Casinos, bets and money have become one of the most intriguing topics in our society. It is not surprising that the film industry has decided to take inspiration from the universe that hides behind this gaming paradise. In the world of cinema you can see a multitude of realities, where casinos are in the background or even as one more character in the action. You can see that the atmosphere in these films is unique, whether they are criminal, outlandish, hilarious, tense or anecdotal.

Rain Man

Rain Man is a film from 1988 starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. The film is about two brothers, Charlie and Raymond. Charlie finds out after the death of his father of the existence of the Raymond, who is also the legitimate heir of his father. The special thing about Raymond is that he is autistic. In the film, the protagonists spend a night in Las Vegas, where they manage to win a lot of money in a casino thanks to Raymond’s great ability to play. The film won four awards at the Oscars in 1989, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman.

Sydney

Paul Thomas Anderson entered the world of casinos with the film Sydney in 1996. Directed and written by him, it featured Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel L. Jackson in the main cast. The film presents the union between Sydney, a veteran gambler and John, a young man who needs money to bury his mother. After convincing the young man to try gambling, they both go to the casinos to get the money they both need. This fleeting happiness will be interrupted two years later, when Clementine appears on the scene, a waitress and prostitute who is willing to do anything for money.

Croupier

Croupier is a film from 1998 directed by Mike Hodges and written by Paul Mayesberg. The film narrates the experiences of Jack Manfred, a young man who dreams of being a professional writer. While facing quite serious economic problems, he decides to start working as a croupier in a casino in order to improve his financial situation. However, what begins as a job to survive, ends up being the vehicle to establish a relationship with a woman who takes him down turbulent roads. The film was among the top ten films of 2000 for the National Board of Review. In addition, it was also nominated for the Edgar Allan Poe Awards for best film.

Ocean´s Eleven

Steven Soderbergh started the “Ocean’s” franchise with Ocean’s Eleven in 2001. It starred faces well known to the public such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy García or Julia Roberts. The plot followed Danny Ocean, a charismatic thief who, after getting out of prison, decides to plan the biggest casino heist in history. In order to do this, he will gather eleven people, each a master in his field, in order to carry out his plan. The only complication is that the owner of the casinos is the current partner of his ex-wife. In casino films of this kind spectators have the opportunity to enjoy watching many games of chance which nowadays can also be played online and for free, for instance, to play at free casino table games, where you can gamble for free or real money on hundreds of classic casino games at the portal VegasSlotsOnline. The good thing is that these online casinos use the best technologies to ensure that user data is secure and the games are fair.

 21Black Jack

Robert Luketic released 21: Black Jack in 2008, inspired by the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The film showed the success of a group of young university students who, through mathematics and statistics, develop the key to be able to win in Las Vegas casinos and thus be able to pay for university tuition. The plan is perfect and there is no a single loose end, since they have the help of Micky Rosa, a statistics genius who shows them all the tricks necessary to rob casinos. Seduced by the idea of amassing great fortunes, Ben joins the group. However, the risk will increase and they will have to always be one step ahead of Cole Williams, one of the most terrible security chiefs.

In conclusion, these casino films are the best option for you especially if you are into robbery and theft too.

Media Mikes has teamed up with their friends at the Kansas City Planet Comicon to give (5) readers the chance for them and a guest to attend the show this weekend (April 22-24).

All you have to do is let us know below what celebrity guest you’d like to see at a future show.  Pretty simple.

(5) random entries will be chosen and those chosen will be contacted by email and advised how to receive their passes.   GOOD LUCK!

Slots are easy to play and you don’t need to know anything about online gambling to be successful while playing them. These are all important qualities that explain their popularity worldwide and the massive presence in the portfolios of online casinos. If you are new to online slots and want to enjoy a solid start, there are a couple of things you should know. These basic tips for beginners using online gambling sites for the first time is from personal experience and using trusted online gambling comparison websites like BingoSites.co.uk who have a huge list of verified reviews.

Choose a reliable casino partner

The long-term success of online gamblers is indissolubly linked to the quality of the casinos providing the reels. If you enjoy spinning the reels of slots, it is imperative to find an online gambling operator that can provide you with the right games. Those that are licensed and regulated while working with leading software developers should be given preference over unlicensed casinos. If the algorithms are checked for fairness by independent auditors, you have a better chance to fully enjoy the gaming experience.

Play the right online slots

This genre is incredibly diverse and beginners can be overwhelmed by the paradox of choice and the abundance of tempting options. It’s important to make the right decision when playing slots and there is one thing that matters above everything else. Pay attention to the average return to the player because this reflects the house edge, therefore your chances to win in the long run. You can easily find a game that has your preferred theme and game mechanics, without compromising the RTP.

