,300. The WSOP heads the list of the most-prestigious poker tournaments, but the PCA is right up there and growing fast. PCA entry and eventsThere are some 50 poker events listed on the calendar and the age-requirement is 18. Poker fans will be able to enjoy the $25,000 High Roller event, the $5,000 PokerStars Heads Up Challenge, the amFar charity, the World Cup of Poker and plenty Battleship tournaments to everyone's surprise. Battleship tournaments provide players with lots of strategic game-planning activity and their inclusion in the PCA has drawn tremendous interest from pundits. What's on offer?It comes as no surprise that prize money in this type of event is staggering. The surreal Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island will host the Main Event. And the winner of the event will be smiling all the way home. The 2009 winner - Poorya Nazari - was awarded $3 million. With a prize allocation of over $12 million this is among the crème de la crème of poker gaming. But there are other reasons why players love the big poker action of the PCA, such as the beautiful settings. And the alluring manner in which entry into the tournament comes from many angles such as Poorya's 2009 $33 Triple Turbo Rebuy event on PokerStars. This is now the 6th year the PCA is running and the prize money just keeps on growing.
Chris Armond, Director of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), this week announced that there would be no further Sunday races following on from the recent trials. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, he put the blame fairly and squarely on the shoulders of the Jamaican Government, who he said had failed to pass the legislation necessary to allow off-track betting to take place. Powerful Church Lobby Prior to the commencement of Sunday racing and throughout the trial, the Church had lobbied strongly against any additional gambling opportunities being approved and particularly disliked the races taking place on the day of rest. Doomed from Day One With the failure to approve the opening of off-track betting, the Sunday races were more or less doomed from day one, as this income stream accounts for some 70% of CTL's takings. "Unless we're able to sort out the situation with regard to our Off Track Betting parlours being open on a Sunday, it's not feasible to go ahead with Sunday racing," said. The races themselves drew large crowds, with the inaugural Sunday race day on November 29 taking close to $40 million. Although this figure sounds impressive without the additional off-track betting income, their continuation was simply not viable. Time to Reflect The 2010 racing calendar for 2010 has now been issued by CTL without the inclusion of any Sunday races. With arguments abounding about the government's need to support the racing industry, as well as embrace an initiative that boosted the economy, it remains to be seen whether the Government will reconsider their decision in the future.
It has been a long time in the making, but finally Jamaica is making big strides towards completion of legislation for introducing casino gambling to the island nation. The next steps Jamaicans have long enjoyed games such as Caribbean Stud Poker variants provided by JackpotCity Casino and other leading online casino brands. Now the legislative committee is working overtime to complete talks on the Casino Gaming Bill. The next steps for approving casino gambling With so much interest in casino gambling in Jamaica, lawmakers are eager to see a decision being made as soon as possible. Information Minister Mr. Daryl Vaz - the current chairman of the Special Select Committee - requested an extension for the finalization of the Casino Gambling Bill. The House of Representatives approved this two-week extension for the Special Select Committee of the House. Such is the eagerness of online casino operators and investors to tap into the lucrative Jamaican market that the government has been asked to roll back its proposed timetable for the finalized amendments to legislated gambling. Workers will need to be employed There is also a sense of concern among members of parliament in Jamaica - notably Phillip Paulwell - that Jamaica may need to hire foreign workers to fill the vacancies that will invariably be created in land-based casinos in Jamaica once the Bill has been finalized and gambling is legal. The current Bill under consideration is aimed at establishing the regulatory framework from which casino legislation can be passed. Jamaica is home to some of the most exquisite and exotic island-style hotels in the world and the addition of top-class gambling facilities will completely enhance the tourist experience and drive revenues to an all-time high.
Gaming Club is an established, reliable online casino with a history of satisfied players who return for more action time after time. They currently have over 4 million registered players across the globe, all of whom have the hots for their 350+ online casino games which are powered by industry favorite, Microgaming. State of the art games include video poker, slots, table games and blackjack. Packed with Prizes Progressive jackpots and an array of amazing prizes, such as luxury cruises, sports cars and cash, keep the pulses racing and give giddy gamblers plenty to play for. Gaming Club currently has an exciting prize draw on offer in the form of an all expenses paid Las Vegas trip. Players simply need to wager a minimum of $100 to be in with the chance of a win. A World Class Reputation Gaming Club have been on the scene for over a decade, during which time they have built up a solid reputation for fair game play and prompt payouts, which lead them to being awarded the eCOGRA Seal of Approval. Something for Everyone Gaming Club loves to offer players the best choices available; for a start casino games can be played not only through the downloadable casino but more than 150 can be played in flash version. In addition there is an impressive choice of six currencies, with the casino itself available in five languages. They also provide players with a choice when it comes to their current promotion. Those unable to take the Las Vegas trip as a prize have the option of a $10,000 cash prize instead. To get in on the action, check out this buzzing online casino for plenty of action and prizes.
