LiveRoulette’s Ultimate Online Casino Playlist

There seems to be a “world” day for almost everything these days. From World Baking Day in May to World Say Something Nice Day in June, there’s a constant stream of reminders about the good things in life. One day that’s designed to get everyone moving and grooving is World Music Day. Taking place in June every year, the celebration originated in France, where it’s known as Fête de la Musique.

Jack Lang, Minister of Culture of France, and Maurice Fleuret, a composer, were behind the initiative. Their vision was to get people sharing their musical talents. “Music everywhere and the concert nowhere” was the slogan they adopted ahead of the first event in 1982. Since then, World Music Day has become an international affair.

Rather fortunately, this day of musical appreciation also falls around our first birthday celebrations. We love music, so, in the spirit of celebration, we’ve decided to countdown our top tracks relating to all things casino. What’s more, these picks are the perfect accompaniment to your online casino experience here at LiveRoulette.

1. Lady Gaga – Poker Face (2008)

Poker is often described as battle of wits disguised as a game of cards. Lady Gaga certainly took that idea to heart when she released Poker Face. Far from using poker terminology unnecessarily, Gaga links phrases like “I wanna hold’em like they do in Texas, please” and “can’t read my poker face” to allusions of love. Indeed, the idea that love is often a game fits perfectly with the analogies to poker.

2. Pinball Wizard – The Who (1969)

If you ever need a song to get you moving while you play online casino games, Pinball Wizard is it. The Who’s story of a deaf, dumb, and blind kid playing pinball like a pro is full of energy. As you listen, you get the sense of a game in motion. How the kid plays, we don’t know. All we know is that he can.

3. Money – Pink Floyd (1973)

You shouldn’t play online casino games for the money alone. Playing should be fun and rewarding and not as a means for financial gain. It can be hard to ignore the prizes on offer when you play roulette, slots, and blackjack. Pink Floyd’s Money is all about the high life. Painting pictures of exuberance, the song tells tales of a lavish world where high rollers live a life of luxury.

4. Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley (1964)

Part of The King’s crown certainly lies in Las Vegas. At the height of his career, he spent seven years performing in Sin City on a weekly basis. Such was his affinity with Vegas, that fans of Elvis often call the period between 1969 and 1976 as the “Vegas Years”. As a prelude to his Sin City experience, Viva Las Vegas became a hit for Presley. Capturing the spirit of the gambling hub, the song (originally written for a movie of the same name) really does get you in the mood for gaming action.

5. Tumbling Dice – Rolling Stones (1972)

Tumbling Dice was famously recorded in the basement of a chateau in France. It peaked at number 5 in the UK charts and #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Aside from the links between dice and online casino games like Craps, the boogie-woogie rhythm really pulls you in. Many gamers talk about going into the zone when they play. Well, this song will really get you into a nice groove.

6. Huck’s Tune – Bob Dylan (2007)

Anyone that’s a fan of online casino and poker gaming will know the movie Lucky You. Although its depiction of poker was a far cry from what the iconic Rounders achieved, the movie did produce one good thing: Huck’s Tune. A sombre, reflective song, Huck’s Tune paints a picture of a lonely road the gamblers had to walk before things turn in their favour.

7. Ace of Spades – Motorhead (1980)

If you’ve never listened to Ace of Spades, you’re missing out on a piece of rock history. If Motorhead never released another song, their status as musical icons would be set thanks to this one. Like Lady Gaga, the band uses poker as a motif for love. However, unlike Poker Face, Ace of Spades hits you full-force with its rip-roaring chords and all-out rock vibes.

8.The Stranger Song – Leonard Cohen (1967)

Part song, part reading, Leonard Cohen’s The Stranger Song tells the story of a woman burned by love. Throughout the song, men are compared to dealers, casino veterans always chasing the next high from the turn of a card. The implication is that the men this woman has met are never focused on the present. Instead, they want to keep playing the cards (women) and chase the next unknown. 