Best maximum coins on progressive jackpots

Progressive jackpot slots are the most popular games at online casinos and for obvious reasons. These slots have the potential of triggering big profits, which makes them incredibly attractive for beginners and veteran punters alike. If you decide to spin the reels of slots that carry progressive jackpots, remember to bet the maximum coins. You need to do this to ensure the fact that if you hit the right winning combination won’t be deprived of the opportunity to win the jackpot.

Take advantage of free spins and bonuses

The main reason why players decided to gamble at online casinos is that bonuses are available to new and existing punters. If you are a slots enthusiast, you can consider yourself lucky because this genre benefits from more bonuses than any other game in online portfolios. In addition to matched deposit bonuses, you can take advantage of free spins, which can be used immediately to try any casino games. Some casinos require players to meet wagering requirements for the resulting winnings, on slots or other games.

These four tips are going to increase the odds of winning when playing slots, so remember them when you play for the first time. Don’t hesitate to try the games for free before making the deposit, so you better understand the core game mechanics.

Celebrities have always been drawn to the lure of cryptocurrency. Their fame and influence can make them some of the most successful crypto investors. In the past few years, it has become a tradition to release songs, books, and movies paid exclusively with Bitcoin with the help of marketplaces like https://www.okx.com/markets/prices. Here are nine celebrities you did not know were using crypto.

Kanye West

Kanye West has spoken out about his pro-Bitcoin stance, often posting pictures of him wearing clothing with its logo. His most famous crypto-related moment came in 2015 when he launched his Yeezy Season 1 fashion line and accepted only bitcoin as payment.

Floyd Mayweather

The undefeated boxing champ and famous for his lavish lifestyle is now also a crypto investor. He has said that he will be leaving the bulk of his $400 million fortune to his children, and they will inherit his profits from his investment in Bitcoin.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton is one of the most famous faces to promote cryptocurrency. She has been involved with Monacoin, a cryptocurrency only available in Japan. She also promoted LydianCoin as a way to be paid for her social media posts.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx, known for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biographical film Ray, is a self-proclaimed crypto investor. He also invested heavily in Bitcoin when it was still trading at $300 per coin and currently has coins valued at over $1 million.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is an American rapper and producer. He has sold over 35 million albums worldwide since 1994 and is considered one of the most successful rappers of all time. He had been vocal about his interest in Bitcoin for a while now. He even released a song called “Smoke Weed Everyday” that was only available to purchase with Bitcoin.

In 2013, he invested in startups like Uber, Airbnb, and Robinhood, which all found success in the same way that Bitcoin has through decentralization.

Kim Kardashian

The Kardashians are a family of reality TV stars and social media influencers. Kim Kardashian is the most famous member of the family, mostly because she is also a celebrity actress and fashion designer. Kim Kardashian became interested in Bitcoin in 2014 when she tweeted that she wanted to accept it as payment for her clothing line.

50 Cent

In 2014, 50 Cent made headlines when he announced he was accepting Bitcoin as payment for his album Animal Ambition. The move was seen as a savvy decision as the crypto space was exploding in popularity at the time.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto is one of the most famous celebrities in the world. A musician, actor, and director, Jared Leto has been seen in numerous films, including Dallas Buyers Club, Fight Club, and Requiem for a Dream. He is also known for his work as the frontman for Thirty Seconds to Mars and his performance on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

However, what many people might not know about Leto is that he is an avid investor in cryptocurrencies. The singer-actor reportedly owns over $30 million worth of Bitcoin alone, which he invested in back in 2013.

Jack Dorsey

Jack Dorsey is the founder and CEO of both Twitter and Square. He has been an outspoken supporter of Bitcoin for years and even predicted in 2017 that it would one day be the world’s single currency.

Casino scenes have become very prominent in films, especially in Hollywood. These gaming destinations are glamorized with excess wealth, attractive dealers, and corporate-looking gamblers.

This practice in the film industry did not start today, as it dates to the early days of Hollywood. One would find such displays in blockbusters like The Sting, The Gambler and California Split. The casino movies and scenes developed even more glitz as the film industry evolved. So the display of wealth in films like Casino Royale, casino tricks in Casino Jack, and other recent movies have become even more exaggerated.

Impact of movies on the perception of casinos

For a long time, casinos were a controversial destination. They were associated with prostitutes, criminals, drugs, alcohol, and other forms of negativity.

Over time this perspective has metamorphosed, and casinos are now viable sources of recreation. The cinema played a massive role in this regard as it portrayed casinos in a glorious light with high-rollers dressed up in luxurious suits.

Hollywood downplays the risk factor and maximizes the entertainment. So the casino is now less of a taboo.

The fictional elements of casinos in Hollywood movies

These movies often use real-life casinos but take some aspects to exaggerated levels. So you would find real-life casinos like The Bellagio in films like Ocean’s 11 or Caesar’s Palace in Iron Man. But what is the difference between what you see on screen and in the real world?

Unnatural luck: It becomes fiction when a movie keeps showing the character with perfect hands all the time. Even if a player uses a casino bonus finder to get some of the best promotions, winning chances are still nowhere near what’s portrayed in movies. 

