How the European Online Gambling Industry Grew in the Last Decade

Online gambling is a huge industry in Europe and the EU has a lot to do with it. The 27 member states-organization has been a huge proponent for online casinos in the last decade. And thanks to its efforts, nearly every country in Europe hosts online casinos.

In all fairness, online gambling didn’t start ten years ago. Some European countries authorized the industry at the start of the millennium. Others didn’t have online casino laws but had no problems with citizens using offshore casinos.

All the same, these are some of the ways online gambling in Europe grew.

Mobile Casinos

Although the first mobile casino launched way back in 2004, mobile casinos became popular in the last decade. The growth of iOS and smart Android devices catapulted mobile casinos into a new level.

No longer did people need a desktop computer to play a few rounds of roulette or slots. Instead, an iPhone or Android phone was all they needed to bet on casino games. These days, mobile casinos have become so dominant that they make over 50% of the iGaming business.

There are more mobile casino players than those who use desktop computers. And the reasons are compelling. To start with, mobile devices are cheap. Then they are portable, convenient and can handle all the games available on desktop casinos.

Improved Data Privacy Laws

For a long time, online casino players had little data protection. Casinos were required to encrypt customer data and keep their funds in separate bank accounts. But no laws prevented operators from sharing user data.

These days, laws protecting customer data are well-defined. With GDPR—created by the EU—online casino players have these rights:

  • Access to your data
  • The right to decline data collection
  • The right to request data erasure
  • The right to restrict data processing

The new GDPR laws also come with heavy penalties for rule-breaking. In the past, regulators like the UKGC could only apply fines worth up to £500000 if a casino violated a person’s data privacy laws. Under the new laws, casinos can be slapped with fines worth up to £20 million.

Rapid Popularity in Countries like Finland

Finland is one of the countries the EU has been pressuring to liberalize online gambling. It’s yet to yield and still runs online casino games through a monopoly. However, it’s experienced a trend in which Finnish players flock offshore casinos in search for better services.

The thing is, Finland’s only online casino, Veikkaus, has a lot of flaws. For starters, it works with a limited number of software providers: Playtech, Red Tiger and Yggdrasil. Although these developers supply 200+ games to Veikkaus, they don’t provide the large variety of games offshore casinos have.

Take casino Dreamz as an example. It’s based in Malta and provides 1000+ slots and card games from 30+ software providers. You could play NetEnt and Microgaming slots today. And switch to Play’n GO or IGT games tomorrow.

The best part is that Dreamz casino also features personalized content for players in Finland. When you sign up, you don’t have to stick to the English language. You can switch to your native language for a better experience.

New Advanced Slots

Online slots are significantly enhanced compared to games launched a decade ago. They have more colourful graphics thanks to advanced technologies. They are a tad more complex and have a series of features that spice up gameplay.

What’s more, the average slot today pays out a better rate. It’s not unusual for some games to have a Return to Player (RTP) rate of 98% (Jackpot 6000) or 99% (Mega Joker). These games also feature multipliers that magnify your profits or free spins that you more betting time.

Additionally, there are more games on the market. Top software companies like NetEnt, Playtech and Microgaming release a new slot nearly every month. Smaller companies launch a few games per year. All the same, they keep adding games to the market.

Live Casino Games

Like mobile games, live dealers have been around for over a decade. But they only became successful in the past few years. The advancement of technology, more so Internet speeds, video quality and programming knowledge helped the new sector sprout.

These days, you can play roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker in a live setting at any standard casino. For clarity, that means playing casino games in real-time while interacting with human dealers and players.

Live casino games add a sense of social games to online casinos. They also make these games competitive now that you can play them with real people. Luckily, live dealers are inexpensive and you can play a round for poker from €5 to as much as you can afford.

Faster, More Secure Payments

Although many European casinos are generally safe, not all of them work professionally. Some companies slow your payouts intentionally. Others word with dodgy payment providers. Fortunately, these companies fall into the minority section of the industry.

The best online casinos keep innovating ways to increase customer satisfaction. And one of their methods is to adopt fast banking options. You don’t need to send a check for deposits anymore. Instead, you can use PayPal or Skrill, which are faster.

On average, you can choose from five or more banking options. Many of these companies are safe and protect your data and funds accordingly. Some of them also let you work with casinos without providing KYC documents.

