Celebrity Gambler – ‘Silent Executioner’ Sosia Jiang has Risen to Poker Stardom in NZ

Sosia Jiang might not be a household name like some famous female poker pros. However, in professional poker’s high-stakes world, Jiang – based in New Zealand – has firmly established herself as a formidable force.  

The “Silent Executioner”, as she’s famously known, has fearlessly taken on titans, from Las Vegas’ bright lights to the biggest global buy-in events, emerging victorious time and again.  

From humble beginnings as a struggling young immigrant adapting to her new home, Jiang has traversed an incredible journey to poker’s upper echelons. Her story epitomizes perseverance, dedication, and an almost preternatural ability to master subtleties in a game where millions can be won or lost on a single hand. Today, she sits atop New Zealand’s All-Time Money List with over $2.7 million in total live earnings.  

More than just financial spoils, Jiang’s impact has been truly transformative. At 44, she has shattered stereotypes and defied conventions in a game traditionally dominated by male players from America and Europe. Her trail-blazing accomplishments, including becoming the first female to win the prestigious Hendon Mob Championship in 2020 and a major PokerStars event in 2017, have inspired a new generation of underrepresented players to pursue dreams at the felted tables.  

Sosia Jiang Statistics

Born in the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia in northern China, Jiang’s family was forced to relocate due to their “unfavourable status” with the Chinese government at the time. They eventually settled in New Zealand when Jiang was just 7 years old. It was an incredibly difficult transition for the young girl who did not speak a word of English and grappled with the starkly different cultural norms of her new home.  

Yet those early struggles seemed to forge a resolve in Jiang that would eventually propel her to conquer the biggest poker stages in the world. From learning the basics by playing card games with her family who had little money for toys or entertainment, to honing her skills in underground home games while working in the corporate world, Jiang’s passion for poker was stoked at every step.  

That passion has now manifested into over $2.7 million in documented live tournament winnings, making Jiang the all-time leader among New Zealand-based pros. This staggering sum cements her status as bonafide poker royalty in the country she has made her permanent home. 

Beyond just the numbers, Jiang’s inspirational rise from modest beginnings to becoming an elite, world-class poker player has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans across the globe. Her landmark victories and pioneering impact as both a female and Asian voice in a traditionally male-dominated arena have been universally celebrated as smashing through long-standing stereotypes and discrimination. 

Sosia Jiang Achievements

Beneath Jiang’s multimillion-dollar winnings lie a series of groundbreaking achievements and accolades that cast a bright spotlight on her greatness: 

2017: Won the PokerStars Championship Macau High Roller for $498,073

Became the first female player to win a major PokerStars live event since British pro-Vicky Coren’s European Poker Tour title in 2014. 

Navigating a field of established elite pros like Dan Smith, Nick Petrangelo and Sergey Lebedev, Jiang displayed her trademark cool and clinical aggression to take down one of the richest titles on the annual PokerStars calendar. 

2018: Shipped the prestigious Sydney Championships $25,000 High Roller for $266,880

Less than a year after her Macau triumph, Jiang proved her victory was no fluke by conquering another super high roller field Down Under. This firmly entrenched her status among the upper echelon of tournament players who specialize in the nosebleed buy-in events. 

2020: Became the first-ever female winner of The Hendon Mob Championship (THMC)

While countless male players have won the prestigious THMC on poker’s biggest platform, partypoker, Jiang made history by becoming the first woman to ever ship the title. In doing so, she outlasted elite competition like triple GPI Female Player of the Year Kristen Bicknell, one of the most accomplished female tournament pros ever. It was a watershed moment for female representation at the highest levels of the game. 

2023: Scored her biggest live cash prize of $820,000 at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Cyprus

The Triton tour, known for its extravagant multi-million dollar buy-in events, is where only poker’s true elite gather. Proving she belongs among that rarefied air, Jiang navigated the massive field in Cyprus to bank her largest individual payday from a staggering $820,000 score. 

The raw numbers only tell part of the story. What makes Jiang’s accomplishments even more remarkable is the way she has dismantled seemingly insurmountable barriers and defied the odds in the male-dominated poker world. 

While female representation at the highest levels remains low, with women making up only around 5% of tournament fields even today, Jiang is very much the face of the modern trailblazer. Her resounding success transcends gender, sending an empowering message that skill, determination and meticulous strategy trump all preconceived notions about who can make it in this game.  

Partnerships with Sosia Jiang

Given her immense popularity and influence in poker, many would expect Sosia Jiang to be involved in lots of paid partnerships with casino brands as is common with most top stars. However, we hardly found any evidence of major endorsement deals or sponsorships for the “Silent Executioner” beyond her time as a PartyPoker ambassador. 

Jiang appears to prefer keeping a relatively low profile, letting her poker accomplishments do the talking rather than actively pursuing lucrative branding opportunities.  

That said, her prior PartyPoker association did lend her some mainstream visibility. At the 2022 WPT Big Game tournament hosted by PartyPoker, Jiang outlasted several of the site’s other ambassadors like Ludovic Geilich and Patrick Leonard to make the heads-up finale eventually won by Austria’s Philipp Hofbauer.  

While details are scant, it’s quite possible Jiang had some sort of promotional obligations tied to streaming or content creation during her PartyPoker tenure. Many brands leverage the star power of their ambassador pros for Twitch streams, instructional videos, or special VIP events and promotions. However, she seems to have moved on from that role in recent years. 

It’s worth noting that in addition to her prolific poker career, Jiang is also a practicing lawyer – suggesting she may have limited bandwidth for extensive brand partnerships or sponsorship activities beyond her core profession.  

That said, Jiang’s widespread popularity and pioneering impact certainly make her a prime candidate for future brand alignments, should she choose to pursue them.  

Major poker platforms like PokerStars or GGPoker could leverage Jiang as an inspirational figure to attract more underrepresented demographics like women and Asians to take up the game. Her ambassadorship could move the needle in key regional markets across the Asia-Pacific. 

Similarly, online casino and gambling operators expanding into the newly regulated New Zealand landscape could greatly benefit from Jiang’s local star power and reputation. Her endorsement would lend those brands credibility and appeal, helping forge deeper connections with prospective customers. 

Closing Thoughts: Beyond the Rags to Riches Story

It would be easy, even clichéd, to pigeonhole Sosia Jiang’s narrative as a quintessential rag-to-riches tale – the heartwarming story of an underdog who defied all odds and overcame humble circumstances to achieve the unlikeliest of successes. On the surface level, her journey from struggling as a young immigrant in New Zealand to becoming a multimillionaire at the highest stakes of professional poker does check those boxes. 

However, to view Jiang’s impact through such a reductive, cliched lens would be to miss the true depth and significance of her pioneering achievements that have cast a lasting legacy. Her story represents nothing short of a seismic paradigm shift in the complexion of modern poker and the gambling world as a whole.  

Where once the game’s public perception centred primarily around the “poker brat” archetype embodied by brash, outspoken male pros from North America and Europe, Jiang’s principled approach of cool, surgical calculation combined with shrewd yet balanced aggression has cultivated a new kind of aspirational role model. 

In her, a generation of aspiring poker players across diverse backgrounds sees the virtues of dedicated study, respect for the strategic fundamentals of the casino game, and a tendency to play with controlled fierceness rather than emotionally driven impulse. It’s an approach rooted in discipline, hard work and earned self-belief – qualities that extend far beyond just poker. 

More importantly, her towering success as a female and Asian player shattering glass ceilings at the highest echelons has obliterated long-standing prejudices, deep-rooted stereotypes and institutionalized barriers that previously existed.  

Jiang’s trailblazing trajectory underscores that poker, when the chips are down, is truly the “great game” – an arena of equal opportunity where innate skill and unwavering determination reign supreme over artificial limitations like gender, race or demographic background. 