9. The Card Cheat – The Clash (1979)

You have to be prepared for some ups and downs when you play online casino games. Even with all the knowledge and skill in the world, there are times when things won’t be on your side. The Card Cheat is a reminder of this. When a man down on his luck decides to game the system, he’s quickly found out. Wise words from The Clash.

10. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers (1978)

We couldn’t end our list without including arguably the most famous gambling song of all time. The Gambler by Kenny Rogers is as much of a lesson in life as a guide to playing cards. You have to know when to stand and fight, and when to walk away. This life lesson is taught from the perspective of a poker player looking at his cards, wondering whether to “hold’em” or whether to “fold’em”. If you need a reminder of how to approach online casino gaming, as well as a great song to keep you entertained, The Gambler it is.

To celebrate World Music Day and our first birthday, play online casino games at LiveRoulette, turn on some tunes, and have some fun!

18+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

Top Online Slots with Wild Symbols

Today’s online slots are more powerful than those of old for several reasons. One of the main ones is the addition of wild symbols, which provide more opportunities to land a winning spin. In this guide, we’ll tell you all about wild symbols and why they live up to their name.

What Are Wild Slot Symbols?

Wilds are symbols that help you make winning combinations. There are multiple ways to unlock prizes when playing online slots. Identical symbols lining up, bonus features triggering or a random jackpot dropping can all result in a payout. However, wilds are unique because they can turn nothing into something.

Think of a wild as a joker in a pack of playing cards. A wild symbol can substitute for any other symbol on the reels (except for scatter/bonus symbols). For example, if you rolled in two cherries and a wild, the wild could act as a third cherry to create a winning payline.

Wilds can also trigger payouts in their own right, matching a number of them on an active payline. Usually you need three or more symbols on a payline to trigger a win.

A Brief History of Wild Symbols

Slot machines haven’t always featured wilds. When Charles Fey invented the Liberty Bell slot in 1894, it featured horseshoes, spades, diamonds, hearts and Liberty Bells. As these new games gained popularity, more features were added to the mix. Extra symbols were introduced, as were cash prizes.

By 1976, Fortune Coin Co. developed the first video slot machine. This game introduced cheat-proof digital technology and opened the door to the next generation of slots, as well as providing the freedom to experiment with new ideas. .

Types of Wild Symbols in Today’s Online Slots

Wild symbols have evolved in line with the latest trends in online slots gaming. To match the complexity of today’s top spinners, wilds now line up in a variety of ways. When you play slots online at LiveRoulette, you’ll find the following types of wild:

Standard Wild Symbols: These wilds typically appear as single symbols on any reel and substitute for all other symbols except the scatter.

Stacked Wild Symbols: As the name suggests, stacked wilds can pile up on top of each other. Stacked wilds can cover an entire reel at once.

Sticky Wild Symbols: These wilds will stick in place, often during a bonus round. Once they roll into view, they’ll hold their position for a set number of spins.

Expanding Wilds: An expanding wild has the power to grow and spread out across multiple positions on the reels. The larger the wild becomes, the more potential to create winning combinations.

Rushing or Walking Wild Symbols: Where present, these often appear during a free spins round. They move from one position to another as the round progresses, allowing you to potentially collect multiple wins as you go.

The Best Slots Online with Wild Symbols

There are hundreds of top titles to choose from. Most slots feature wilds of some type or another. In the list below, we’ve picked out some of our top picks available on our Canadian online casino.

Money Train Slot

Five reels, 40 paylines and payouts topping 20,000x your stake. It’s easy to see why Money Train by Relax Gaming  has become one of the most popular online slots at LiveRoulette. The bonus round features seven wild modifiers, each of which can increase the size of your prize.

For example, the “widener” will reveal a mystery prize and add another reel to the mix. The “payer” reveals a prize and adds it to all other visible symbols of the same type. In tandem with these features, the Money Train slot contains wilds in the form of shotguns. These symbols substitute for all others except the scatter.