Exaggerated bluffing skill: Bluffing is an essential part of Poker and involves tricking your opponents into backing down even when they have a better hand. However, in films like Casino Royale, the main character gets so good a hand that going all-in is the rational move. This takes away the crux of bluffing.

Telepathy: There are cool card skills, and then there’s telepathy. In most casino-centric films, the difference between these two is usually faint as the characters practically display superpowers. For instance, in the movie Rounders, Mike accurately told every player’s hand in a private table game. This might have impressed the players and perhaps the viewers, but it is pure fiction.

Aesthetics: When visiting a land-based casino, you’ll realize that there are hardly any patrons in $10,000 tuxedos as portrayed in movies. Gamers aren’t so happy in the hall as a lot end up losing their money. Also, the dealers around the casino tables are not all 6-foot-tall models as most movies suggest.

Conclusion Casinos make for fascinating movie additions with so many amazing features directors can take advantage of. There is a certain level of truth to how these scenes are depicted in terms of the gameplay. However, the plots are often over-dramatized to grab viewers’ attenti

If you want to get into the music business, two main options are open to you. You can start as an independent artist and build your own name, or sign with a major label. Each option has its pros and cons, and you shouldn’t assume that one is automatically better than the other. For instance, a lot of artists seem to think that record labels are obsolete when they could actually benefit from them. On the other hand, some people think that signing a deal is the only way to go when it could severely hinder their career. Let’s take a look at whether signing a deal or staying independent would be the best option for you.

Record Labels Can Stifle Creativity

If you’re a true artist, you might suffer under a record label contract. This is because the record company will eventually have the final say on what kind of work you can release. Not only that, but they may pressure you to create music when you don’t feel like it or simply aren’t ready.

You have to remember that you will become a commodity once you get signed, and one of the things record labels like to stress is that you have to remain fresh in the public’s mind. This is why you will have to be prepared to release work regularly or they might stop supporting you, and this is when bad things start to happen.

Not being able to release the tracks you want can also be very frustrating. Even if you create an absolute masterpiece, the record label may tell you that they don’t want it on your project. And the worst thing in all of this is that you may never be able to release the song. This is enough to send some artists into a deep depression. So, if creative license is extremely important to you, think twice about signing a deal.

A Record Label Can Give You a Mainstream Push

One thing you have to know, however, is that signing with a major label is still the only way to reach international superstardom. This is because major record labels have a level of access that independent artists and labels will never be able to get.

Some companies are under huge international conglomerates and can get you everything from TV show appearances, to interviews on major radio stations, sponsorship deals, and more. If you feel like you have the total package and the potential to be a big star, staying independent may limit your potential.

Independent Artists Often Make More Money

If your main goal is making money, however, then starting a label could be a much better option. Not only will you be able to release your music when you want and have complete artistic license, but you’ll also keep a much bigger slice of the pie. Not to mention that you’ll be able to sign other artists that you like and feel would fit with your brand.

You have to know that starting a record label is hard work and that you’ll need to have certain things in place first. First of all, you’ll need to hire a good entertainment attorney and an accountant. They are probably the two most important people as one will help you draft and understand contracts while the other will ensure that you always stay on budget.

You will also need to start your search for a good studio. Here, we would suggest that you look at a music studio like PIRATE. They have locations all over the country and offer tons of freedom to independent labels and artists. You can go in for a studio session at any time of the day and bring your own engineers without having to spend on equipment. They also have some of the best prices compared to any professional studio you’ll find out there. If this sounds appealing to you, you can click here to book a session and see what the experience is like firsthand.

Independent Artist Often Struggle with the Business Side of Things

You cannot build a record label and expect it to be successful if you don’t understand business. So, if you don’t have at least a basic formation, you will need to consider getting one right away if this is the path you want to take. You don’t have to get an MBA or anything, but you should at least complete a course that will teach you the basics of the music industry.

These are all things that you will need to consider before making your decision to sign or stay independent. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from people in the industry and take the time to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

“The A-Team”

A-Team Van/Figure Set

Playmobil

Our Score 4 out of 5 stars

“If you have a problem, if no one else can help” Playmobil has you covered with the debut of the A-Team Van/Figure set. Pulled from the iconic 80’s television series and delivered straight to your playroom the newest edition to the Playmobil brand comes complete with the team’s signature black and red GMC van, numerous accessories and of course Hannibal, Face, B.A. and Murdock figures.

Having been a huge fan of “The A-Team” growing up upon hearing of this release I was anxious to share my love for the series with my son who has become a fan of all things 80’s and 90’s. After giving him the backstory on the show and answering a slew of questions about each character we popped open the packaging with equal excitement. Before really digging into the assembly process, I had to appreciate the internal packaging which features a fiery insert showcasing the van along with each character which is housed above and denoted by name. From a collector standpoint this makes for a very cool display option. Assembly was pretty straight forward and compared to some other recent Playmobil releases was minimal as was the stickering process. As a parent the quick setup time was a major plus as if you have been in the situation where a toy requires extensive assembly you know how daunting an anxious child wanted to play with that new toy can be.