Irish-American poker professional Phil Laak has broken a particularly difficult world record during the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, after playing live poker for over 115 hours. Laak smashed the previous Guinness world record of 72 hours and two minutes, set by Larry Olmsted in 2004. "Wow, 115 hours, I should have my head examined," Laak said as he completed his record run at the Bellagio Hotel-Casino, almost five whole days after beginning it. "The Unabomber," as he is known to fans, was permitted a five minute break each hour, although he was also allowed to bank those five minutes for longer breaks, which he used to his advantage, managing one power nap of 30 minutes. The World's Longest Poker Game, as it was marketed, was viewed by more than 130,000 people from at least 90 nations across the world via webcam. Laak, who is the boyfriend of Hollywood star-turned poker pro Jennifer Tilly, will donate half of his $6,766 winning from the event to Camp Sunshine, a camp held in the north-eastern US state of Maine for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
Jamaicans looking to make bingo buddies and play their favorite game can find plenty on offer at Bingo Day. Not only is there a buzzing bingo community who love to chat but Bingo Day gives players plenty on the side too. Three Rooms to Choose From At Bingo Day you can enter four different bingo halls from the main lobby. Details of the games currently playing are displayed and you can also look at the schedule for the day. Barmy Club - play bingo through the night with tickets from 5 - 25p and many big, guaranteed prizes on offer, including linked £5,000 jackpot games. Velvet Lounge - this room features speed dating chat games and buy-ins from 1p - 5p available between 5pm and 1am GMT. Those feeling a bit frisky should also visit on Wednesday nights - Adult night - for an extra cheeky bingo experience. Cloud Nine Hall - open 10am till Midnight GMT this is the only room offering 75 ball bingo - why not try it for a change? Have a Natter Each Bingo Room has its own Chat Room and dedicated Chat Team, all are welcoming and friendly - they keep the banter flowing and introduce lots of side games and extra prizes. Like to mix it up a bit? Bingo Day give you the ability to create your own bingo schedule. Book all your favorite games but make sure you check out the specials first so that you don't miss out on the best offers. With Bingo Day you can enjoy 75 and 90 ball bingo, chat and side games 24/7 plus a great mix of multi player slots with huge progressive jackpots, special tourneys, scratchcards and more. Not a member yet? Why not?! Join up today and enjoy a terrific 200% match bonus of up to £100.
The lid is off one of the worst-kept secrets in online gaming, with the Lord of the Rings video slot finally launched at Microgaming-powered online casinos. Based on the famous trilogy, which was first produced in book form and later made it to the big screens, the video slot version of Lord of the Rings utilizes Microgaming's state-of-the-art Cinematic Spins technology to show original footage from all your favorite scenes, including the Attack on the Weathertop and the Ringwraiths. All the major characters from the movies feature in this five-reel slot game, including Frodo, Aragorn, Saruman and the Black Riders. The appearance of three, four or five "the one ring" symbols activates the 15-free spin bonus feature. To take advantage of the release of the game, play now at Jackpot City Casino and you will also be rewarded by the site's many online promotions. Open to new customers, JackpotCity will give you $500 in free playing money as a 100% return on your first two deposits. Simply make a $200 first deposit and a $300 second deposit to receive the bonus playing money.
Shopping around for which casinos offer the best progressive jackpots but not sure where to start? The following three casinos all offer prizes totaling millions of dollars. Bigger is Better Jackpot City truly is one of the best places for jackpots, with the total prize money on its progressive slots now in excess of $4 million. The famous Mega Moolah slot accounts for around half that mark, hovering around $2 million, while plenty of other smaller slots offer lesser jackpots. Progressive Cyberstud Poker, Major Millions and Treasure Nile also offer prizes of hundreds of millions of dollars. Better Odds At Casino King, the progressive jackpots have passed a total of $3.5 million, led by Gold Rally with more than $600,000 and Beach Life with almost $300,000. Although the overall jackpots are smaller than at many other online casinos, Casino King is suitable for players looking for smaller jackpots with better odds, as it has a larger range of progressive jackpot games with maximum prizes in the range of hundreds or thousands of dollars. Biggest By Far Finally we come to All Jackpots, which is offering the mother of all jackpot totals with more than $8 million in prizes to be claimed. All Jackpots has less progressive slots but with far bigger prizes, led by Mega Moolah, Major Millions and LotsaLoot.
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