Latest news with #Vegas-style
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
How Labour is protecting National Lottery monopoly – and costing good causes up to £132m
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I wouldn't describe myself as a mug punter; I may be a mug, but I'd have to gamble a bit more to be descried as a punter of any description. I don't do the lottery, don't put on bets to pep up football on the telly and, with occasional exceptions, only back the gee-gees when I'm at a meeting. It's hard to beat a day at the races when the weather is as glorious as it has been this summer, and not for nothing is horse racing Britain's second-biggest spectator sport behind football, with just under five million racegoers a year. I was at York last month with a gang of old journalism college mates, one of whom has made something of a career as a tipster and knew one of the winning owners. Champagne? Don't mind if I do. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The excitement of winning is hard to beat, but it's also not difficult to appreciate the danger of chasing losses. And in a week when Labour government policies have put unemployment up to a four-year high and with inflation rising, we all need some cheering up but it's also understandable if more people seek easy ways to escape a financial hole. The UK Government seems determined to look after the interests of the National Lottery (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images Problem gambling Fears about problem gambling have grown, largely due to high-profile stories of professional footballers getting into deep trouble – young men with lots of money and nothing better to fill their days after training – and, at the opposite end of the scale, are fixed-odds machines in bookies' shops in run-down estates, snaring people with no money to spare. Last year's Gambling Survey for Great Britain, in which Glasgow University researchers questioned 10,000 adults, indicated the UK could have as many as 1.3 million problem gamblers. With this in mind, the UK Government recently paused a plan to relax regulations for high street 'adult gaming centres', which currently limits the number of machines paying out £500 jackpots to a fifth of the total in the shop. Operators argue this so-called 80/20 rule limits growth because players tend not to use the 80 per cent of machines with pay-outs capped at £100. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Meanwhile, new legislation has been passed for England and Wales to tighten casino operations, slashing the number of machines from a Vegas-style maximum of 1,250 to just 80. It's all a long way off from the super casinos the Tony Blair government hoped would give a boost to old seaside resorts like Blackpool. This new conservative approach is also affecting lotteries, but for very different reasons. Far from wanting to protect the public from evil, the Labour government has decided to shield the National Lottery – operated by Allwyn, the international 'lottery-led entertainment company' which won the franchise from Camelot last year – from stronger competition, despite its own evidence showing that millions more could be donated to good causes if lottery rules were changed. People's Postcode Lottery At the heart of the argument is the Edinburgh-headquartered People's Postcode Lottery (PPL), by some way the UK's biggest operator after the National Lottery, and the only one affected by a current £50 million cap on annual ticket sales. PPL has been arguing for the limit to be raised to £100m, and a report commissioned from independent economics consultants for the Department of Media, Culture & Sport confirmed that PPL's ticket sales would grow by between £51m and £477m, which would generate charitable donations of between £17m and £157m. The downside, they say, is that the competition could reduce National Lottery sales (currently just over £8 billion) by between £25m and £148m and reduce its support for good causes from anything between £5m and £30m. As the report acknowledges, the simple arithmetic shows that lifting the ticket sales limit should result in a minimum boost for donations of £16m, and a potential to produce an extra £132m, a 6.5 per cent increase. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The official argument is that if the ticket limit was raised, it would allow the PPL to use higher sales to increase its prizes and so encourage more players to switch from the National Lottery. But the PPL points out that separate legislation fixes the maximum prize to £500,000. Of course there is a strong argument lifting for that too, given the twice-weekly Euromillions draw, run here by Allwyn, guarantees ten UK players will win £1m. PPL also points out that the government has decided not to regulate big commercial prize draws like Omaze (million-pound houses for a minimum £10 entry) and Raffle House (a £10 ticket could win you a £3m Home Counties house and a £65,000 Porsche) as if they don't have an impact on the National Lottery. Government protectionism? At a time when Third Sector organisations are desperate for money, it might have been expected that the opportunity would have been embraced with enthusiasm, but instead the government has decided to keep the ceiling as it is, primarily because of a fear that the Exchequer will lose up to £18m in lottery duty from Allwyn and 'remove one of the policy levers available to government to protect the National Lottery and the funding it raises'. Yet, the official report acknowledges that when the ticket sales limit was lifted from £10m to the current £50m in 2020, the same fear that the National Lottery would suffer turned out to be wide of the mark and, according to the Gambling Commission, National Lottery sales grew by £1.2bn between 2017 and 2022. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
United News of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Pin-Up Casino India – A Brutally Honest Review From Someone Who's Actually Played There
Okay, full disclosure—I've played in a lot But Pin Up Casino India? This one caught me off guard. Not perfect—but spicy enough to keep me coming back. And let me tell you—once you get used to the layout (and dodge a couple of rookie mistakes), it's like that one dhaba you didn't expect to love but now crave at 1 a.m. Let me spill the beans—unfiltered and with chai-stained honesty. Is Pin Up Even Legal in India? Pin-Up is operated by Carletta N.V., and it's licensed in Curacao (one of those classic offshore licenses—License No. 8048/JAZ, to be precise). My two paisa: Always use UPI. And maybe a bit of crypto if you're feeling spicy. Also, the site asks for age confirmation—so yeah, 18+ only. Don't even think about trying to bluff your way in. They will ask for ID eventually. First Impressions: What's the Vibe? I found Pin-Up in a Reddit thread back in March 2023. Some guy was raving about their kabaddi odds (seriously). I was skeptical, but curiosity got the better of me. Logged in. Signed up. Got ₹20,000 welcome bonus. Spent the next three hours stuck in a blackjack loop like it was 2006 again. Here's what I noticed off the bat: Bright, almost flashy interface—Vegas-style glitz. Hindi and English options (thank god for that). INR is everywhere—no conversion headaches. Separate tabs for sportsbook, casino, live dealer. Clean. I've seen better UI designs (10Cric feels smoother), but this one? Definitely functional and fast. Especially on mobile. Took Me 3 Minutes Pin Up Registration Swear on samosas—it was easier than ordering food from Zomato. Hit that green 'Sign Up' button. Typed in my Gmail and mobile number. Selected INR (don't miss this step—I did once, and got USD instead. Painful.) Skipped the promo code because I was in a hurry. Big mistake—missed 50 free spins. Ugh. Submitted my Aadhaar for KYC 2 days later. Got verified in 7 hours. As it seems to me, the platform doesn't make you jump through hoops. Just basic stuff. Friend tip: Use a secondary number or email then you'll be able to Pin Up registration. Not shady—just helps keep your main inbox clean from promo spam. Pin Up App – Downloaded It on a Whim. Now I Use It More Than Instagram. I've got this bad habit of downloading casino apps during cricket matches. So during the IND vs PAK match (Asia Cup 2023), I gave the Pin Up app a go. Installed the APK from their site. Easy-peasy. Compared to their mobile site? Just one thing—the app's not on the Play Store. So you've got to trust the .apk from the site. In my case? Worked fine. No viruses, no drama. Pin Up Bonus & Freebies – A Mixed Bag, TBH I've used every bonus they've thrown my way. Some were meh. Some actually paid off. Here's the real-deal summary: Welcome Bonus Casino: 100% up to ₹25,000 + 250 free spins ➤ Reality check: Wagering is 50x. It's steep. Took me three weeks to clear half of it. Sportsbook: 100% up to ₹25,000 (only 10x on odds ≥1.7)➤ This one's easier. I cleared it in 5 days betting on EPL and tennis. Ongoing Promos I Liked 7% cashback Mondays (Saved my skin once after a ₹3,500 loss on slots) Tournaments with ₹2L+ prize pools (Won ₹4,300 in a Gates of Olympus tourney last May) Free bets every weekend if you're active VIP Club? Hit that in Jan 2024. They gave me a ₹10K birthday pin up bonus + priority withdrawals. Felt fancy for once. Sportsbook Pin Up Bet I'm a cricket tragic. My Dream11 is always open. So naturally, I hammered their cricket section. Tested during IPL 2024 and World Cup qualifiers. Live odds were competitive (almost neck-and-neck with Betway) Markets included Player Runs, Wickets, First 6 Overs—all the good stuff Kabaddi was a pleasant surprise (how many bookies even list that?!) Placed a combo bet on KKR and RCB—odds 4.2—cashed out early, made ₹2,250 profit. Thank you, Shreyas Iyer. Also, the Pin Up Bet Builder function? Casino Section – Jackpots & Desi Vibes When I'm not sports betting, I'm spinning reels like a madman. My go-tos: Aviator (for adrenaline) Teen Patti by Ezugi Andar Bahar Live Fruit Party 2 (because who doesn't love fruit carnage?) RTPs range 94–98%. Pin-Up displays them clearly, which I respect. Some sites hide that info like it's national security. Live dealers? Super friendly. One even complimented my username once. 