Once the van had its tires and signature red spoked wheels attached, we loaded up the vehicle through the three opening (rear doors, side door, removable roof) with the included assortment of accessories consisting of a multi piece tool kit, removable welding unit and various other mission-based items (binoculars, walkie talkies, flashlight). However before hitting the rode we had to do some outfitting of the included characters each of which conjured up memorable lines or moments from the show which had since been buried deep within my memory. Hannibal don’s his signature blue shirt/tan p-coat combo topped off with wispy white hair while Face remains dapper as always sporting an ascot and pocket square. B.A. comes decked out with his signature beard an mohawk while dressed in his trademark cut off vest and is adorned with multiple gold chains and bracelets. Last but not least and easily my favorite is “Howlin” Mad Murdock who is fitted with his blue ball cap and leather wolf bomber jacket. With a nod to Season 2 the figures has a “Bring Back the Dodo” shirt and also includes Murdock’s sock puppet sidekick “Socki the Talking Dog”. Yes, you might have some odd looks and additional questions as to why this guy thinks his sock is a talking dog but, that only adds to the fun and interaction between you and you loved ones as you play with these great toys.

Playmobil continues to raise the bar within the play/collector market and the “The A-Team” release is no different. From its colorful display packaging to the quality made toys inside you can be sure that if it says Playmobil you are going to get a quality product. Missing from this release however were lighting and/or sound features. Unlike previous release such as “Star Trek”, “Ghostbusters” and “Back to the Future” which all featured one or both details sadly “The A-Team” did not get this level of treatment. Don’t get me wrong this is still a great addition to any Playmobil or “A-Team” fan, but I can only imagine how much fun it would have been for the van to play the show’s theme song or to have some of those vintage explosion noises synonymous with each episode available at the push of a button. We pity the fool who hasn’t already gone out and grabbed themselves one of these great play vehicles.

It’s a gamble to go to the movies. Every time you buy a movie ticket or watch a movie on Netflix from your couch, you’re taking a chance. Will the investment be worthwhile? Will the two-hour time investment be worthwhile too? Of course, when choosing movies to watch, there is always a risk, but there are ways to reduce that risk, such as reading a list of the top movies in the gambling genre.

1. Uncut Gems – Uncut Gems‘ greatness lies in the main character, Howard’s ability to draw us in and convince us that, yes, he might be able to carry off this mad escapade he’s created — yeah, maybe this is how he wins.
2. The Hustler – Fast Eddie Felson’s early years as a notorious poolroom hustler are chronicled in The Hustler. Throughout the film, audiences will see Eddie compete against a billiards champion, fall in love with a woman who carries a lot of emotional baggage, and meet an experienced gambler who wants to mentor Eddie.
3. Ocean’s Eleven – Okay, we all know this isn’t a gambling film. But, c’mon, it has Vegas, poker, and slot machines in it. Plus, robbing three casinos is a bit of a risk.
4. Casino – Casino is one of the lesser-known gangster epic movies. Despite this, because it is set in Las Vegas, it is arguably the most well-known of all gambling films. It’s not for the faint of heart, and it can be rather brutal at times.
5. Croupier – An aspiring writer is recruited as a croupier at a casino, where he discovers that his experiences as a croupier would make a fantastic novel.
6. Rounders – While managing his relationship with his fiancée and his responsibilities to law school, a young, rehabilitated gambler must return to playing high-stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks.
7. The Gambler – The game of blackjack has been the subject of numerous casino films, and The Gambler is no exception. Mark Wahlberg plays a literature professor who enjoys playing blackjack as a recreational activity.
8. 21 – It can be challenging to find a gambling film full of suspense, thrills, and humor. All of this and more can be found in Robert Luketic’s classic film 21.
9. Guns, Girls & Gambling – Take Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and set it in Las Vegas, and you’ve got Guns, Girls, and Gambling on your hands.
10.  The Cincinnati Kid – At the time, it was thought to be a rip-off of The Hustler, but this picture, which focuses on poker rather than pool hustling, holds up just as well, if not better, than that one.
11.  Maverick – Consider that Maverick was nominated for an Academy Award in 1994 if you don’t believe it’s a fine parody. Mel Gibson can sell any joke, firefight, or card game.
12.  The Sting – The Sting – which includes tonnes of poker and a fraudulent off-track betting operation – never stops dragging you into all of its traps because it is so full of twists and turns at every unexpected moment.
13.  Ocean’s Thirteen – After casino owner Willy Bank double-crosses one of the original eleven, Danny Ocean gathers the gang for a third robbery.
14.  High Roller – The story of Stuey Ungar, a poker legend. Ungar, a gambler since the age of ten, amassed a fortune through card games.
15.  Owning Mahowny – Owning Mahowny, one of the best gambling movies of all time, stars Philip Seymour Hoffman as a real-life Canadian banker who went too far.
16.  The Hangover – Although the film isn’t about gambling, various gambling sequences are sprinkled throughout it. With a cast of well-known actors, The Hangover isn’t too shabby.
17.  Bugsy – This film chronicles the story of criminal Bugsy Siegel and his idea of constructing a gambling oasis in the Nevada desert, which would ultimately become Las Vegas.
18.  Bob Le Flambuer – Bob le Flambuer is a film that depicts what occurs when someone is forced to put everything on the line. When his fortunes turn sour, and his excellent luck fades, the people who once loved him the most decide to desert him.
19.  The Color of Money – Paul Newman earned his lone Academy Award for The Color of Money, in which he reprised his role as Fast Eddie Felson from 1961’s The Hustler. The sequel is a film about an aging pool shark who finds himself at a fork in the path.
20.  Hard Eight – Anderson’s debut film, about an experienced card player and a lonely orphan, is a gripping investigation of the guys who spend their lives in Vegas, assuming you enjoy your casino flicks with a touch of sadness.