As the new-age poker renaissance evolves from the boom years of the early 2000s, pioneering ambassadors like Sosia Jiang will be the driving forces defining the future face of the game for years and generations to come. She stands not just as an inspiration for rising talent worldwide to fearlessly chase their dreams, but also as a luminous beacon for an industry striving to become more inclusive, accessible and accommodating to players of all backgrounds.

By Shadrack Kairu

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 Gamlinked July 2024

By Thadeus Geodfrey 

We welcome you once again to another edition of Gamlinked. Gamlinked puts you ahead of the curve with regular, in-depth coverage and accounts, reports, and casino news in the gambling industry across the five inhabited continents of the world.   

In this July edition, we reflect on significant advancements and regulatory shifts. On tech, Ronaldinho Spins is now exclusively available on Betano. Further away, Germany has new technology to prevent underage gambling. On regulatory changes, Buenos Aires tops the race to control gambling, with New Zealand, Australia, and Romania also having a few legal matters. Let’s get into the details. 

Underage gambling causes Buenos Aires to stop issuing online casino licenses

The Argentinian Autonomous City of Buenos Aires no longer issues online casino licenses. Not even to top online casinos, citing underage gambling concerns. Gambling News reports that the decision is part of an ongoing effort to protect minors. There have been concerns about laxity in observing the gambling rules properly. 

Buenos Aires launched its iGaming market in 2020 and has since licensed 11 operators. However, LOTBA, the city’s gambling regulator, has taken action after the recent surge in underage gambling.  

While announcing the suspension last week, LOTBA’s president, Jesús Acevedo, was in the company of city officials, including Jorge Macri, the head of the City government.  

Current operators must prevent minors from their platforms. Acevedo stated that the regulator’s focus will now shift to assessing compliance. LOTBA will also monitor operators’ adherence to spending and time limits as required under law. Operators must also implement responsible gambling tools such as self-exclusion. 

In the same spirit, the local government has agreements with social media and e-commerce companies to help in the fight. This year alone, the City successfully lobbied to remove 715 social media profiles and ads promoting illegal gambling. 

LOTBA has also successfully blocked access to 12 websites. It emphasized that it only permits websites with .bet domains. These registered sites must implement strict measures to prevent anyone under 18 from gambling on the platforms. 

In addition to taking it to operators, the city is also conducting school workshops. These events educate adolescents and their families about the risks of gambling. Also, at the same school level, Buenos Aires has blocked access to gambling websites through public school WiFi networks. The city plans to extend this block to all public free WiFi networks.  

Buenos Aires commits to safeguarding its young population from the potential harms of gambling. And all these activities are geared towards that, says Jesús Acevedo. 

Ronaldinho Spins to exclusively sit with Betano brand

Ronaldinho Spins, a unique online casino slot, is a special offering exclusively available on Betano in Brazil. Betano, operated by Kaizen Gaming and one of the best online casinos in Brazil, has been the sole provider of this game in Brazil for the past two months before its network release. But Booming Games has now made it official, adding an element of exclusivity to this exciting game. 

Ronaldinho Spins, which debuted last December, was a significant milestone. During the launch, Max Niehusen, CEO of Booming Games, underscored the strategic importance of collaborating with the legendary Ronaldinho Gaúcho. This partnership, he emphasized, was not just a step but a leap that expanded the company’s global footprint. 

To Niehusen, integrating Ronaldinho’s image in Booming’s games is not just a feature. He saw it as a revolution in gaming that heightens players’ excitement. He believed this promised significant impacts across the industry and was crucial for the Booming’s global expansion. 

Ronaldinho remains one of the most celebrated living athlete legends and well-known football players globally. He won a World Cup, Copa América, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and Ballon d’Or. He also thrives as a businessman, music producer, and media influencer with a fan base of over 170 million across multiple platforms. 

Ahead of the EURO and Copa America 2024, Kaizen Gaming and Booming Games have tapped into through Ronaldinho Spins. Additionally, a particular Copa America version of Ronaldinho Spins has been developed for the tournament and is available on Betano. So, Brazilians can at least celebrate this even after their men’s side suffered a quarterfinal exit in the Copa América after losing 4-2 on penalties to Uruguay on Saturday. 

Frederik Niehusen, Booming Games’ CCO, highlighted the partnership with Kaizen Gaming, noting that it marked an exciting chapter in their journey and expressing their anticipation of delivering unparalleled entertainment to players worldwide. 

Antonio Lamagna, Head of RNG at Kaizen Gaming, added, “This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our players with top-notch entertainment and further solidifies our position as a leading operator in the industry.” 

Betano has been expanding. In May 2024, it developed into the UK market through a partnership with BVGroup. It offers UK customers enhanced betting features and safer gambling tools.  

Booming Games also partnered with Aardvark Technologies to integrate its content into Aardvark’s platform, making its games accessible to operators and customers in Africa. 

Ronaldinho Spins casino slot by Booming Games pays tribute to the legendary football player Ronaldinho. The game offers Expanding Wilds and Bonus Games, and with up to 5000X, your bet wins! Have you tried it? If so, tell us more about it. 

Offshore gambling duty implemented in New Zealand

New Zealand has introduced a 12% offshore gambling duty to ensure that offshore casinos contribute their fair share of taxes. This new tax, effective from July this year, is expected to generate over NZD 716 million annually for the government. 

The 12% duty applies to a casino’s total profits, excluding the betting handle and payouts to winners. Operators who provide more than $60,000 will be subject to this tax. 

The government has already imposed a 13% GST tax on operators’ gross gambling revenue. So, the new 12% tax now brings the total taxation for gambling businesses to 25%. It’s still within the competitive global range. The move follows earlier discussions by officials in New Zealand about the need to regulate the iGaming industry. Primarily tax compliance was deemed the most appropriate. 

Despite the new tax policy, it is still unclear if the government plans to establish a licensing body. The country has no outright gambling regulator like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. Instead, the Department of Internal Affairs, simply referred to as the Department undertakes the role. It licenses and oversees compliance and enforcement functions under the Gambling Act 2003. 

According to stats by Statista, more than 500,000 people in New Zealand engage in online gambling annually. On average, Kiwis spend $2,200 per person. They play at low-deposit casinos and minimum-bet sportsbooks of offshore online casinos based in regions like Malta. They are casinos with a minimum deposit and are convenient, support various payment methods, and offer attractive bonuses. 

The offshore gambling duty presents a challenge for the New Zealand government on enforcement. While it can block and warn non-compliant offshore casinos, it lacks the authority to charge offshore companies as they are not physically in the country. 

Most offshore casinos are safe and trustworthy. They hold licenses from reputable regulators like Malta, Gibraltar, or the Isle of Man. However, players must verify a site’s features, casino games, fast casino withdrawals , and fair bonuses and promotions. 

New Zealand’s new offshore gambling duty aims to capitalize on the thriving online gambling market. It remains to be seen how it will achieve it while ensuring player safety and regulatory compliance. Despite potential enforcement challenges, this initiative reflects the government’s intent to regulate and rip from the growing industry. 

How will the new tax policy affect New Zealand’s online gambling industry’s ability to compete with offshore casinos in other regions? 

Biometric verification for online gambling on the cards for Argentina

In Mendoza, Argentina, provincial lawmaker Verónica Valverde proposes a bill to implement biometric authentication in online gambling. The bill aims to prevent minors from accessing these platforms. 

If the bill passes, Verónica Valverde told the local newspaper, San Rafael, the law will ultimately address the inadequacies of the current legislation. Valverde argued the current system of ID verification allows minors to use adult data to access online games. She emphasized the importance of using advanced technological mechanisms to ensure that only people of legal age can participate in iGaming. 

“It seemed crucial for us to implement an ID verification mechanism based on new technologies, given that we are dealing with a very recent and complex phenomenon. Biometric data are tools already used in other contexts. Applying this method in the regulation of online gaming is elementary to protect our children,” she said. 