'MangoMan07'—don't ask. Payments – Smooth for Me, But Know the Tricks I always use UPI—no extra fees, direct to bank, and withdrawals have been mostly within a day. What I Loved And Don't The Good Stuff: Full Indian support (INR, UPI, Hindi) App works like a charm Legit variety of games and odds VIP perks are actually good Sportsbook + casino under one login Could Be Better: 50x bonus wagering? Rough. App not in Play Store (makes newbs nervous) No game previews unless logged inNo support on WhatsApp (chat only) FAQ Is it really safe?I think so. Been using it since 2023—no data leaks, smooth withdrawals. Can I bet on cricket in Hindi?You can use the Hindi interface, but odds and terms are in English. Do they ban winners?I've cashed out ₹42K in total. Never got limited. Yet. Any hidden fees?None that I've seen—just read the T&Cs. Final Verdict – Should You Play on Pin-Up? If you're looking for an Indian-friendly casino with heart, guts, and that spicy Bollywood vibe—Pin-Up might just be your jam. It's not the most polished site I've ever used (10Cric feels cleaner), but it's fun, it pays, and it feels like it was made for desi players. Not for bonus abusers or high rollers looking for low wagering terms. But for average punters who want a place to bet on cricket, play some slots, and win real money in rupees? It's rock solid. My advice? Start small. ₹500–₹1,000. Test the waters. And play responsibly—set a limit, stick to it, and don't chase losses. Happy spinning, happy betting!
Time Out
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Legendary celeb hotspot Drai's is finally coming to New York City
Usually it's the other way around: New York restaurants getting cloned in Las Vegas. But now, Vegas is sending one of its own to the Big Apple: Drai's Supper Club, an offshoot of the celeb-loved brand with a three-decade legacy, is making its East Coast debut in Manhattan's Meatpacking District on Wednesday, June 11. And if you're thinking this is just a flashy outpost, you'll stand corrected: It's a full-on reinvention. Founded in L.A. in 1993 by nightlife impresario Victor Drai and frequented by everyone from Julia Roberts to The Weeknd, Drai's built its rep as a see-and-be-seen spot for high-end dining and entertainment. Now, Victor's 31-year-old son, Dustin Drai, president of Drai's Management Group, is bringing the brand full circle with a glamorous New York City location that honors its glitzy West Coast roots while going all in on food, flair and jazz. 'Bringing Drai's to New York City with this supper club concept is incredibly meaningful for me,' Drai told Time Out. 'It's an homage to where our brand began, a return to the sophisticated dining experience that laid our foundation. We're trying to get back to what we were, but with a more modern feel for today.' Set at 244 W. 14th Street, in the former home of iconic club Nell's, the space has undergone a full gut renovation: walls have been opened, ceilings have been raised and the kitchen was rebuilt from scratch. Upstairs, guests will find an elegant dining room with floral-accented chairs, live jazz five nights a week and a menu of French-American classics from Executive Chef Yoo Hyun Suk. Downstairs is a moody lounge with clubby vibes and an evolving cocktail program, with a menu of vintage martinis and espresso flights. 'Food is the biggest component,' Drai said. 'In somewhere like New York, how do you stand out? We wanted the venue to speak for itself with amazing food that's colorful and simple.' Expect elevated takes on Caesar salad, foie gras and a burrata-tomato tart, but Drai is particularly proud of the steak: 'We have the best steak au poivre in the city. It's a big statement, but I stand by that.' Don't let the black-and-gold facade fool you—this isn't a Vegas-style nightclub transplant. It's a primetime date night destination, with blues and jazz floating through the room, big portions, a retro-luxe atmosphere and a vibe that encourages conversation, not bottle service. Or as Drai puts it: 'Come for dinner, then go downstairs to the lounge—one stop.'