Today, online casinos are gaining huge popularity. And this is especially true when it comes to gambling platforms offering slot machines with bonus symbols. Such incentives allow gamblers to multiply their investments and boost their winning odds. The same refers to wild symbols, which can easily make winning combinations and help you land jackpot prizes with ease.

If you are looking for slots full of special symbols, then you can find the best gaming emulators at the easywinnings.net platform. Each of the symbols on the reels has its own purpose and performs a specific role. But it is worth noting that none of them will be replaced as wild. In this review, you can find detailed information about wild symbols, their pros, types, etc.

The Main Function of Wild Symbols

Wild symbols are available in most modern slot games, and they significantly simplify the configuration and bring you closer to victory. In modern machines, one wild symbol is found in the scrolling mode, and the other one is available as a bonus that makes the spin free.

Sometimes it fills the entire reel, offering the user several winning combinations at once. This does not always happen, but in some cases, it is possible to collect several profitable chains at once. The only thing that a wild symbol does not change is other special icons on the reel.

Depending on the game, the wild symbol plays a role. In some games, it is not useful at all, but in others, it makes winning combos. You never know when a wild symbol will appear on the playing field, but it will definitely appear on one of the lines.

Some new slots increase the monetary coefficient if the wild is a part of a winning combination. In some combs, the value of the multiplier may depend on the number of “wild” symbols that make the combination.

Benefits of Wild Symbols

Of course, wild symbols bring a lot of benefits. Most often, this is a motivation for gamers who want to multiply their winnings and get prize money in general. Therefore, all top online casinos strive to ensure that their slot machines meet the wishes of users. So here are the main advantages of the wild symbol:

• Makes the slot more attractive;
• Increases the level of excitement for many players;
• Helps to receive and increase the bankroll;
• Increases the rate coefficient;
• Allows you to get a win even for one spin;
• Expands adjacent lines;
• Forms a consistently high demand for the slot.

Conclusion

At the end of this review, it should be said that modern gamers choose video slots with “wild” symbols. Taking into account all the features that they provide, such gaming emulators immediately gained popularity and still maintain their leading positions in the online casino industry. So if you are looking for a game with increased winning odds and interesting gameplay, then you should definitely go for “wild”-friendly slot machines; they have a lot to offer.

The esports industry, also known as the competitive video game industry, has experienced exponential growth over the years. Some of it has to do with the changing demographics, as people who used to play games at a young age can now enjoy a completely new experience brought on by professional video game competitions, but there’s more that goes into that.

In the last decade, the esports world has been making its presence known in the mainstream media, but it has also gained some serious traction in the world of betting. If you were to search for Vegas NFL odds, you would find yourself only a couple of clicks away from looking at esports betting markets, which only shows how far the esports industry has come.

Over the years, esports has morphed into one of the most popular competitions amongst bettors. Many online betting sites, including BetUS, have acknowledged that and didn’t hesitate to incorporate esports betting markets into their sites, but there’s more than just the betting side of things that keep pushing the esports forward as it looks to cement its status as one of the most exciting industries heading into 2022.

Esports Become a Medal Event at the Asian Games 2022

Many people stand by their idea that “esports is not a sport,” but merely kids playing video games while other kids watch them. That may be true – esports professional players don’t have to run as fast as football players, nor do they have to jump as high as basketball players.

Still, suppose we are technical about it. In that case, the definition of a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”

Hence, by that definition, esports definitely is a sport. And beyond the description, esports competitions have many similarities to sporting events, and as of late, that includes a medal event.