Valverde acknowledged the significant challenge of regulating platforms operating outside the provincial jurisdiction. However, she is hopeful that implementing this law in Mendoza will inspire similar regulations at the national level. The issue’s urgency is widely recognized, as the bill has received support from both sides. 

“All political forces have supported this project because we all agree that it is a matter of concern,” Valverde noted. 

The bill’s next step is to be discussed in parliamentary committees. It is expected to receive the necessary support for quick implementation. 

“We have worked hard to ensure that this initiative has solid support, she added, “and we hope that it will be the starting point for finding solutions to current concerns related to online gambling and child protection.” 

It seems age verification technology is becoming an integral part of online gambling. What do you think? 

Credit cards and crypto banned for online gambling in Australia

Australia has banned the use of cryptocurrency and credit cards for online gambling. The law, which took effect on June 11, includes fines of up to AUD 234,750 (approximately USD 155,000) for non-compliance. The ban also includes linked credit cards to digital wallets. The Australian government said this new rule is to protect citizens from financial risks. 

Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, supported the move. He also urged the government to extend the ban to other forms of gambling to ensure comprehensive protection. He argued that the measure would protect customers and allow players to take control of their gambling behaviour. 

The new regulations bring online betting in line with Australia’s established laws on land-based gambling, providing a sense of reassurance. However, it’s important to note that online lottery payments using credit cards are still permitted. The industry has a six-month transition period before the commission enforces these restrictions. 

Cryptocurrency is included in this ban because it is difficult for authorities to monitor. Besides, the transactions and activity on these platforms are largely pseudonymous. Although it may be tempting to utilise current gambling laws, these regulations would probably be awkward and unwise as cryptos are decentralised. 

The ban clearly reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to reducing gambling harm. To take a firm stance, the government categorizes credit cards and cryptocurrencies as high-risk casino payment methods. 

Australia’s new measures aim to reduce excessive gambling and ensure better financial control for its citizens. The growth of the crypto market has enabled users to make speculative bets on regulatory decisions or election outcomes. 

Judicial Review ordered after Romania bans gambling in small towns

Gambling could return in small towns in Romania. The country’s Supreme Court has mandated a constitutional review of gambling restrictions imposed on small towns. In April, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu issued an executive order banning gambling in small towns of less than 15,000 inhabitants. Local lawmakers backed the order and prohibited land-based casinos in these areas. 

The Supreme Court’s critique of the ban is significant. The Court found that the restrictions violated the bicameral principle and identified the order’s intrinsic and extrinsic constitutional flaws. The law’s lack of clarity on the affected localities, the relocation of affected venues, and its lack of clear enforcement guidelines, particularly for rural areas with limited resources, were pointed out. The Court also noted the lack of compensation for local businesses impacted by the ban. 

The penalties for non-compliance with the ban are severe. Operating slot-machine gaming devices without municipal licenses can lead to three to twelve months in prison or fines. Issuing false population size certificates could result in jail for six months to three years. 

Despite these legal challenges, PM Ciolacu remains committed to protecting the public from gambling harms, emphasizing public well-being over economic benefits. The Romanian Parliament, confident in the legislation, has not proposed compensation for the 27 licensed betting operators, including major names like SuperBet, StanleyBet, and Casa Pariurilor. 

The ongoing constitutional review emphasizes the importance of the independence of various arms of government and the necessity of balancing laws with practical enforcement challenges. 

We wait to see how the law will change and how it defines small towns in the context of gambling restrictions. Besides, these small-town residents can still visit the best PayPal casinos online.  

German regulator endorses facial age verification for online gambling

KJM supports IDVerse’s use of facial recognition to determine a person’s age. This will help prevent underage gambling. KJM stands for the Commission for Youth Media Protection, a state organization that regulates children’s exposure to mass media. 

IDVerse is a significant step in combating underage online gambling. This advanced technology ensures that minors don’t access adult online platforms like casino sites by accurately verifying their age. It does this either through biometric facial recognition or ID document checks. IDVerse’s system enhances the protection of minors in environments with insufficient parental supervision. It is designed to handle data securely and promptly deletes it after verification, so there’s little worry about privacy. 

KLM endorsement coincides with efforts in Argentina’s Mendoza Province, where lawmaker Verónica Valverde has proposed a bill to implement biometric authentication to prevent minors from accessing online gambling. 

Peter Violaris, IDVerse’s global privacy chief, says they want to build a safer online world for children worldwide. 

The success of IDVerse’s system in Germany and the proposed measures in Argentina could be the start. They could set the pace for other regions grappling with the same challenge. Biometric age verification could soon be the new way to verify age in digital media. These developments come as part of a broader trend of increasing regulation in the online gambling industry, especially in response to concerns about underage access. 

The German and Argentinian initiatives highlight the potential of biometric technology to provide robust solutions for age verification. 

Technology and the law can indeed work together to safeguard minors from the risks associated with online gambling. 

Kiwi gambling license framework to be implemented by 2026

The New Zealand government has announced its preparations to regulate online casinos for the first time, with an in-depth licensing framework expected to be effective from 2026. The effort will focus on minimizing harm, ensuring tax collection, and providing robust consumer protections. The impact of this will be felt at best NZ online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks.

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden outlined the government’s high-level approach to online casino regulation, emphasizing that it will be illegal for unlicensed operators to target players in the country.

The regulatory framework, currently in development, will see a limited number of online casino licenses issued through an auction process. Interested bidders must meet stringent regulatory requirements to qualify. Players accessing these licensed platforms must be at least 18 years old.
The framework will also impose strict advertising limits for licensees, ensuring that online casino advertising is separate from other gambling products. Sports betting and lottery offerings will not be permitted alongside casino games.

The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed regulatory plans during the select committee process. This move to regulate online casinos marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to manage the digital gambling landscape effectively.

Closing Remark

From Buenos Aires’ proactive measures to Germany and Argentina’s strides in biometric age verification technologies, July seems to be all about protection. Shall we call it the guarding month? Countries are not letting their guard down, especially when protecting generation alpha. The month has seen significant changes in legislations and protecting vulnerable populations. That wraps up our roundup. As you play, do so responsibly, and remember the fan is not in the winning but enjoying the game. Please stay safe and don’t miss our next edition.

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In tennis online bets with this feature, you can bet on the number of aces served, the total number of games played, and the winner of the match. 

Bet Builder allows you to customise and create the perfect bet. What makes this LeoVegas feature popular is the chance to play around with different betting strategies for potentially greater rewards. 

This exciting LeoVegas feature is available for most of your favourite sports, including football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and American football. If you’ve ever wanted to choose the game-winner, the end-of-game score, and what points will be scored, this is your chance! 

Sportsbetting bonus – How to Get your Free Match Bet

In a special offer at NZ best online casino LeoVegas, players from NZ can claim their welcome bonus of a free match bet at LeoVegas SPORT.  

Getting this exciting kingly bonus is easy; after registering and joining LeoVegas, a NZ$20 deposit will automatically get your Matched Free Bet for your first bet.  

Some rules apply, including placing a qualifying bet of at least NZ$10 or more on odds of 1.8 (4/5) and then waiting for your qualifying bet to be settled.  

Soon after, you will find the 100% Matched Free Bet in your account, which you can use on any sports market. There are some essential Bonus T&Cs to take into account, so it’s always worth reading this document to find out how to withdraw your wins in cash. 

After using the LeoVegas Sport Welcome bonus, enjoy profit boosts and more free bets on domestic and international football betting with the casino’s supercharged mobile app and website. 

Kiwis will find horse racing from the biggest and fastest race meetings globally, rugby union, league events, American sports betting, cricket, darts, and many more popular sports and events. 