Starburst Slot

This is a great online slot for those who want double value on wilds. Starburst wilds appear on the central three reels, expand and stick in place during a re-spin. NetEnt’s Starburst is a great slot for beginners, and a good introduction into the world of wilds, too.

The Invisible Man Slot

There’s nothing obscure or hidden about the wild symbols in this online slot. Wilds are available during normal gameplay. However, when you trigger the free spins bonus, Police Wilds have the power to walk across the reels from left to right from reel 1. Additionally, you can roll in Griffin Wilds that move in the opposite direction to police officers, starting on reel 5.

Jurassic Park Slot

The developers at Microgaming wanted to create a fitting tribute to the mighty dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, so they did it with stacked wilds. When you spin this game’s five reels and 243 paylines, stacked wilds (Jurassic Park logos) can pile up on a single reel. Wilds also play a part in the bonus round. By activating the free spins round, you’ll have the opportunity to roll in wilds that split, multiply and make entire reels wild.

To play these online slots and more, log in to LiveRoulette.com today.

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

Why Slovenia offers a Picture-Perfect Gambling Experience

Imagine sitting at a roulette table, the wheel spinning smoothly as you take in the stunning alpine backdrop through the window. This isn’t your usual casino scene; it’s what you get in Slovenia, a hidden gem in Europe where the charming atmosphere meets the thrill of chance.

Slovenian casinos offer a diverse gambling experience. For a comprehensive guide, check out Casinos Slovenija, and here you will discover the best spots to game in this scenic country. These establishments are wrapped in the country’s natural beauty and historic grandeur, providing an unparalleled experience that goes beyond the games themselves.

Gambling in the Heart of Nature

Within Slovenia’s green landscapes, every casino visit, whether at a physical venue or online via the smartphone in the palm of your hand, becomes an adventure. The country’s scenic casino locations, nestled among lush hills, beside deep blue lakes and within view of snow-capped mountains, make placing bets feel like part of a fairytale. For those who fancy a game of blackjack or a spin of the roulette wheel, the setting cannot be more idyllic.

Casinos such as those found in the heart of the Julian Alps provide not just a game of chance but also a retreat into nature – with every hand dealt, you’re surrounded by the tranquility of the Slovenian countryside. It’s here, against the backdrop of pristine natural wonders, that the allure of casino games truly shines.

The Best of Both Worlds

The casinos in Slovenia are where historic charm meets the allure of the modern gaming experience. Visitors can find themselves walking through the doors of a grand, centuries-old building only to be greeted by the latest gaming technology and a vibrant crowd of enthusiasts.

From grand, palatial spaces that remind you of Europe’s rich gambling history to sleek, contemporary resorts designed for the modern player, Slovenia offers an impressive spectrum of gaming experiences. It’s a crossing of timelines where a traditional game of poker can be enjoyed in the same venue as an animated video slot adventure. A stroll through these historic gambling halls and state-of-the-art complexes is like flipping through the pages of a gambling enthusiast’s dream diary.

Discover Local Games and Global Favorites Online

Slovenia’s online gaming establishments are like a treasure trove of entertainment, hosting an array of games that cater to every taste. For instance, while ‘Casinos Slovenija’ brings together both Slovenian specialties and world-renowned games, roulette – one of the most popular games in the country – remains a staple on most casino platforms.

From novices to seasoned high-rollers, every visitor can find their game of choice, along with a community of players and professionals who make every online session memorable.

A Realm of Luxury awaits Beyond the Tables

It’s not all about pushing luck to its limits – Slovenian casinos offer much more and an enhanced gaming experience. Visitors can enjoy the full palette of five-star luxury: from spa retreats and gourmet restaurants to live music performances and opulent rooms. These venues understand that a truly memorable gambling getaway includes indulgent moments away from the gaming floors.

