Gaming revenue rose 40% to 15.8 billion patacas ($2 billion) in August, with the six operators in the gambling enclave reporting soaring revenues up 63% from a year earlier to 117.9 billion patacas in the eight months to end-August.

“A slight moderation in the growth momentum of Macau’s gross casino revenue would probably be a healthy thing at this point,” independent industry consultant Jonathan Galaviz opined. A significant real-estate market downturn is likely on the mainland, and its ultimate effect on Macau would be pronounced, he added.

SJM said revenue from VIP gamblers more than doubled in the first half of 2010. Wynn Macau, the Hong Kong-listed unit of Wynn Resorts Inc, said revenue from high rollers rose 80% in the same period.

The shutdown was on the advice of the casino’s lawyers after the Swaziland-licensed online casino lost a North Gauteng High Court challenge to the Gauteng Gambling Board, supported by the National Gambling Board, about where online gambling takes place – where the server is situated (Swaziland) or where the person is playing (South Africa).

The SA authorities claim that the ruling also made it illegal for internet service providers and financial institutions to advertise online gambling or facilitate transactions.

Koor said that although the casino was in the process of applying for leave to appeal, “We have been advised we should stop operating for South African players until the matter has been resolved”.

Koors said that players’ balances can be cashed in by e-mailing support at piggspeak.com.

This season is sure to be one to watch. Some of the most talented and determined individuals take on this 13 week job interview and fight to be the last person standing. This will undoubtedly be the hardest interview process these candidates will ever face, but well worth it to score a job with one of the most successful organizations to date, The Trump Organization. Each of the candidates have a story to tell, and are all deserving of a fresh start at a new career, but Trump and his staff need to be sure that they have the fight to make it in their business world.

Even producers of the show are excited to get back to the original roots of the show. Trump stated, “I am very excited to have the civilian version of ‘The Apprentice’ back on the air this fall.”  Trump has made it very clear what he wants to see in the new season of The Apprentice and that is for America to be pulled back into the job force. He can do his part by giving one of these candidates the opportunity to do so through his organization.

The Apprentice has always been a hot category at online sportsbooks, and with a new season ready to start on September 16th, 2010, we can bet that we will be seeing entertainment betting odds on these candidates every step of the way. These betting types just make for a little added entertainment when watching this show week after week and now online bettors have something to look forward to when hearing Trump say those magic words, “You’re Fired.”

Gender of Winner
201     Male         -135
202     Female         -105

Having dealt with controversy all summer, the Steelers are ready to put their off field distractions in the rear-view mirror. A victory over an impressive New York Giants team last week has the team growing in confidence as the regular season approaches.

Bodog sportsbook has set he Steelers as two-point favorites although they’re playing on the road. The line has been set by the most trusted USA online sportsbooks anywhere from one to 2 1/2 points for Pittsburgh. The over/under has been set at 35 points, but has been seen as high as 37 1/2.

Brady Quinn made an appearance last week against the Lions, and had 115 yards on 11 completions. He came in after Kyle Orton threw for 177 yards. The starter threw for two touchdowns and one interception in the loss. Hauling in the two touchdowns was tight end Marquez Branson and running back Lance Ball. Ball was second to Bruce Hall in rushing yards with 17, while the leader racked up 43. The 2010 Denver Broncos season preview has Knowshon Moreno at the top of the running backs depth chart. Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokely and Eddie Royal are all expected to start at receiver. The defense of the Steelers will depend on the likes of Troy Polamalu and Bryant McFadden to slow up the talented receivers on the Broncos roster, and just in front of them will be the dangerous linebacking duo of Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison. The Steelers play a defensive front of three, and nose tackle Casey Hampton will be the projected leader in the middle.

The Steelers have been giving significant reps to Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich as they are battling for the starting role in 2010. Ben Roethlisberger will miss the start of the season, but his coaches are giving him snaps in the pre-season to keep him fresh. There are several players trying to earn the starting running back job, but the 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season preview currently lists Rashard Mendenhall as the favorite to win the position. Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El are two receivers that give defensive coordinators headaches. They will have to watch for veteran Brian Dawkins, who patrols the defensive secondary with a kind of controlled violence that has made him a famous threat. Champ Bailey will be charged with guarding the receivers off the line. The injury to Elvis Dumervil has left the Broncos thin at linebacker, but Jarvis Green will providing plenty of pressure to the quarterback.

Early weather reports have the Denver area hot Sunday with a high of 90 degrees, and a low of 62. There is a 20 percent chance of rain with the wind speed at 11 mph out of the South Southwest.

The Buccaneers won only three games last season, and finished in last place in the NFC South with a 1-4 division record. An overtime win against the eventual Super Bowl champions New Orleans Saints at the end of the year was the only consolation for rookie Josh Johnson and the franchise.

Bodog sportsbook has set the Jaguars as three-point road favorites when they roll into Tampa Bay, and the line has been seen anywhere from two and 2 1/2 points. USA welcome sportsbooks have set the over/under at 36 1/2 points.