Weekend cashout – How to make the most of it

At top NZ online casinos like LeoVegas, players from NZ can use the weekend cashout feature, which means you won’t have to wait until Monday to get your wins. Over the weekends, if you hit a payload, you can immediately cash it out.  

Your bonus wins cashout can be affected by wagering requirements that still need to be completed to meet the bonus requirements or by not having completed the LeoVegas Know Your Customers (KYC) verification yet. 

LeoVegas – King of Mobile Casino in NZ

Many online casinos have a mobile-optimized but not downloadable app, and that’s fine, as high-quality mobile sites work just as well as apps. LeoVegas Casino took its mobile gambling options a step further by offering a mobile site and a native app for iOS tablets, mobile phones, Android tablets, and mobile phones. 

The Leo Vegas app has secure Touch ID functionality and lets Kiwis access the entire LeoVegas game library, along with app-specific perks, such as: 

• Games load lightning-fast 
• Speedy deposits and withdrawals 
• 24/7 customer support 
• Access your last-played game 
• Dark mode for low-light settings 

As the best mobile operator at the 2021 EGR Operator Awards, LeoVegas’s mobile-responsive website is excellent and offers all the same games, banking options, and features as the desktop site. 

Download the LeoVegas app and the on-screen instructions to install the app. 

Fast Payouts

To claim the Welcome Bonus at LeoVegas, you must register and make a real-money deposit of $10. You can use one of the many payment methods on offer in the Banking section of LeoVegas, such as debit and credit cards, eWallets, top-up card vouchers, or bank transfers. 

To get the Welcome Bonus and Free Spins, the minimum deposit you can make when joining is NZ$10, and the maximum for your first deposit bonus is NZ$2000.  

Withdrawing your winnings will take an average of 1-3 business days for bank cards, and fast payouts with eWallets take up to 24 hours. 

How to sign up at LeoVegas

Get started today at LeoVegas in a few easy steps. Here how: 

1. To begin your LeoVegas adventure, click on the Sign-Up Button on the top right side of the page
2. Fill out the registration formation form with your personal information 
3. When the welcome bonus is offered, you can accept and then deposit it at the cashier
4. Once your deposit is through, your bonus will be added to your account, and you can start playing. 

New players who join the $1 deposit New Zealand casino LeoVegas must complete the KYC verification requirements after signing up. This entails sending your official documents to customer support, who will verify you in up to 48 hours. This is essential so that your withdrawals aren’t blocked. 

Online casinos in NZ offer a Responsible Gambling section that players can use to limit how much they deposit and play, and self-exclusion is also available for vulnerable players.

By Ginevra Alessandrello

Winning tips for Spina Zonke at ZA casinos

Versatility is the main reason behind the massive popularity of Spina Zonke games, offering the most exciting blend of free spins, bonus rounds and multipliers at ZA casinos. Spina Zonke derives from the isiZulu language in which Spina means ‘spin’ and Zonke refers to ‘everything’. It’s a title reflecting all-encompassing games combining various genres and top elements to create an enjoyable online casino experience.

Spina Zonke games available at the best South African casinos date back to when gaming enthusiasts enjoyed the best entertainment at land-based casinos. In South Africa, gambling underwent an incredible transformation over the years with the rise of digital technology. It opened up a whole new world of exceptional online casino gaming, which laid the foundation for Spina Zonke games.

By combining traditional slots with the most innovative game mechanics, software developers created games appealing to the diverse range of South African players. Once relatively basic, technological advancement introduces players to game designs and features that contribute to an engaging, entertaining and unrivalled online casino ZA experience.

Are Spina Zonke and Slot games the same thing?

Online slot games are still relatively new in South Africa and Spina Zonke is the title given to the most popular slots. Spina Zonke presents players with a broad range of enjoyable slot games, with varying themes, layouts, bonuses, and unique ways to win real money. The excitement of playing the most amazing Spina Zonke games – by top developers like Yggdrasil Gaming – goes way beyond exceptional 3D graphics and incredible animation. It is called pokies in New Zealand, Spina Zonke in South Africa, and slots to the rest of the world. The most popular titles include Vampire Riches, Badger Miners, Nice Catch, and Neon Villains.

NetEnt Spina Zonke fans will be happy to know they can now enjoy award-winning titles such as Starburst, Fruit Shop, Dead or Alive, and 101 Candies at the best ZA online casinos. The top Spina Zonke branded games include Narcos, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Jumanji, The Invisible Man, and Dracula. The most unique titles are hosted by providers like Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming, Geco Gaming, Win Studios, Spadegaming, and Bwin Party.

The Spina Zonke title given to the slot experience in South Africa dates back to land-based casinos, although it can be enjoyed fully on desktop and on mobile. The top Spina Zonke casinos are not only favoured for the most entertaining slots but also for the distinct variety of table games, live dealer events and sports betting.

Get free spins on spina Zonke games at Sportingbet casino

The main benefit of playing at a top online casino ZA such as Sportingbet is the generous free spins bonus for individuals – ensuring more chances to play and win on Spina Zonke games. Claimable by all South Africans 18 years or older, the new sign up offer at Sportingbet is a welcome package featuring three exciting bonuses. Inspired by great things that come in threes, the triple treat increases the start-up bankroll of new players by up to R3,000 in bonus funds and features 300 spina zonke spins.

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The highlight of the welcome bonus is the massive 300 free spins users get on top of the R3,000 bonus across the first three deposits. Instead of all free spins valid on a single slot, like with most online casino bonuses, the free spins are valid on an astonishing selection of Spina Zonke games! Excellent titles include Book of Myths, The Win Genie, Mega Cars, Palladium, Galacticos, Dazzling Sun, Fruit Blaster, Mega Bars, Spin Bandit, Dual Treble Fortune, Melon Madness, Sizzling Symbols, 88 Coins, Coffee Shop, Scorching Wild Fruits, Astonishing Animals, Megaburst Repeater, Gangsta City, Mini Runner, and King of Dragons.

You’re a winner with the Sportingbet New Player Welcome Offer!

With a mega 300 Spina Zonke spins at Sportingbet, it can add up to a substantial winning amount for players. What’s key to note is that the chances of winning are high, given that Sportingbet offers a safe and fair playing field, as it is regulated and licensed by the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board.

The impressive games library includes Sportingbet favourites such as Ring of Dragons, Melon Madness Deluxe, and The Win Genie. Recently, more games were added increasing the number of titles to include table games such as Blackjack Stud Poker PRO, UK Roulette, and Double Deck Blackjack Snap.

The live casino section offers all the top game shows, live roulette, live blackjack, live baccarat, and live poker games. These include top choices such as Side Bet City, Super Sic Bo, Lightning Roulette, and Deal or No Deal. Sportingbet members enjoy great odds across all sports, live betting, betgames, and currently the most popular is Aviator.

Why some casinos call Slot games Spina Zonke

South African online casinos cater to an interesting combination of cultures and currently have 11 official languages. Spina Zonke offers variety that caters to the diversity of people from different backgrounds. Spina Zonke derives from the isiZulu language meaning “spin everything”. Some casinos call slot games Spina Zonke because it is a unique phrase to South Africa that is well-known. Spina Zonke is the perfect entertainment that is affordable and loved for its interactive graphics, fun themes, features, and winning opportunities.

Find out more about Casinos and Spina Zonke with our reviews

Our South African Casino reviews loads of regulated and licensed online casinos. MDC ensures that all casinos that are recommended are properly vetted to ensure it meets our strict criteria. Our South Africa online casino directory features unbiased and comprehensive reviews focused on providing players with the information they need to make the best choices. Our ZA online casino reviews place a high priority on overall safety, fairness, licensing, and secure ZAR banking methods. Our experts pay great attention to bonus values, entertainment variety, loyalty rewards, customer services, and everything else that adds to your ultimate player experience and overall enjoyment. So good luck on securing that big win on Spina Zonke slots.