Whether it’s unwinding in a thermal pool after a lively round of roulette or treating yourself to a world-class meal, the extra touches are what complete the lavish Slovenian casino experience. The vibrant nightlife often extends beyond the gaming areas, with exclusive bars and clubs providing a perfect setting to celebrate victories or shrug off losses in style.

Premier League Betting Preview: Who you got this weekend?

Liverpool and Man City picked up midweek wins to keep the Premier League title race extremely interesting.

With the Reds in EFL Cup final action on Sunday, City and third-placed Arsenal have the chance to cut Liverpool’s lead with wins this weekend.

City travel to Bournemouth on Saturday evening, while Arsenal host Newcastle a few hours later.

Elsewhere, there’s a huge game at the bottom as Crystal Palace host Burnley in Oliver Glasner’s first match in charge of the Eagles. Will he make a winning start?

As always, we’ll have great offers on all the action, including Nicole Holliday’s picks, Enhanced Odds and much more. And, if you’ve not used it already, don’t forget your Epic Boost is available before you get a new one on Sunday.

To get you ready, let’s look at three of this weekend’s Premier League matches… 

Brighton v Everton

Amex Stadium

Saturday, 24th February @ 15:00

Brighton crushed 10-man Sheffield Utd 5-0 last weekend. Will they be too strong for another struggling side when they host Everton? The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League home games (W5 D5).

Everton continue to look over their shoulders after a dreadful run of form. The Toffees are on the longest winless run in the division (8) and haven’t scored in their last three away games. Get 23/10 on a Brighton win to nil.

All might not be lost for Everton, though. The 11/4 odds on an away win could be worth a look. The home side hasn’t won any of the last six Premier League meetings between these two sides, with Everton winning on their last two visits to the Amex.

With Everton’s form and Brighton’s thirst for goals, it might be worth considering the 9/4 on the Seagulls scoring three or more. Nine of their 10 league wins this season have seen them score at least three times.

If Everton are to score in this one, a corner looks to be their best chance. Only Arsenal (11) have scored more from corners than the Toffees (10) this season. Dwight McNeil is their main corner-taker, registering three assists from them. Get 9/2 on the winger getting another.

Arsenal v Newcastle

Emirates Stadium

Saturday, 24th February @ 20:00

After their surprising late defeat to Porto in the Champions League, Arsenal will hope to bounce back and stay in touch with Liverpool and Man City in the title race.

The Gunners welcome Newcastle to the Emirates, a fixture they have dominated in recent years (W10 D1). It’s 8/5 Arsenal win and both teams score.

Newcastle got the better of Mikel Arteta’s side in November, winning 1-0 thanks to Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike. They’ve not done the double over Arsenal since 1994/95 and are 6/1 to do so this weekend.

Bukayo Saka is sure to play a key role for Arsenal. He’s been on fire recently. Get 5/4 on Saka to score at any time and 7/4 on him to get an assist. The England forward has scored six goals in his last four games, netting back-to-back braces against West Ham and Burnley.

Should Gordon net in this game he would become just the second player to score home and away against Arsenal in a single Premier League season after Peter Beardsley. Gordon is 8/1 to score the first or last goal.

Wolves v Sheff Utd

Molineux

Sunday, 25th February @ 13:30

Things are not looking good for Sheffield Utd. The Blades are rooted to the bottom of the table and don’t seem to be able to stop the goals going in.

It’s 9/1 on Wolves scoring over 4.5 goals in the match. No side has lost more Premier League games by a margin of 5+ goals in a single season than the Blades (5 – equal with Derby in 2007/08).

So, how will they fare at Molineux? Well, Wolves are unbeaten in their last eight home games against Sheffield Utd (W4 D4). They’re odds on to win, while the Blades are 5/1 to claim three points.

However, the Blades have only led for 183 minutes this season and Wes Foderingham has only kept one clean sheet, while conceding 63 goals. Wolves to win to nil is 6/4.