The continuous growth of esports’ popularity has sparked interest by the global competitive gaming community, eventually leading to what is now billed as one of the most significant milestones the esports world has achieved. As revealed, esports will be a medal event at the upcoming 2022 Asian Games, slated for September 2022.

The event, which is held every four years, and is by some recognized as the Asian version of the Olympic Games, will be the first major sporting event to recognize esports as a discipline, with cash prizes and medals.

This, however, is not the first time Asian games introduced esports, as video game competitions were already present at the tournament in 2018. Albeit, it will be the first time that Asian Games will fully incorporate esports into the event, featuring seven esports titles.

As revealed, the 2022 Asian games will hold competitions for Street Fighter V, Dota 2, League of Legends, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile, FIFA, Dream Three Kingdom 2, and Arena of Valor.

The Industry Continues to Boom

The COVID-19 pandemic, which halted almost every industry and sports entertainment venture, hasn’t had much of an effect on esports. 

Admittedly, offline events had to be canceled, and there are still very few that happen; however, unlike other sporting events, esports had the option to continue with online play.

It’s more than fair to say that the global pandemic helped esports grow in 2021, largely because it had left the industry largely unaffected. And it shows in the gross revenue produced in 2020, 2021, and the projected numbers heading into 2022.

The esports industry managed $1,1 billion in 2020, with those numbers growing exponentially in 2021. The industry experts are projecting esports’ revenue to reach $1,8 billion by the end of the year, with projections for 2022 showing even more exciting numbers.

2022 promises to be a monstrous year for esports, with early projections estimating the total revenue at $2,5 billion. To put it into perspective, that’s a 38.9% increase from 2021.

While those are only projections, they are based on the increased viewership of esports around the world. And since there is no end in sight of the global pandemic and the possibility of returning back to “normal life,” the prospect of seeing esports further grow in 2022 and beyond seems like a real possibility.

Betting on Esports

But it’s not only the esports viewership numbers that continue to grow but also its popularity on online bookies. Nowadays, you won’t find a single bookmaker that doesn’t offer lines on esports events.

While some are still very cautious about offering markets on esports, most reputable brands have gone all-in into the world of competitive video games in 2021.

Big betting brands such as BetUS offer esports betting on almost any esports title imaginable as a response to the COVID pandemic, which effectively shut down most of the professional sporting leagues. And having nothing to offer to its customers, bookies had to resort to starting exploring new opportunities – of which there were plenty in esports.

With time, esports betting gained serious traction, as bettors who never thought of playing a bet on a video game now started betting on esports and began following the scene.

By introducing something new and refreshing to their offer, the bookmakers reduced the losses from missing out on accepting bets on sporting events and found a new revenue stream that is here to stay.

As we move into 2022, betting companies have fully embraced the idea of offering esports betting, opening a new market niche that was barely touched pre-pandemic.

And with the continuous growth of esports popularity, it’s more than fair to say that online betting companies will continue expanding their esports betting offers, effectively helping the industry grow for years to come.

Community is one of the most important aspects of life and people find it in different ways. For some, an example of a community is getting together to play games and compete against each other. Throughout history, technology has changed how we play our favourite games and online communities have been formed. 

Eyes down for community spirit

Before technology took over, community centres all over were full of people playing games against each other. One particular game that exploded in popularity was bingo. The popularity of this has been everlasting. For many years, the bingo hall was at times the forefront of a community. In more recent times, the game has also been transformed online. Millions of people still play the game, with a high percentage now utilising the technology available to play online.

Sometimes they’re playing and competing against friends, other times it’s strangers. When searching for bingo online, you may see a version based on a classic bingo hall experience. There’s also one inspired by the iconic daytime TV programme Deal or No Deal. Wherever and whatever you play, the UK bingo scene is thriving. Today, there’s a style of bingo to suit everyone, from pop culture themes like The Voice bingo to Irish Folklore themes, which demonstrates the lasting appeal of this game of chance.

How playing video games with friends has changed

For many years, the way to play video games with friends was by inviting them to your own house. There were also arcades and later LAN parties that gave players more options. The advancements in the Internet changed everything. Services such as Xbox Live and the Playstation Network made it incredibly easy for people to get online and play in gaming communities consisting of millions. One of the most popular online games in recent times has been Rocket League. Friends across the world have formed teams and will take part against others in regular competition. 

Before video games came board games

In the decades before video games became commonplace, the way to play games was the humble board game. Ever since the 1990s and the rise in games console ownership, traditionalists across the land have bemoaned the decline of playing board games.

Companies such as Nintendo saw this decline and probably sensed a gap in the market. They wanted to get people of all ages to play together again. The sight of a technophobic grandparent playing Brain Training, Wii Sports or Mario Kart has become commonplace over the last decade.

The traditional view

Some argue that for all the technology in the world nothing can beat playing your favourite games with friends and loved ones. There is evidence to back up community centres across the United Kingdom that still see classic games like bingo as a popular choice. Even in the video game world, playing games with friends is still a pastime shared by many.