What $5 gets you in the real world vs online minimum deposit casinos

At Minimum Deposit Casinos.org, we decided to try out a fun assignment to prove to our readers that $/€5 Deposit Casinos offer outstanding value. We went shopping in the real world to find out what $/€5 will buy you in New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.

What can C$5 get you in Canada? A person can buy a pair of unisex casual drawstring pyjama bottoms, or you can choose fun and fortune at our featured Top Online Casinos. A nation known for its peaceful disposition, Canucks that want to play slots and table games with low deposits have many top-rated brands at their disposal.

What can NZ$5 get you in New Zealand? It will buy you a clearance paperback at Mighty Ape, or you can play pokies at one of the best-rated casinos like Betway Casino NZ. Pokies seem like the better option given that the NZ nation is known for its love for outdoor activities, reading, and having fun.

What can £5 get you in the UK? Well, we went to ASDA and purchased a nine-pack of crumpets and a pack of six Cornetto ice creams. It’s not much, so if you are living in the UK and want to stretch your money into hours of fun-filled entertainment, then find yourself a top online casino.

It doesn’t seem possible that in these tough economic days, online casino fans can enjoy top slots and table games at a $/€5 Minimum Deposit Casino, but we assure you it’s entirely true. When you make your way to one of our featured casinos, you will benefit from top bonuses, bonus spins, 24/7 customer support and thousands of casino games. So, here are our top online casino picks for what you can get for $/€5 with the hottest deposit bonuses globally.

In Canada, $5 can get you 50 free spins at Mr Fortune Casino

Mr Fortune $5 Deposit Canadian Casino is a vibrant and modern online casino that opened in 2023. Owned by Green Feather Online Limited, Mr Fortune is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. It offers a wide variety of top slots, table games, and live casino options to keep you busy. New players can take advantage of a reduced C$5 deposit for a generous welcome bonus package. It’s an exclusive 50 Free Spins and a 100% matched bonus of up to C$700 delivered across your first three deposits at the casino. To unlock the $5 deposit bonus, you can use PaySafeCard, Bitcoin, eWallets, Neteller, Skrill, or ecoPayz.

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Regulated online casinos with a deposit requirement of 5 dollars are ideal for players who want great value bonuses with no risks attached. Typically at most online casinos, you will get a welcome bonus made up of free bonus cash and free spins, but getting your hands on a 100% matched bonus and free spins for a $/€5 deposit is rare and worth claiming. The welcome bonus package at Mr Fortune Casino includes 50 Free Spins for Fruit Zen, a fruity slot game powered by BetSoft. Claiming the bonus is easily done by registering and making the minimum deposit to unlock it. You will also get the red carpet treatment with a 200% matched bonus, and 50 Free Spins. Find out more about the games on offer, as well as the bonus T&Cs in our comprehensive Mr Fortune Casino Review.

In New Zealand, $5 will get you NZ$10 to play with at Betway

Holding a license with Malta Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission, Betway Casino is a high-quality $5 Deposit NZ Casino that Kiwis can join. With an eCogra seal to guarantee fair games, Betway is powered exclusively by Microgaming for guaranteed maximum gambling action. At Minimum Deposit Casinos.org, we have negotiated an exclusive bonus for players from NZ – requiring only a $5 deposit. When you make this deposit, you can play with NZ$10 and take home real cash wins after meeting a low 30x wagering requirement.

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New players can also enjoy 25 Free Spins for Microgaming’s 9 Masks of Fire slot game. Betway has a wide selection of payment providers for easy deposits and withdrawals. Fund your account with major debit and credit cards, Visa and Mastercard, eWallets Neteller, PayPal and Skrill, Bank Transfer and PaySafeCard.

Play classic pokies to blockbuster titles like Game of Thrones and Narcos, and a huge assortment of poker, blackjack and roulette variations – Betway has no shortage of top-rated casino games. Players that enjoy live action can join the Live Dealer Casino where Evolution Gaming titles like Mega Ball, Deal or No Deal abound. If you’d like to find out more about what’s on offer at Betway, you can read our objective and unbiased Betway Casino Review.

In UK, £5 can get you 50 bonus spins at Electric Spins

UK players looking for an electrifying £5 Deposit UK Casino experience should consider the welcome bonus at Electric Spins Casino. With 500+ slots for mobile and desktop and an incredible 50 Bonus Spins, it can be unlocked with a low £5 deposit. To start with, you will be rewarded with double your deposit in addition to the bonus spins, and then you can participate in free daily Bonus Spins, monthly cashback and other exclusive treats.

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To get your hands on the 50 Bonus Spins for a slot game of your choice, register and enter Bonus Code NEW5 in the required field. Then deposit £5, and the bonus spins will be added to your account. Your spins are valid for 7 days, and the wins must be wagered 40x before you can withdraw.

Launched in 2021, Electric Spins is owned by iGaming company, 888 Holdings Ltd. The casino operates on the Dragonfish gaming platform and is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar. Our Electric Spins Casino Review features everything about this new casino so that you can decide whether it is worth your time. Jackpot enthusiasts can try their luck on Daily Jackpots from Red Tiger Gaming with thrilling titles like Arcade Bomb and Da Vinci’s Mystery.

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What Best Online Casino bonus suits you better? Mr Fortune’s 50 free spins and 100% bonus, Betway’s double deposit bonus, or Electric Spin’s 50 bonus spins? We have done a comparison for you below.

Betting on World Boxing Association Events Suspended in Ontario

Minimum Bet Sportsbooks Canada and the best Canadian online casinos are highly regulated, with provincial authorities defining the services these businesses can offer. A violation of the rules often leads to governing bodies banning affected entities. One recent example is the restrictions placed on World Boxing Association events by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).  

Boxing fans in Ontario can no longer place bets on WBA contests after the AGCO mandated all registered operators in the province to stop offering wagers on these events.  

According to the AGCO, WBA matches don’t have the measures to prohibit match-fixing and inside wagering. The commission reached this conclusion after conducting an extensive investigation into a title contest held between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro in Florida in 2023.  

Based on intel from two independent integrity monitors, the contest had instances of suspicious betting activities, especially relating to the length of the match. The investigation also showed that WBA contests didn’t meet the required standards set by AGCO to feature as sports betting products. So, is this part of responsible gambling? 

The Reason for Suspending Wagers on WBA Events

According to a post on the AGCO website, the commission had begun investigations in December 2023 on claims of dubious betting activities during a WBA boxing match between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro.  

The AGCO received reports from two registered independent integrity monitors regarding suspicious betting patterns on the contest running longer than 5.5 rounds. Interestingly, there were also claims that Tellez’s manager had wagered $110,000 on this particular outcome.  

The title clash eventually ended with a Tellez victory in the 10th round. During the investigations, the AGCO contacted the WBA, independent integrity monitors, Ontario-based sportsbook operators, and sports betting platforms in other provinces to determine whether WBA contests met the Standards for Internet Gaming.  

According to AGCO guidelines, online Canadian casinos and Minimum Bet Sportsbook Canada offering sport and event betting products must ensure that contests are supervised by sports governing bodies. In addition, these governing institutions must provide regulations restricting betting by insiders.  

Furthermore, integrity standards must exist to restrict match-fixing, cheat-at-play, and other illegal strategies that could affect the result of bets. At the end of the inquiries, the commission discovered that WBA events don’t meet these requirements.  

None of the operators contacted by the AGCO could prove that the WBA had measures to prevent managers, athletic trainers, athlete’s coaches, and other individuals privy to confidential information relating to matches from betting on boxing contests. The investigations also revealed that the WBA didn’t take any steps to investigate claims of match-fixing or insider wagering related to bouts.  