Joao Gomes netted twice in Wolves’ 2-1 win at Spurs last weekend. He’s 11/2 to score at any time. Pedro Neto set up Gomes’ second, his ninth assist of the season. We’ll pay out at 7/4 if he moves into double figures.

The post Premier League Betting Preview: Who you got this weekend? appeared first on William Hill News.

2024 College Basketball Player of the Year Odds: Can Edey Repeat?

College basketball hit the halfway point of its regular season this week, meaning there are still lots of games to go—not to mention tournament play, as teams bid to reach March Madness and ultimately the Final Four. But if sportsbook odds are any indication, the national Player of the Year race has already become a foregone conclusion.

2023-24 Wooden Awards Odds

Odds to win the POY Award
Player Odds
Zach Edey (Purdue) -300
Hunter Dickinson (Kansas) +1000
Kyle Filipowski (Duke) +2000
R.J. Davis (UNC) +2000
Kevin McCullar (Kansas) +2000
Tristen Newton (UConn) +2500
Tyson Walker (Michigan St.) +2800
Armando Bacot (UNC) +3000
Caleb Love (Arizona) +3000
Tyler Kolek (Marquette) +3500

Purdue center Zach Edey, bidding to become the first back-to-back recipient of the John R. Wooden Award since Ralph Sampson in the early 1980s, is now such a favorite that he’s become a negative moneyline play at most sportsbooks. Odds of Edey repeating as Wooden Award winner are now around -300, which means a sports bettor would have to wager $300 to earn $100 in winnings should Edey claim the honor for a second consecutive year.

Edey, who entered this week averaging 22.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, has gradually tightened his grip on the Player of the Year award as the season has gone on. The Purdue big man opened at odds of around +155. After leading the Boilermakers to the title in the toughest Maui Invitational field ever, those odds moved to +130. Now they’re in negative territory, well ahead of those of No. 2 odds choice Hunter Dickinson of Kansas, who can be found at +600 to +1000, depending on the sportsbook.

Even though the top-ranked Boilermakers suffered their second loss of the season Tuesday night at Nebraska, Edey has scored in double-figures every game this season and has posted nine double-doubles, tied for sixth nationally. He ranks eighth nationally in scoring, 11th nationally in rebounding, and 15th nationally in field goal percentage. While he was held to just two points in the first half against the Cornhuskers, he hasn’t really had a bad game.

And the winning has certainly helped Edey cement himself as Player of the Year odds frontrunner. Now, could that change? Purdue has tough road games at Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio State coming up in the back half of its Big 10 schedule. It would likely take some upset losses, and some of those opponents shutting Edey down—which to this point, hasn’t really happened—for the likes of Dickinson or Duke center Kyle Filipowski to close what’s currently a sizable gap.

The Favorite: Zach Edey, Purdue

Edey has played at a consistently high level against a schedule that to this point ranks as the second-toughest in the nation, according to the analytical site KenPom.com. But conference play is a different animal—opponents are more familiar, and games are more physical—and that contrast has perhaps been evident in Edey, who had totaled 10 points and 15 boards, and then 15 points and seven boards in back-to-back Big 10 games through Tuesday. 

Those are very good numbers, to be certain, but not quite the 28 and 15 he was putting up with regularity back in November and December. The conference grind takes a toll on everybody, and Edey’s hold on Player of the Year frontrunner odds may hinge on whether he can maintain a form that produced double-doubles in 11 of his final 14 games last season.

The Challenger

Who might challenge Edey in becoming this year’s college basketball player of the year?

Hunter Dickinson, Kansas

Kansas has one of the worst cover rates of any team in the Top 25, continuing to win games that are closer than they should be. But that’s not the fault of Dickinson, a Michigan transfer who’s thrived in Bill Self’s offense, where he’s surrounded by great supportive players who can take the pressure off the big man in the middle. Dickinson hit for 30 points and 11 boards in a close win last weekend over TCU, emblematic of the type of contribution he’s making night in and night out.