The Jaguars will hope to have Maurice Jones-Drew back in the lineup after an unreported ailment kept him out of practice Wednesday. If he cannot make the list, Rashad Jennings will try to lead the team in rushing as he did against the Dolphins. Mike Sims-Walker is racking up impressive pre-season numbers in his fifth year out of Central Florida, and he is followed closely by the likes of Jarett Dillard and Mike Thomas. David Garrard continues to be the unquestioned starter, while Luke McCown is firmly holding the backup spot on the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars season preview. Putting pressure on the two quarterbacks will be first round draft pick Gerald McCoy out of Oklahoma, who is projected to earn a starting spot on the defensive line. behind him will be Quincy Black and Geno Hayes. Both players saw significant playing time in last week’s win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Derrick Roberson and Brandon Anderson both had interceptions for the ‘Bucs last week, and Ronde Barber will be entering his 15th season with the franchise.

Johnson will not likely make an appearance after suffering a thumb injury against the Chiefs. That leaves the door wide open for Josh Johnson and Rudy Carpenter to fight for the backup role. They will looking for Michael Spurlock, who had a 53-yard reception for a touchdown in last week’s game. Tight end Kellen Winslow is expected to remain on the bench for the duration of the pre-season. Running back Derrick Ward is also listed as questionable for the game against the Jaguars, and Kareem Huggins will look to move up on the depth chart ahead of him because of his injury. Carnell Williams remains the projected starting running back when looking at the 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season preview. Looking to step up their play on the defensive line will be Derrick Harvey along with Terrance Knighton, who started all 16 games for the ‘Jags last season. Kirk Morrison was added from the Oakland Raiders last season at linebacker along with Freddy Keiaho and Teddy Lehman. The team is looking for Reggie Nelson to win back his free safety job after being benched late last year for Anthony Smith.

Josh Scobee made his only field goal attempt from 38 yards against the Dolphins, and Connor Barth was 2-2 with a long of 36. A bright spot on the special teams for the Jaguars has been Deji Karim with 142 return yards in last week’s match up.

The forecast for Saturday’s game is not looking to be favorable football weather as there are storms out in the Gulf of Mexico. There is a 60 percent chance of rain, with the winds out of the Northeast at 11 mph. The high is set at 88 degrees, and the low currently rests at 77.

The New England Patriots finished 10-6 (4-2 in the AFC East) before losing a disappointing first round playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens at home. Tom Brady is back with a vengeance this year to prove that he has fully returned to form after his 2008 injury. USA welcome sportsbooks have set the Patriots as home favorites.

Bodog sportsbook has set the Patriots as seven point favorites, but the line has been seen as high as nine and as low as 6 1/2 by online sportsbooks. The over/under is set by most at 37 1/2, and can also be found at 38.

The top team in the AFC East last season hope that Brady can show Pro Bowl form again by matching or improving his 4,398 passing yard season from a year ago. He will have to as his backups now consist of Brian Hoyer and Zac Robinson. Hoyer is an undrafted second year player, and Robinson was taken late in the seventh round of this year’s draft. The team brought in Torry Holt to add experience to the receiving corps that will miss Benjamin Watson. Alge Crumpler is known for his years as Michael Vick’s top target in Atlanta, and will fill in for Watson. Laurence Maroney is expected to start at running back for the Patriots this season according to the 2010 New England Patriots season preview, but Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk are expected to give him good competition. Trying to stop the New England runners will be the likes of Jake Long and Scott Darell on the defensive line. The Rams are not very deep at linebacker, but boast one of the best young linebackers in the league James Laurinaitis, who led the team in tackles last season. The defensive secondary for the Rams is depleted by nagging injuries, and Bradley Fletcher is one of the players looking to fully recover in time for the season.

St. Louis drafted Bradford with the first pick, believing that he would be the answers to their questions at quarterback for the future. The unimproved offensive line allowed him to be sacked several times, and the rookie has not shown the numbers the franchise expected. Wide receiver Donnie Avery is on the hot seat this season, as his production has not been up to par because of nagging injuries. Laurent Robinson, Brandon Gibson, and Mardy Gilyard are all receivers trying to make the top spot on the depth chart when looking at the 2010 St. Louis Rams season preview. Steven Jackson was the team’s top rusher last season, and also had the most receptions on his way to a second-team All Pro selection. The experienced defensive line of Gerard Warren, Ty Warren, and Vince Wilfork will be there to stop Jackson and his counterparts on Thursday. The linebacking corps have seen better days, but Tully Banta-Cain and Jerod Mayo are expected to be factors in the pass rush. Leigh Bodden and Brandon Meriweather are two threats in the secondary to Bradford and the Rams’ offense.

Weather reports for Thursday’s game in Foxborough are predicting partly cloudy skies with eight mph winds out of the west. The high is expected to reach 80 degrees, while the low rests at 53.

The first leg of Day 1 has ended with 90 players still in the event. With an original field of 186, this is just under half of the players that had bought into the tournament.