Reactions from the AGCO After the Suspension

Following the ban, AGCO mentioned it could still give a green light on betting on WBA events in Ontario if the association complies with regulatory standards against match-fixing and insider betting. According to a quote on the commission’s website, Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of the AGCO, said:  

“Ontarians who wish to bet on sporting events need to be confident that those events are fairly run and that clear integrity safeguards are in place and enforced by an effective sport governing body. Knowing the popularity of boxing in Ontario, we look forward to reinstating betting on WBA events once appropriate safeguards against possible match-fixing and insider betting have been confirmed.” 

Ontario boxing lovers will hope the WBA adheres to the Standards for Internet Gaming in the coming months so they can place bets on their favourite fighters and contests.  

Not the First Time AGCO Suspended Wagers on Specific Events

The AGCO ban on bets relating to WBA matches isn’t a first-time occurrence. In 2022, the commission prohibited wagers on UFC contests over similar concerns about insider wagering. These concerns were fueled by media reports on suspicious betting activities involving the UFC.  

Former MMA coach John Krause was a primary target of these allegations. Krause, who ran an MMA betting channel on Discord before losing his coaching license, had previously mentioned that he bets on UFC matches, including those involving his fighters.  

However, media attention really focused on his betting activities after a match between Darrick Minner (coached by Krause) and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. Hours before the contest, numerous minimum bet sportsbooks Canada had removed the clash from their website due to a suspicious increase in bets predicting Minner would lose the bout.  

Nuerdanbieke eventually won the match by knockout in the first round after 67 seconds, mainly due to a knee injury sustained by Minner moments earlier. Krause later claimed that the fighter had entered the contest nursing the wound. However, the suspicious betting patterns prior to the match resulted in investigations by numerous integrity monitors and the UFC.  

James Krause eventually lost his coaching license while the UFC suspended Minner and prohibited all fighters who continued to be coached by Krause from participating in matches. The AGCO restricted bets on all UFC fights in light of these events, although the commission revoked the decision after the MMA brand updated its policies to comply with AGCO regulations.  

The AGCO lifted the restrictions on betting activities related to the UFC in January 2023. According to the commission, it engaged with relevant stakeholders, other regulatory bodies, and the UFC to resolve the ban.  

A crucial part of the resolutions involved notable changes to UFC policies to align with AGCO standards. Some of the new policy revisions made by the MMA company include:  

• Modifying the Athlete Conduct Policy to prevent fighters from wagering on matches
• Extending this prohibition to athlete’s coaches and managers, handlers, athletic trainers, and other professionals affiliated with the UFC
• Enforcing disciplinary actions against individuals who violate these regulations
• Strengthening internal processes to closely monitor and prevent instances of insider betting  

Alongside these reviews, the UFC signed an agreement with U.S. Integrity, a sports betting monitoring company, as the official integrity partner of the MMA brand. The company will identify and analyze unusual wagering activities related to the UFC contests to help the UFC handle these cases.  

Drawing inspiration from the UFC, the WBA can collaborate with the AGCO to develop policies that prevent insider betting and match-fixing. It’s also crucial that the association shows a commitment to enforcing any disciplinary actions related to these offences.  

In addition, working with a sports betting integrity company will also help strengthen confidence that the WBA is committed to preventing insider wagering. Ontario boxing lovers will keep their fingers crossed that the WBA will take the necessary steps to enable them to place bets on boxing contests in the foreseeable future.  

Boxing is a popular sport among Ontario bettors. However, recent events have shown that WBA clashes are not free from cases of match-fixing and insider betting. While the current ban on these contests may disappoint Ontario bettors, it’s a crucial step to protect the integrity of the sports betting industry.  

With this ban and other previous prohibitions, the AGCO continues to reassure the betting audience in Ontario that it’ll keep the industry free from fraudulent activities like match-fixing, cheat-at-play, and insider betting.  

That said, the AGCO could still lift the ban if the WBA complies with the Standards for Internet Gaming. All eyes in Ontario will now turn towards the association to see what steps it’ll take to prevent insider betting and match-fixing.

By Ijeoma Izuchukwu

Canadian sports bettor cashes out parlay ticket worth $1.7 million

Picture this – you’re in with the chance to win $1.7 million, but you won’t know until a few weeks. On the other hand, you know that if you cash out now you’re guaranteed a win of $80,000. What do you do? Do you ride it out and hope for the best, or do you grab the money and run? 

Grab the money and run turned out to be the answer for an Arizona-based player at a minimum bet sportsbook Canada site. Wayne Shelton last week cashed out a $100 parlay wager on the NBA season early, setting the imagination of thousands on fire with everyone debating whether this was the cleverest move he could’ve done – or the mistake of a lifetime.  

Having difficulty getting how someone would pick $80,000 over $1.7 million? So did we, until we continued reading Wayne’s account of what actually went down. And we have to say, there may be logic in the apparent madness. The New York Post described how Wayne’s $100 ticket had a potential mega win that would be decided only upon the end of the NBA final. But for Wayne, the wait turned out to be a bit too much, so he decided to come clean on X (formerly Twitter) with a video explaining why he decided to cash out earlier – just one leg away from the top win –  and the reasoning behind it. 

“One hell of a ride, I got to go to a playoff game at OKC. I started at $ 11,000, rode all the way up to $100,000, dropped all the way down to $30,000 and right now we’re at 80K. I said last night, if we win this game and they’re offering at least 80K, I’m walking. I’d like to keep going, but I’m a single dad and the money would be wonderful. Well, they’re offering 80K and I don’t think I can take anymore.” 

Presumably to the shock of all those watching the video, Wayne then proceeded to film himself cashing out the bet live, clicking ‘yes’ when the system asks if he’s sure. The platform then flashes a celebratory notice informing us of the precise details: a 3 3-pick parlay wager at DraftKings with a $100 wager and a cash-out value of $80,960.17. Wayne closes off the one-minute video with a cheeky “Let’s cash out baby, here we go”. 

The video gathered thousands of likes and hundreds of reposts within a few minutes and, since then, Wayne has been the talk of town at all Minimum Bet Sportsbook Canada sites, with other players wondering whether they should use this strategy. 

The possible winning ticket was taken through DraftKings

There is no doubt at all that Wayne got super lucky with his wager, a three-leg parlay on Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC), the Texas Rangers and on Kansas City Chiefs that was placed at DraftKings Sportsbook. The parlay should have carried odds of 11,430/1, but even here Wayne got lucky again with a 50 percent boost that took the odds to 17,145/1. 

Things kicked off on an excellent note from the very first leg of the parlay, with the Texas Rangers winning the World Series (22/1) and the Chiefs going on to win the Super Bowl (+600).  This meant that Wayne only needed Thunder to win the NBA finals (70/1) before the grand prize would be paid into his bank account, transforming him into a millionaire overnight. 

The stage was set for the potential $1.7 million win, with Thunder taking the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, thus grabbing home-court advantage. At this point, had Wayne wished to cash out he’d have pocketed a grand $100,000 fair and square. However, with things seemingly going in his favour, he decided to hang on for longer. Videos posted on X showed him shouting enthusiastically during the matches, his body language clearly stating that he was in it for the long haul. 

There was only one hitch: the tide was about to turn drastically as the team Wayne was so hugely depending on ended up with a 2-2 tie in the semifinal series against the Dallas Mavericks upon entering Game 5, a highly critical stage of the process. With the Mavericks’ Luca Doncic becoming the new favourite, this is when Wayne’s parlay cashout hit its lowest figure of $30,000. 

It was at this stage that Wayne realized that, if things continued along these lines, he could very well end up going home with nothing. And an even colder shower was in store, as his star team ended up trailing behind by 14 points with intense back-and-forth rounds in the Western Conference semifinal series. By this time, Wayne was watching his dreams of becoming a millionaire go up in smoke, with the Daily Mail describing his cashout options to be “yo-yoing like crazy”. Not quite the words one would wish to hear. 