Problem Gambling Protection Laws

Lately, European countries have been enthusiastic in creating problem gambling laws. They are steps in the right direction anyway and help ensure casinos don’t take advantage of vulnerable players.

In the UK, most casinos are required to have tools that help players manage their betting habits. They also allow players to suspend or close their accounts if it becomes necessary. Operators in Sweden and Malta have similar policies. And in the usual style, they hold casinos accountable if they fail to protect their customers.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: decade, european, gambling, grew, industry, online, ...

The 10 Best Films of the Past Decade (2010-2019)

This past week Media Mikes celebrated their 10th Anniversary. It seems like only yesterday when Mike Gencarelli and I, who were at the time writing for other websites, decided to start our own. We were Movie Mikes for awhile, until Mike G. had the brilliant idea of helping to promote the upcoming AMC series “The Walking Dead.” His interview series put a big spotlight on the site and convinced us that, rather than be a movie inclusive site, we would cover the entire spectrum of Pop Culture. Hello, Media Mikes.

Since that time we (Mike G, myself and our amazing staff of writers) have reviewed over 1,000 theatrically released films and almost another 2,000 films on DVD/Blu-ray. We’ve told you what we’ve liked and what we haven’t. This week, Jeremy Werner and I have compiled our lists of the Best Films of the past decade. Let us know if you agree with us or if there was a film you think we missed.

Michael A. Smith’s 10 Best Films of the Decade

“1917“ Might as well start with the most recent of the group. An intriguing story that takes you along with it, thanks to the brilliant direction of Sam Mendes and the amazing Oscar-winning Cinematography by Roger Deakins.

“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo“ David Fincher at his best. I had not (nor have I) seen the original Swedish trilogy but I walked out of this film stunned by Fincher’s handiwork.

“The Birth of a Nation“ Due to negative publicity surrounding filmmaker Nate Parker, this film never got the true recognition it deserved. A tour-de-force for Parker who not only directed and co-wrote the film but starred in it as well.

“All the Money in the World“ Director Ridley Scott took a huge gamble when, due to the negative publicity surrounding star Kevin Spacey, and with the film already completed and awaiting release, he recast Spacey’s role with Christopher Plummer and re-shot all of Spacey’s scenes. Plummer would go on to receive an Oscar nomination for his work.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” THIS is what a bio-pic should be. The story of the greatest front man in Rock and Roll history with a brilliant, Oscar-winning performance by Rami Malik. This is the film ROCKETMAN wanted to be.

“Get Out“ Jordan Peele re-wrote the rules on horror films with this Academy Award winning masterpiece. He continued on a roll with his follow-up film, “US.”

“Les Miserables“ Hugh Jackman may be the Wolverine to most of the world but to me he delivered his best performance ever here.

“Unbroken” An inspirational true story of heroism and faith capably directed by Angelina Jolie.

“Skyfall” Sean Connery will always be the definitive James Bond, but what Daniel Craig has brought to the character is nothing short of brilliant. His final appearance as Bond is due this year. Bring on Idris Elba!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe. This 23-film series (I’m including this past year’s “Spider-man: Far From Home”) is sure to be a blueprint followed by studios until the end of time. When Robert Downey, Jr informs the smug Thanos “I am Ironman” at the end of “Avengers: End Game” the emotional roller coaster takes one more powerful dip.

Jeremy Werner’s Lists

Instead of the stereotypical Top 10, I cheated a lot on my “Best of the Decade” list. Mainly because I find it incredibly difficult to narrow down my choices to a top 10, much less a top 15. So I created three lists, and put them in no particular order, so I can share my love for these movies that still resonate with me in 2020. I also didn’t want to reveal any biases that I may have on this list, so I didn’t include any description as to why I adore these films.