In Manchester and Liverpool, NQ64 has opened and has been a great addition to the nightlife. This place gives gamers the chance to play classic arcade games in modern surroundings alongside craft beer and music. The success of NQ64 is perhaps a sign that for all the investment in virtual communities, playing in person is he

IT Support is especially important for small to medium sized businesses. Of course, these days it is almost impossible to conduct business without IT, and therefore IT is a necessity. But unfortunately, SMBs often don’t invest enough time or enough money into getting the right IT Support for their business. This may be because of budget restraints or simply because they are prioritising endeavours which will help their business more directly. We spoke with TechQuarters, a company providing IT support and service solutions to many small to medium sized businesses in London. They discussed the options SMBs have for their IT.

Outsourced IT Support

To start with, outsourced IT support is perhaps the best solution for SMBs in terms of making sure they have access to the expertise and resources needed to keep their business going and avoid downtime due to technology. IT support for small business is not just a service, it’s almost like an insurance policy against issues that could slow down your business operations and prevent you from working for long periods of time.

Full IT Support – as you can guess, this is the most comprehensive type of IT support you can get from an outsourced provider. It gives you access to all the features your provider can offer for supporting your IT infrastructure. This will usually involved access to some form of helpdesk that can manage cases and help fix issues remotely; but the Full IT Support package should also include access to physical, onsite support – this means your provider can send engineers to your site to help fix IT issues.

Remote IT Support – one of the great things about modern technology is that more and more IT issues can now be fixed completely remotely. In fact, TechQuarters told us that 80% of IT issues can be resolved remotely – all their engineers need to do is take remote control of a users’ computer, and they can go through the steps of fixing whatever issue they have. Additionally, if the customers’ IT infrastructure has been migrated to the Cloud, more complicated issues, such as network or server issues, can also be investigated and fixed remotely.

IT Manager or ‘Bounce out’ Support – this is a more selective type of support. Let’s say your company already has an IT specialist who is the official IT manager of the organisation. Now let’s say your business has taken on new employees, your network has grown, and the overall demand being placed on your IT department has grown. This may be too much for a single IT manager, or even a small team of engineers. This is why IT support providers like TechQuarters offer services that actually work alongside a customers’ internal team – it is a way of taking the pressure off of the customers’ own staff.

If you are an SMB, outsourced IT support is most definitely a great solution to consider. If you are in London, there are so many options for London IT services. If you want a solution for your IT that can be adapted as your company grows, then outsourced IT is well worth considering.

Montreal is the second biggest city in Canada located in Quebec. It is an urban location first founded in the 17th Century and is a very diverse region, with many residents being able to speak a mix of languages, including French, English, both, or another foreign language. The area is a picturesque one and has a selection of unique and historical venues often used as tourist attractions for those visiting the province.
For holidaymakers looking to stay in Canada for the first time, choosing where to go can be quite a difficult choice. For the tourists wanting to experience both a busy city day as well as a quiet stroll in the country – Montreal would make an excellent holiday spot. It offers some of the most scenic and historical attractions in Canada.

Fun Places to Visit in Montreal

From visiting homely restaurants to going on hikes along the banks of the many calm rivers running through the forest parks, to visiting nightclubs and casinos – there’s always something for everyone in Montreal to guarantee a fun time.
The nightlife scene in Montreal is quite varied too, and offers a variety of clubs and entertainment venues such as casinos and gaming venues for tourists to enjoy whilst visiting. However, if flash casinos aren’t your thing, you can always cosy up in one of the many boutique hotels and play casino games like slots online, live table games, or even bingo. And if gaming doesn’t interest you, there’s the Ausgang Plaza, where you can enjoy live music, film screenings, and art installations.

For those who enjoy their food, Montreal features some of the tastiest Canadian-inspired cuisines around. Some of the best restaurants and eateries in the area include the likes of Schwartz’s Deli, BOUILLON BILK, and Toque! which serve up some of the most delicious food in the Montreal area, leaving you craving for more.

Best Attractions in Montreal

For those with a passion for travel and who want to make the most of a holiday in Montreal, there are plenty of places to visit around the city. Montreal includes a wealth of activities and places to visit for holidaymakers, some of which have been listed below.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a museum offering a wide selection of exhibits focusing around visual arts, history and science.

Mount Royal

Mount Royal is a large rock hill in Montreal that features some of the most scenic shots in Canada as its picturesque peaks overlook the city. There are current plans for a railway station to be built underneath it.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

A stunning feature of Old Montreal, this Gothic church is a centrepiece of Montreal and would make the most beautiful place for photo opportunities – especially at night when its magnificent blue windows are lit up.

Biodome

The Biodome is a large dome making up a garden centre that preserves four different ecosystems found in America, as well as being a habitat for several breeds of animals.