According to Wayne’s video, this was the point when he decided that if Thunder won the next match he’d take the cash out and get off the ride. And indeed, the Thunder finally managed to regain home-court advantage in Game 4 thanks to a 100-96 win. It was an emotional and intense match not only for the players but even for Wayne himself as the result had the potential of seeing him earn thousands of Dollars more – or lose everything.  

When Thunder finally emerged the winners, that was it for Wayne, who took the decision to call it the end of the line and run with the money, despite being only six Thunder wins away from an NBA Finals berth and a million-dollar win. His decision didn’t sit well with everyone, including other players and sports journalists, with The New York Post posing the question: could he have gotten more? The journalist’s answer? “Almost definitely.” 

BetFTW went more poetic, with a headline that shouted: “Thunder bettor smartly cashed out $1.7M ticket in the worst possible way” while calling Wayne “a viral sensation”. 

 Is it worth cashing out before the finals?

So what’s the real deal here? Did Wayne smartly cash out? Or was this truly the worst possible way? Gamblers remain utterly divided on the matter, although many have come out in Wayne’s defence, stating that if the anxiety was getting too much for him, he did the right thing to place his mental health first and not to keep hoping for a little bit of extra cash. 

Moreover, at the end of the day, everyone needs to remember that the very nature of gambling means that nothing is for sure. Wayne’s story offers an excellent example of this, as he couldn’t even bank on a stable cashout figure, with the total dropping by $70,000 – from $100,000 to $30,000 after just one match. From this perspective, if it’s sure money that you’re after, then undoubtedly cashing out when you’re assured a high figure is hardly the worst thing that you can do. 

But other experts who are regulars at Minimum Bet Sportsbook Canada sites bring other points of view to consider, as they claim that it’s wiser to sell the bet in these circumstances, rather than cashing it out. With plenty of bettors eager for an adrenaline rush, selling it to someone willing to wait it out can potentially yield a higher sum than the cash-out.  

Wager Wire, for example, used its wager calculator to arrive at what it believed was the real value of the wager – $171,460, making it more than double Wayne’s cashout. In a post on X, they stated that Wayne took home a full $90,500 less than he could have. The site acts as a middleman for such ‘bet sales’, with its X profile stating: “The Better Way to Play™ SELL YOUR BETS.” 

And the site is not alone in advocating this. PropSwap went even higher, tweeting that “This would have sold for $201,717 using odds of +750. We had plenty of buyers ready to purchase. Next time!” 

What does this mean for players who are sitting on the fence? It’s a tough one. Selling your bet to someone who will pay a higher figure than the value of the cashout seems like a no-brainer, but there may be terms and conditions tied to the sale. You will also need to make sure that the sale happens fast enough at the peak of your wager’s worth – if admin and logistics take a while to finalize, you could suddenly find your cashout value drop to almost nothing and your buyer disappearing faster than you could say “bring me that parlay”. 

There are other things to consider if you decide to sell your bet. Transaction fees are at the top of this list: how much are they, and who will absorb them? If the buyer isn’t paying them, will it still be worth your while selling rather than taking immediate cash out? To a certain extent, you will also need to conduct due diligence and research about which bet-selling site to use, whether it is trustworthy and whether you’re being given a fair value. Moreover, if there isn’t an immediate buyer available, how long should you wait before you risk making a loss? 

Ultimately, the answer to whether you should cash out, hang on or sell your bet depends a lot on your personality and what your priorities are. Anyone who wants a 100% guaranteed, immediate payout may find that cashing out a bet is the simplest, safest and fastest way to achieve that. But if you’re willing to hedge your bets – if you’ll excuse the pun – and you have the time and stamina to carry out a spot of negotiating, then why not try and get more money if you can?

One thing’s for sure. Wayne seemed pretty adamant in his X video that he 100% believed this was the right decision for him. And at the end of the day that’s what matter – go with your gut feeling and if you walk away feeling that this was the best course of action for you, then you won’t have any regrets. 

Largest illegal online lottery discovered: NZ man charged for offering high-end cars, boats and houses as prizes

Lotteries are one of the most popular types of games at New Zealand online casinos, however, they are very strictly regulated under New Zealand gambling law.  This did not stop one audacious rule-breaker to try and bypass these laws by running what has been described by the country’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)  as “the largest illegal lottery”, offering jaw-dropping prizes like luxury cars, boats, caravans, cash and even free-hold houses as prizes. 

The NZ Herald reported how the man, who hails from Christchurch, was identified by law enforcers as being the brains behind the online operation run by his company, which had successfully generated over $11.1 million in just over a year. He has now been arraigned in front of Christchurch District Court and charged with “conducting illegal gambling, promoting illegal gambling, and making a pecuniary gain from illegal gambling”. 

The DIA statement confirmed the amount of revenue generated to be in the region of $11,125,466.65, making it the largest illegal lottery ever identified in New Zealand. 

Investigation by the DIA

The case attracted significant media attention because all real-money online casino NZ sites require a Class 3 gambling license to run lotteries. Moreover, under the Gambling Act 2003, lottery prizes over the value of $5,000 can only be offered by not-for-profit organizations for authorized purposes – which certainly was not the case here. 

Following their investigation, the DIA referred their findings to the police who wasted no time in arraigning the man, besides also charging the company through which the illegal lottery platform had been operating. 

Speaking about the upcoming court proceedings, DIA gambling director Vicki Scott was quoted by Scoop.com.nz as saying: “Our strict licensing requirements are there for a reason. We will not hesitate to respond firmly when we see instances of illegal gambling such as unlicensed online lotteries… We have no tolerance for those who seek to profit by bypassing the rules.” 

The Gambling Act 2003 specifically prohibits selling lottery tickets on the internet. Only the Lotteries Commission the Racing Board and lottery operators in possession of a License Class 3 are allowed to provide such services, which fall under the definition of ‘remote interactive gambling’. And even when NZ online casinos hold a License Class 3, this is considered a one-off permission for that specific lottery and any subsequent lotteries will require a separate license application. 

Alternatives to NZ online lottery

We’ve already established that New Zealand organizations can’t offer online lottery services without a Class 3 license, and sadly that license is far from easy to obtain. Does this mean that Kiwi players who enjoy the thrill of a good lottery are left high and dry? Not at all. The best NZ online casinos offer some excellent – and, most importantly, totally legal – alternatives. One of the biggest attractions of such lotteries is that you can play anytime and from anywhere, and you can dream of winning a huge prize in exchange for very little money. 

This is exactly what a $1 deposit New Zealand casinos offers – the possibility of instant wins without having to spend a lot of money. And don’t be fooled. Just because the ‘entry’ cost is a mere $1, it doesn’t mean that the prizes that are up for grabs are also paltry, on the contrary.  

Let’s take a look at what you can expect when signing up for the top online casinos NZ. Most of these sites offer instant games and lottery scratch cards, which are as near to the lottery experience as you can get. The idea is simple: all you need to do is register to your preferred site by following the links from Minimum Deposit Casinos NZ and make your first deposit of $1.   

This will open the door to way more options and possibilities than you’d get with a straightforward state lottery, all of it legit and with the guarantee that your rights are 100% legally protected. Let’s take a look at the full experience you can enjoy at the top online casinos NZ. 

Generous bonuses for less than the cost of a cuppa – When you make your first deposit you’re not only in with the chance of winning at the scratchies and other instant games. You will also receive a lucrative welcome sign-up package that includes either bonus cash, free spins, or even a mix of both. You will be able to use these on a variety of pokies, effectively increasing your winning options. 

Regular tournaments with huge prize pools – It doesn’t stop with the welcome bonus. The majority of NZ online casinos also offer weekly prizes, leaderboards, tournaments and even their own version of a lottery. The best part? Taking part is not illegal for Kiwi players, and prizes are often massive as many operators team up with popular software providers to put large prize pools and even physical prizes like cruises, cars and holidays. 