Best of the Decade

“Inception”
“Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse”
“Drive”
“1917”
“Nightcrawler”
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

“Silver Linings Playbook”
“The Lego Movie”
“Mad Max: Fury Road”
“Swiss Army Man”

“Eighth Grade”
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“Inside Out”
“Gravity”
“12 Years a Slave”
“Wolf of Wall Street”
“Inside Out”
“Zootopia”
“Get Out”
“Parasite”

Honorable Mentions:
“Midsommar”
“Bridesmaids”
“Edge of Tomorrow”
“Detroit”
“Hell or High Water”
“Baby Driver”
“Life of Pi”
“Scott Pilgrim vs the World”
“Blade Runner 2049”
“Sicario”
“Blackkklansman”
“Dredd”
“Under the Skin”
“The Spectacular Now”
“The Florida Project”

So Weird, Shocking, or Unexplainable, they have to be mentioned, even if they aren’t great:
“Climax”
“Mandy”
“Sorry to Bother You”
“Mom and Dad”
“One Cut of the Dead”
“The Neon Demon”
“The Greasy Strangler”
“mother!”
“Hobo with a Shotgun”
“We are the Flesh”

Michael D. Smith’s 10 Best Films of the Decade

Coming up with a top ten list for a year is difficult enough, but it is at least ten times more maddening to finalize the best of a decade! So, I cheated a bit and added five honorable mentions. As I looked back, I picked those that pushed the envelope in some way or left an impression with me that still reverberates to present day. Beginning with #10…

10. “Hell or High Water”
9. “Prisoners”
8. “Inception”
7. “Ex Machina”
6. “A Quiet Place”
5. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
4. “The Revenant”
3. “Get Out”
2. “Lincoln”
1. “12 Years A Slave”

Honorable Mentions:
“Snowpiercer”
“The Skin I Live In”
“Logan”
“Arrival”
“Interstellar”

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 10, 20102019, decade, films

Must-see football documentaries of the decade (2010-2019)

Football is the world’s most well-known ball game in quantities of members and observers. Straightforward in its chief standards and fundamental hardware, the game can be played anyplace, from authentic football playing fields (pitches) to recreation centers, lanes, school play areas, stops, or seashores. Football’s administering body, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), evaluated that at the turn of the 21st century there were roughly 250 million football players and over 1.3 billion individuals “intrigued” in football; in 2010 a joined TV crowd of in excess of 26 billion watched football’s chief competition, the quadrennial month-long World Cup finals. 

The appropriate response until football is back for the season is a classic narrative. Here are the most elite on Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube to keep you ticking over until the genuine stuff begins.

Planet FIFA – 2016 

Barely any TV storylines are as drawing in and fascinating as corruption. The distinction here is that it was all extremely, genuine. Defilement at football’s administering body was for some time suspected however was near on difficult to demonstrate. Enter the FBI. In 2015, US examiners revealed instances of across the board defilement inside the association, at last prompting the ruin of FIFA president Sepp Blatter regardless of his urgent endeavors to stick to control. This documentary, accessible on Netflix, digs profound into the obscure dealings of the association and investigates what components prompted such guile on an at no other time seen scale. 

All or Nothing: Manchester City – 2018 

An eight-section arrangement itemizing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on their constant walk to the principal ever 100-point season in the Premier League. The Amazon Prime unique gives watchers a knowledge into the brain of one of the best ever mentors and in the background film from one of the footballing world’s top clubs. 

Sunderland Until I Die – 2018 

Following transfer to the second level of English football, this Netflix arrangement follows the unerring enthusiasm of the Mackem unwavering as the club attempts to fight off calamity as back to back assignments. It records the highs and lows of outstanding amongst other upheld clubs in England in an arrangement Sports Illustrated portrayed as “notably better than the rest.” 

Trainer! – 2013 

Follow the hardships of three hopeful German football trainers as they look to manufacture a way into the world of instructing. This Netflix documentary lifts the cover on how the Germans’ way to deal with instructing in the DFB preparing program has prompted a supported time of greatness with the national group. A pre-Liverpool Jurgen Klopp is likewise included, giving broad understanding into his strategies and practices. 

Gascoigne – 2015 

An imperfect virtuoso, Paul Gascoigne was maybe the most capable English player of his age. In any case, few have encountered such elevated highs and weakening lows as Gazza. This full length dramatic documentary, accessible to purchase on YouTube, investigates the life and times of the man from Gateshead, including remarks from regarded figures in the game, for example, Jose Mourinho, Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney and then some. Check out the 

best free bet sites at FreeBetInfo.com.