La Ronde

As the only Six Flags amusement park in Canada, La Ronde would make an amazing place to visit for those thrill-seekers out there who want to try out some of the fastest and iconic roller coasters which North America has to offer.

Overall, there are many fabulous places and attractions for couples and families to experience in Montreal. There’s always something for everyone to do, which makes Montreal a wonderful Canadian city ready to be discovered by holidaymaker

With the pandemic seemingly calming down on a global scale travelling has become an option again for many people. Travel gadgets have come a long way since the days of having a set of adapters just laying around in your luggage. With new innovations in technology comes a large variety of travel accessories to make vacations more enjoyable.

Travel gadgets have become an essential part of just about every packing list. Many IT support companies  recommend travel gadgets for their employees. Whether you are travelling for holidays or business purposes there are gadgets that are best suited for you. Most people who work in  IT Support Services found the gadgets below extremely useful while travelling

Cable Organizer

If you are a regular traveller, then you know the pain of having to pull a charger cable from the depths of your bag after it was cramped in a plane. A cable organizer keeps all your cables and adaptors neatly tucked away so that you do not have the issue of having to untangle them. It makes packing an unpacking an absolute breeze. Another nice feature is that it is nice and compact while being very functional.

Fingerprint padlock

I’m sure many of you may not like passwords or carrying around small little keys that can easily be lost. Well, say thanks to technology as it has brought us a padlock that unlocks with the touch of a finger. There are ones that last for 2500 unlocks and that are waterproof. It is best to invest in one that is stainless steel.

Universal Travel Adapter

Travelling always means that you need to have the right adapter for the right country. This can be quite a pain that the OREI M8 All-In-One International World travel plug, and adapter takes care of. This one is quite durable as it will not break after just a few trips even if you put it through a lot of stress. The OREI M8 All-In-One International World travel plug comes highly recommended by business IT support London.

Portable Luggage Scale 

Have you ever found that your luggage is over the weight limit no matter how light you thought you may have packed. The Tarriss Portable Luggage Scale is small, light, and affordable so that you can take it anywhere with you. By using it you can ensure that you never experience a baggage overage again.

Without knowing the basics of live streaming, getting started might seem to be quite hard and intimidating. If you want to start streaming, understand the fundamentals of online video streaming and learn the most basics quickly, this article will surely help you achieve this.

Firstly, and most importantly, you need to think about the equipment that you will need. This will help you produce the right quality content that you want to achieve. When it comes to video and audio you will surely need cameras, computer screens, microphones. Mixers and background sounds to be played during the stream. To encode the video, you will need a computer software or a standalone hardware that transforms a video and sends it over to the Internet. You will then need to think about which streaming destinations you would like to use and stream your live videos within. The most popular ones include YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and Twitch. Lastly but crucially, you need to be connected to a stable internet connection so that your live stream does not freeze and buffer, or worst shut down entirely.

The video source is known as the stream of video data and likely, an audio source is known as the stream of audio. Your stream might include just one type of streams or a combination of both. Such combination is referred to as scenes. For the video sources, one can use a DSLR camera such as Nikon, desktop screen, webcam, phone camera or a camcorder. When streaming live, you do not need to worry about storage scape on your video source. The audio source can come from a USB microphone, an audio file or from a handheld device. If the same device is used for both the video and the audio, the audio will be automatically embedded in the video source. When editing in background music in your live stream be cautious as different platforms monitor such music and can flag you for copyrighted content. This can result in you being banned completely from the platform.

When it comes to video encoding you will notice how it is crucial to have. This will translate the video signal and transform it in a way that can be used for the Internet. This software will compress and convert incoming audio and video into a digital format. Unfortunately, most video sources are not equipped with an encoder. You will find three types of encoding devices, including a mobile phone or tablet, a desktop computer installed with streaming software, and a hardware encoder. Although a mobile phone might be the easy way to live stream, unfortunately, it is extremely limited when it comes to the live production capabilities.

Online sites and platforms that allow you to live stream are known as the streaming destination or content delivery networks. Some of the popular networks include YouTube, Facebook and Twitch. This all depends on what you are going to live stream. If you wish to record yourself trying your luck at online casinos, then we recommend that you take a look at MrCasinova’s live stream. Most networks mentioned are offered for free. When it comes to paid platforms, these offer you with control over how your streaming is presented, who your audience is and the monetization. Such platforms include Vimeo, Dacast and StreamShark offer monthly plans according to your wants and how much data you upload. Some platforms require you to go through additional steps and wait for a few hours before you are allowed to go live.

Most importantly, a stable internet connection is a crucial part of live streaming and the known to be reliable connection is through a hardwired line. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi and cellular seem to fluctuate from time to time. Always test your performance speed before and make sure to have approximately 1.5x your stream’s bitrate available.

This is known to be a very broad topic, and everyone has their own preference. However, this article provides you with a general look at how you can live stream. Understanding the basics is very important and with some practice you will surely get there.