A large choice of casino games – When playing at a real money online casino NZ you’re not obliged to stick to one kind of game. Sure, we love instant games and lottery scratch cards, but we also love variety because it keeps us from getting bored. This is where licensed gambling sites shine, because you may think it’s all about the pokies but it really isn’t. You’ve got jackpots, scratchies, crash games, dice, bingo, plinko, poker, roulette, game shows, live dealer tables… Basically, you may start off with the lottery cards, but you can keep on playing whatever you prefer with your deposit.  

Full mobile accessibility – As we explained earlier, one of the biggest attractions of an online lottery is that you can play it from anywhere. Most NZ players enjoy playing games when they’re away from their desktop, such as on their morning commute, while waiting for TV commercials to end or even while queuing at the corner store. NZ online casinos nowadays are all easily accessible from any mobile device. This means that whether you’re playing from your iPhone, your Android or even an iPad or a tablet, you can still get to enjoy your favourite lottery and instant games. 

Trustworthy responsible gambling tools – Player safety is very highly regarded at the top online casinos NZ. Licensed casinos are required to provide a comprehensive array of tools that will help players who are facing issues to protect themselves. Some sites showcase a safe gambling quiz, with questions tailored to help you figure out whether your gambling habits are healthy or whether you need to take steps to keep it under control.  

They also offer links to responsible gambling organizations that will offer counselling and support to help you get back on track. That’s not all – you will also be able to make use of various tools to make sure you don’t slip up. We’re talking deposit, bet, loss limits and even limits on your on-screen time.  

The writing’s on the wall – it’s certainly not worth the risk to take part in illegal online lotteries, no matter how thrilling the prizes may be. You will almost certainly get caught and, even if you don’t, remember that there’s no one fighting for your rights and there’s certainly no guarantee of platform security, or even player protection.  

The top online casinos in NZ, on the other hand, offer the best of all worlds – super games, excellent bonuses, unending thrills and the peace of mind of knowing that your rights are protected by law. The perfect recipe!

By Ramona Depares

Affordability Checks for UK gamblers who lose more than £500 a month

By Ginevra Alessandrello  

The UK Government white paper, released recently, has unveiled several reform proposals at online casinos in the UK, notably the introduction of affordability checks. 

In these new rules which take effect on August 30^th 2024, online gamblers who lose £500 or more monthly on real-money gambling games will face extra affordability checks.  

As part of a comprehensive move to safeguard the most at-risk customers at top-rated UK online casinos, the national government has announced additional verifications for online gamblers who lose £500 or more monthly. Then, in February 2025, the eligibility threshold for these checks will be lowered to £150 in monthly online betting losses. 

The government’s outlined plans propose two tiers of checks. 

Tier 1 involves testing financial vulnerability through “unintrusive” checks triggered when a gambler reaches a net loss of £125 within a rolling 30-day period or £500 within a rolling 365-day period.  

Approximately 20% of customer accounts are expected to undergo these checks, which utilize publicly available data to identify issues such as bankruptcy orders or unpaid debts.  

Tier 2 assesses financial risk using credit reference data triggered by losses exceeding £1,000 within 24 hours or £2,000 within 90 days.  

Enhanced assessments for those aged 18 to 24 have lower triggers. However, if a credit reference agency cannot provide sufficient information, operators would request data from customers via open banking or documentation. At this level, checks could occur up to twice a year. 

The Gambling Commission consultation offers more detailed insights into the potential implementation of affordability checks than the white paper did. Financial risk checks would not consider winnings beyond the previous seven days for the £1,000 trigger or the last 90 days before the £2,000 trigger under the proposed consultation.  

This means that even if someone had £5,000 in their account following a significant win two weeks before an event like the Cheltenham Festival, they would still undergo a check if they lost £1,000 on the first day of the festival. 

Chief executive officer of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said that it had to get the balance right between protecting people from gambling-related harm while at the same time respecting the freedom of adults to play real money online gambling games without experiencing harm. 

He stated: “As regulators in the gambling industry, our rule changes must be grounded in evidence and consider the feedback from consumers and other stakeholders. We have carefully considered the input we received during consultations and engagements, incorporating changes to ensure robust protections while preserving consumer freedoms.” 

Rhodes also highlighted the commencement of a pilot program for financial risk assessments and data collection. This initiative aims to facilitate informed decision-making regarding implementing such assessments and effectively balancing consumer freedom with protective measures. 

He stressed the need to strike a balance between safeguarding individuals from gambling-related harm and respecting the autonomy of adults to participate in gambling responsibly, acknowledging that the majority engage in this activity without adverse effects. 

Why have these affordability checks been introduced

These affordability checks have been introduced to address the potential harm caused by excessive online gambling at the best online casinos in the UK. Governing bodies aim to protect vulnerable gamblers from financial harm and lessen the risks associated with problem gambling so that players don’t gamble beyond their means. 

Online gambling is considered risky as it allows users to wager large sums of money at any time of the day or night without considering the financial complications that can arise. This is causing some players to lose all their money, which leads to other negative consequences. 

Accessing an online gambling platform is too easy, and along with aggressive marketing tactics by iGaming suppliers, players who suffer from the potential of gambling addiction don’t stand a chance. This is why authorities decided to lower the threshold for these checks. 

Starting in August, operators will utilize openly accessible information to pinpoint customers potentially facing financial vulnerability, such as those under bankruptcy orders or with records of outstanding debts, while refraining from incorporating details like a customer’s postcode or job title.  

Leveraging this data, gambling companies may prompt customers identified as susceptible to harm to establish a deposit cap. In severe instances, they might restrict the amount customers spend or opt to close their accounts altogether. 

Starting January 17^th 2025, the best UK online casinos and poker platforms will no longer be permitted to offer certain features that create a false sense of control for players, such as “turbo” and “slam stops”. Also, autoplay and any sounds or visuals celebrating winnings equal to or less than the initial bet will be prohibited. It’s worth noting that some of these features have been voluntarily restricted since 2021. 

Regulators and gambling operators can provide support and assistance, including responsible gambling tools, to those who need protection. 

The regulator also introduces a pilot for financial assessments

The regulator has unveiled plans for a trial run of financial evaluations targeting customers at risk of facing substantial losses within a short timeframe. These evaluations are designed to mitigate instances of swift financial depletion.  

This is exemplified by scenarios such as a betting company permitting a customer to spend £245,000 in three months despite being aware that the customer’s income as an NHS nurse was £30,000 per annum. Another case involved a customer losing £70,000 within 10 hours after creating the account. 

These assessments aim to cut down rapid financial loss through a trial program that checks how much people can afford to spend on real money slots and online gambling games. The object is to stop people from losing lots of money too quickly when they gamble online. 

In these checks, authorities are aiming to keep online gambling healthy without getting into money trouble so that people who might need help with their gambling habits can get it. 

Starting in August, operators will utilize openly accessible data to pinpoint customers potentially facing financial vulnerability, such as individuals under bankruptcy orders or with a track record of outstanding debts.  

However, they avoid using sensitive information like a customer’s postcode or job title. Leveraging this data, gambling firms can prompt customers identified as at-risk to establish deposit limits or, in severe instances, restrict their spending or even terminate their accounts altogether. 

Carolyn Harris, Labour MP, said protecting people who might lose a lot of money quickly when they gamble is essential. She feels the checks are a good start to keep casino players and sports bettors safe from the harmful effects of gambling too much. 

Labour MP Carolyn Harris commented on introducing these financial assessments, stating, “We must have measures in place to protect vulnerable gamblers from experiencing rapid financial loss, and these financial assessments are a step in the right direction.” This statement underscores the importance of implementing proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from the detrimental effects of problem gambling.