Take the Ball, Pass the Ball – 2018 

Barely any clubs summon the glimmering recollections and crude feeling that Barcelona brings. From Cruyff to Messi and Maradona to Ronaldinho, the names travel every which way, however the famous red and blue striped shirt lives until the end of time. For a time of four years under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, Barcelona created the best club football the world had ever observed. Follow their voyage during the Pep years on YouTube as Messi, Xavi, Puyol, and co. looted 14 trophies in only four seasons.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 20102019, decade, documentaries, football, mustsee

CD Review: “A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993”

“A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993”
Dio
Rhino
Producer: Ronnie James Dio, Tony Platt, Mike Fraser
Discs: 6

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio may have passed away in 2010 however that has not stopped his legacy and music from living on. Thanks to Rhino Entertainment fans of the former Elf, Rainbow and Black Sabbath front man can experience “A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993”. The six album collection focuses on the first 10 years of Ronnie’s solo career which he embarked on in 1983. Remastered and packaged in a sleek box set featuring brand new artwork from Marc Sasso, the artist who was responsible for many of the band’s iconic covers.

The latest offering from Rhino Entertainment “A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993” isn’t just a collection of greatest hits. Instead you get the first 6 albums from Ronnie James Dio’s solo career in their entirety. Remastered and repackaged complete with replica inserts “Holy Diver”, “The Last In Line”, “Sacred Heart”, “Dream Evil”, “Lock Up The Wolves”, and “Strange Highways” all sound just as good as the originals. However I was a little disappointed at the remastering process as it didn’t seem to add anything to mix. If anything the remastering added a layer of thinness that was a bit shrill on the ears at time. Thankfully Ronnie and his bands performances are so strong on the included albums that you can easily get past the sonic shortcomings and enjoy the track for what it is. Tracks like “Last In Line”, “Egypt (The Chains Are On)” and “Gypsy” were some of my personal favorites while classics like “Stand Up and Shout”, “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark” are always a fun listen.

If you already have these albums then there probably isn’t enough offered in this package to warrant purchasing them again. However for those looking to bolster their Dio collection then this set is worth its weight in gold. The recreated front and back album art and inserts is nice little feature as when you open up the main box it’s as if your getting 6 miniature LP’s. I think it would have been nice if the set came with a book providing background info/photos on the releases as I feel that would have given a little incentive to those who already have some of these albums to pick up this package. None the less still a cool offering, the set is available now on CD and will be released on vinyl October 4th.

Disc 1: “Holy Diver”
1.) Stand Up And Shout
2.) Holy Diver
3.) Gypsy
4.) Caught In The Middle
5.) Don’t Talk To Stranger
6.) Straight Through The Heart
7.) Invisible
8.) Rainbow In The Dark
9.) Shame On The Night

Disc 2: “The Last In Line”
1.) We Rock
2.) The Last In Line
3.) Breathless
4.) I Speed At Night
5.) One Night In The City
6.) Evil Eyes
7.) Mystery
8.) Eat Your Heart Out
9.) Egypt (The Chains Are On)

Disc 3: “Sacred Heart”
1.) King of Rock And Roll
2.) Sacred Heart
3.) Another Lie
4.) Rock N’ Roll Children
5.) Hungry For Heaven
6.) Like The Beat Of A Heart
7.) Just Another Day
8.) Fallen Angels
9.) Shoot Shoot

Disc 4: “Dream Evil”
1.) Night People
2.) Dream Evil
3.) Sunset Superman
4.) All The Fools Sailed Away
5.) Naked In The Rain
6.) Overlove
7.) I Could Have Been A Dreamer
8.) Faces In The Window
9.) When A Woman Cries

Disc 5: “Lock Up The Wolves”
1.) Wild One
2.) Born On The Sun
3.) Hey Angel
4.) Between Two Hearts
5.) Night Music
6.) Lock Up The Wolves
7.) Evil On Queen Street
8.) Walk On Water
9.) Twisted
10.) Why Are They Watching Me
11.) My Eyes

Disc 6: “Strange Highways”
1.) Jesus, Mary & The Holy Ghost
2.) Firehead
3.) Strange Highways
4.) Hollywood Black
5.) Evilution
6.) Pain
7.) One Foot In The Grave
8.) Give Her The Gun
9.) Blood From A Stone
10.) Here’s To You
11.) Bring Down The Rain

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Filed Under: CD Reviews, Music Tagged With: 19831993, cd, decade, dio, review
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