Dickinson entered the week with averages of 19.4 points and 12.4 rebounds, and double-doubles in seven of his last nine games. He plays well in transition, shoots well from the outside, and can be unstoppable when he gets the ball down low. Dickinson plays in a deeper league than Edeydoes, and has more marquee games against ranked opponents still ahead of him. It will take more 30/11 nights against the likes of Baylor and Houston to make this Player of the Year race more interesting than it is now.

The Dark Horse

If you’re looking at making a big splash on the oddsboard, maybe consider this UConn Guard.

Armando Bacot, North Carolina

Guard R.J. Davis may lead North Carolina in scoring, but it’s big man Bacot who makes the Tar Heels go. The 6-11, 240-pound Bacot has proven an impossible matchup in the ACC, where he’s able to overpower interior defenders and get high-quality shots. In his previous two games entering the week, Bacot had not only notched double-doubles, but also shot 50 percent or better from the field. His averages—14.9 points and 11.1 rebounds—don’t accurately speak to how valuable he is.

But for Bacot to truly wedge his way into the Player of the Year conversation, he’s going to need more of the 25-point games he’s had just once so far this season. With Davis hitting for 20.6 per game, there’s not really the need for that yet in a weak ACC. But this is a thin Tar Heels roster, and UNC is winning largely behind a two-man game. The idea that Bacot could catch fire like he did at the end of the 2021-22 campaign—when his eight straight double-doubles led the Tar Heels to the national title game—isn’t out of the question.

Last 10 Best College Basketball Players Of The Year

Last 10 NCAA Naismith & wooden POY Award Winners
Year Player School
2022 Oscar Tshiebwe Kentucky
2021 Luka Garza Iowa
2020 Obi Toppin Dayton
2019 Zion Williamson Duke
2018 Jalen Brunson Villanova
2017 Frank Mason III Kansas
2016 Buddy Hield Oklahoma
2015 Frank Kaminsky Wisconsin
2014 Doug McDermott Creighton
2013 Trey Burke Michigan

 

Jalen Brunson, the player of the year from 2018, is having a standout year for the Knicks. In his first season with the Knickerbockers after signing on as a free agent, the former Villanova Wildcat is averaging 23.9 points, 6.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds and has pushed the Knicks into a playoff spot. The Knicks! 

If Brunson’s impact continues, New York could see the playoffs for just the second time in the last 10 seasons. 


How To Read Naismith And Wooden Player Of The Year Odds

If this is your first time betting on NCAA College Basketball Player of the Year odds and you aren’t sure about the difference between the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award, don’t sweat it.

They’re essentially the same individual award but the voting structures are slightly different. The Wooden Award is determined before the NCAA March Madness tournament and voted on by over 1,000 sportswriters across the country, while the Naismith Award is finalized by a board of selectors along with fan voting and is announced in April.


Understanding College Basketball Player Of The Year Odds

At your college basketball sportsbook of choice, you’ll see prop odds to win College Player of the Year listed like so:

Zach Edey -150

Jalen Wilson +500

Brandon Miller +600

When there is no clear favorite due to the lack of a minus sign (-), the player with the lowest odds is the fave. In this case, though, there is a minus-money favorite in Edey. The others are considered underdogs.

If you’re loving Edey at -150 and you bet $100 on him, you’d get a payout of $166.67 – your original money is returned coupled with your winnings of $66.67. To see what you’d win based on the odds and the amount you bet, check out our odds calculator.

Launching the Principles for Digital Inclusion in the Green Economy

OTTAWA, Canada, February 12, 2024 — Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) is thrilled to unveil a significant milestone resulting from the collaborative efforts of the EDISON Alliance Sprint Group. In the span of seven months, from May to November 2023, DOT, alongside esteemed partners like NetHope, Dubai Cares, Goodwall, The Digital School, UNICEF, and other members, engaged in a transformative journey aimed at advancing digital inclusion, particularly for young women in the burgeoning green economy. The culmination of this endeavour is the launch of the Principles for Digital Inclusion in the Green Economy, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to amplify the role of women and girls in shaping a sustainable future.