The $5,000 Legends of Poker main event has left an interesting field in the top ten positions. Max Casal, Ray Dolan, Mike Baxter, Tim Phan, and Barry Greenstein are amongst the big names in the top ten slots. Chris Moore, Jason Mercier, and Phil Collins will also be amongst those advancing to day 2.

Amongst some of the notable eliminations we have Greg Mueller, Faraz “the Toilet” Jaka, and David Pham.

Day 1B is set to begin, and some big names have entered in Day 1B. Daniel Negreanu, Prahlad Friedman, Frank Kassela, Erick Lindgren, and several others have already enrolled, and many are still trying to get into the games.

Misfortune has fallen on poker player Joe Sebok, who is stuck on the freeway near the Bicycle Casino.

Registration will be open until Level 2 is over.

Satellites to events such as the WPT’s Legends of Poker tournament can be found through the USA online poker rooms such as Bodog poker.

Malta-licensed CrazyVegas.com has announced that it will be holding a second Euro-based freeroll slots tournament this month beginning from next Thursday featuring a guaranteed total prize pool of €25,000.

A member of Vegas Partner Lounge, which is the same firm behind sites including MapleCasino.ca, SunVegasCasino.com and 777DragonCasino.com, CrazyVegas.com revealed that its latest freeroll slots tournament will take place from August 26 at 7pm London time until September 3 using the assassin-themed Hitman game.

CrazyVegas.com described Hitman as a five-reel and 15-payline video slot that is ‘based upon the popular IO Interactive/Square Enix computer game’ with 18 free spins alongside ‘twice the multiplier wins’ and a second-screen bonus game.

Registration is now open for those wanting to take part with CrazyVegas.com revealing that each competitor will start with 18,000 coins and five minutes of playing time for free. It stated that add-ons will be unlimited at ten Euros each for an additional 12,000 coins and three minutes of playing time while the prize pool is to be divided among the top 75 competitors with the player finishing at the top of the heap walking away with €5,000 in cash.

“Not only are we innovators in the online casino market but CrazyVegas.com keeps the biggest slot tournament opportunities coming every month,” said Trevor Penn, Brand Manager for CrazyVegas.com.

“Zero in your sniper rifles on a bull’s eye of a prize with the Hitman €25,000 guaranteed freeroll slots tournament.”  

iPhone users can now manage their PaddyPower.com account while on the go as the online sportsbook has launched a downloadable application for the smartphone developed with Swedish mobile telephone games and content developer Mobenga.

Available at Apple’s Applications Store, Dublin-based Paddy Power revealed that its latest innovation allows customers to open an account, deposit or withdraw funds and place multiple wagers using an iPhone or iPod Touch.

“We are delighted that our customers seem to be responding so well to the new iPhone application,” said James Grimes, Product Manager for Paddy Power.

“We have been developing the iPhone application for the past number of months and we have taken customer feedback and worked with our development partners, Mobenga, to deliver what we consider to be the best possible interface for clients.

“The application was specifically created to cater for our mobile customers in the UK and Ireland, so now these customers can use our products and services when they are on the move. With the football season about to kick off again, this is an excellent opportunity for our customers to get involved in mobile betting and we are looking forward to more clients becoming interested in mobile betting in the future.”

Paddy Power revealed that the iPhone now accounts for over 50 percent of sportsbetting activities on its mobile channel while revealing that it was in the process of developing further technology for Android and other emerging mobile handset devices.

“Mobenga has worked closely and diligently with Paddy Power to make sure that all Paddy Power’s customers get the best mobile service,” said Christian Rajter, Chief Executive Officer for Mobenga.

“Creating an iPhone application distributed via Apple’s Applications Store was a logical step in order to position the product within the natural distribution point for iPhone users and, ultimately, deliver a better experience to them.

“Mobenga and Paddy Power will continue on an ambitious road map and develop more services as well as continually respond to customer feedback.”  

GameSys Limited, the owners of popular online bingo site JackpotJoy.com, has announced that the domain now features a bingo version of the Bejeweled virtual slot game developed by PopCap Games Incorporated.

London-based GameSys stated that this hybrid release follows the successful launch of the Monopoly Snap and Family Fortunes titles while JackpotJoy.com is celebrating by offering £2,500 daily guaranteed jackpots.

“The challenge of creating Bejeweled Bingo was really quite unique,” said Adele Lawton from JackpotJoy.com.

“The two games have proven themselves over so many years that we had to be very careful not to change either too much. In the end, we decided not to affect the basic game mechanics and instead focused on allowing members the chance to enjoy the two games sequentially with each experience building on the last.”

The rules of Bejeweled Bingo are simple and see competitors buy tickets into a game of 90-ball bingo before playing for one or two lines alongside full house prizes as normal. At the end of each competition, those that have purchased at least six tickets are invited to take part in the Bejeweled Challenge Round, which is a one minute game of Bejeweled that offers players the chance to win cards for the next session if either their individual or community score beats the respective target.

“It’s a wonderful hybrid,” said Lawton.

“All in all, I think the game offers something for everyone and we’re all very proud of it.”