Axios
29-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Why weddings are shrinking
Ballrooms are out. "Micro weddings" are in — and they might be smarter, too. Why it matters: Some couples are skipping big weddings to save money and throw a more intimate gathering. By the numbers: The average guest count nationwide was 131 in 2024, down from 184 in 2006, according to data shared with Axios by The Wedding Report. And smaller celebrations, those with 50 guests or fewer, made up 18% of nuptials last year, compared to 10% in 2013, per the research company. What we're hearing: Courthouse ceremonies and parties in cozy restaurants or backyards let couples spend more time with loved ones. Downsizing can also limit stress, plus free up cash for that open bar or unforgettable carving station. Zoom in: Vegas-style chapels and businesses offering curated micro weddings and elopements have opened in Boston, Dallas, Portland, Oregon, Richmond, Virginia and beyond. Reality check: While certain people "just like low-key events," most go smaller to spend less, Shane McMurray, CEO of The Wedding Report, tells Axios. The big picture: Cutting the guest list is the best way to save, with prices for meals, venues, invitations and more usually based on headcount, McMurray says. Pros estimate micro weddings can cost over 50% less than traditional ones. Between the lines: Many brides and grooms-to-be are bracing for pricier nuptials as tariffs stand to hike the $33,000 cost of an average U.S. wedding, according to The Knot, a planning and registry site. Those worrying about their jobs or finances may delay celebrations altogether. The bottom line: No need to invite the roommate you haven't talked to since graduation.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BGT winner calls for U-turn on 'lazy' part of show after major change-up
BGT winner calls for U-turn on 'lazy' part of show after major change-up EXCLUSIVE: Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts says the change-up put in place this year "doesn't help with the diversity and range of acts" and called for a U-turn Simon Cowell reportedly 'gave the green light' to the auditions change-up Britain's Got Talent's first ever champion Paul Potts has urged the show's producers to re-evaluate their choice of auditioning exclusively in Blackpool. This season, auditions were solely filmed at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool unlike previous years where venues, such as the London Palladium, have been used. A source told TV Zone regarding the new format: "The Palladium is such an iconic venue but if you compare the shows in Blackpool to the ones they have filmed in London, the audience is way more up for it there. The auditions resume in the new year and they'll all be filmed up in Blackpool. "Boss Simon Cowell has given the green light to the move and just wants the show to be the best it can be." Paul, 54, has criticised the altered approach to the audition process, describing it as "lazy". When asked if he believes Britain is running out of talent for the show, he shared: "There's absolutely no shortage of talent in Britain, [there's] plenty of untapped potential out there. Article continues below "But the show needs to be more flexible in how it finds and selects that talent. "Just sticking to Blackpool for auditions this year felt, frankly, a bit lazy. I understand that it might have been a cost-cutting idea, even though securing the ballroom wouldn't have come cheaply, however, the limited outreach doesn't help with the diversity and range of acts," he added in association with Sky Vegas. PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 17: Paul Potts arrives at "America's Got Talent: The Champions" Finale at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on October 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) The tenor has since called for the production team to reverse their decision and "get back out on the road" to "really engage with people" and uncover "fresh, authentic talent". "And like I've said before, if they want to breathe new life into the show, let's do something bold. Make Blackpool a Vegas-style call-back round. Turn it into a proper second stage, not just a shortcut to the live shows," he continued. "That way you can really test and find the best acts." Paul added: "Britain has amazing talent – there's no question. But if we're seeing acts in the semi-finals that are getting three red buzzers, we have to ask, what are we doing? You start to risk the credibility of the show.' Tonight, the last remaining two acts will be selected for the upcoming final. Those who win the public vote and final golden buzzer will join; singers Hear Our Voice, Jasmine Rice, Stacey Leadbetter and Vinnie McKee, comedian Joseph Charm, dance group Ping Pong Pang, guitarist Olly Pearson and LED show act The Blackouts. On how he believes the final is shaping up currently, Paul warned singers about "a real risk" when it comes to song choice. "It's fairly finely balanced at this stage, but there's a real risk, as I've said before, the singers could end up cancelling each other out," he shared. "We've got a couple of crossover singers going through, but some of the repertoire decisions across the board have felt a bit off. I'm all for hearing something fresh and unexpected, songs that haven't been done to death, but it also needs to be right for the artist. It has to showcase their strengths." Article continues below Britain's Got Talent continues tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.