“The sprint group symbolizes the crucial collaboration of organizations and institutions joining forces with a common purpose — addressing the climate crisis through a collective ecosystem committed to promoting gender equality and meaningful inclusion. It issues a compelling call to action for the entire ecosystem to recognize the amplified impact of gender inequality amidst the climate crisis. It underscores the imperative to inclusively engage the most marginalized, especially women and girls, ensuring that solutions to the climate crisis are not only relevant but impactful.” 

– Elizabeth Mengesha and Meaghan Anderson, Co-Chairs of the Topic Sprint Group

Background:

The Sprint Group, embedded within the World Economic Forum’s EDISON Alliance, embarked on a mission to explore the intersections of climate change, digital technology, skills development, and gender equity. This collaborative effort resulted in the formulation of five key principles designed to catalyze positive change and foster increased participation and digital inclusion in the green economy.

Unveiling the Principles for Digital Inclusion in the Green Economy:

Principle 1: Think Digital, Act Local

The first principle stresses the need to ground digital inclusion initiatives in local realities, fostering community-driven empowerment. By strengthening local agency, individuals and communities can make decisions that directly impact their lives and environment, promoting autonomy and capacity. Recognizing and nurturing the expertise of women and their communities is vital for the success of green economy initiatives. Integrating climate considerations from the project’s inception not only aligns with these principles but also creates meaningful opportunities for young women to actively engage in climate action through digital inclusion projects.

Principle 2: Leave No One Behind

The second principle adopts an intersectional approach, recognizing that the marginalization of young women is multifaceted. Addressing systemic challenges such as poverty and unpaid care work, an “ecosystem” approach ensures a comprehensive strategy to reach them. By considering various social factors, we pave the way for inclusive green spaces that transcend traditional boundaries, fostering opportunities and dismantling barriers.

Principle 3: Representation Matters and Mentorship Pays Off

Empowering women in the green economy goes beyond skills; it requires creating a sense of belonging. The third principle emphasizes the importance of mentorship, establishing a robust support system that extends beyond technical guidance. By showcasing role models and fostering representation in climate leadership roles, we instill confidence, inspiring young women to envision themselves as integral contributors to these fields.

Principle 4: Don’t Forget Soft Skills

While technical skills are crucial, the fourth principle recognizes the significance of “soft” skills. Building cognitive and socio-emotional skills such as confidence, growth mindset, and collaboration is essential for the holistic development of women in green spaces. This approach ensures that women not only acquire technical skills but also possess the psychological resources to thrive in transformative spaces.

Principle 5: Create Safe Spaces

The final principle advocates for the establishment of women-only spaces, providing a platform for collaboration, support, and open dialogue. These safe spaces aim to cultivate an environment where young women feel empowered to express themselves without reservation. Emphasizing safer spaces in learning environments, workplaces, and community networks is crucial to address pervasive safety concerns and gender-based violence.

“In the pursuit of transformative change, the EDISON Alliance exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts and multi-stakeholder partnerships. As we navigate the path forward, DOT commits to embodying these principles, working hand-in-hand with diverse stakeholders to enact tangible actions that propel digital inclusion and empower the next generation. Our dedication aligns with the Alliance’s vision, to ensure equitable access to the digital economy to bridge the digital divide. Multi-stakeholder endorsement and uptake of the principles has the power to steer a future where collective efforts reshape systems for the better – achieving impact at scale”.

– Nada Ghaoui, Vice President Marketing and Development

In embracing these principles, we pave the way for a future where digital inclusion seamlessly aligns with a just transition to a thriving green economy. Within this vision, the green economy becomes a space where every young woman is afforded the chance to contribute, innovate, and flourish. Through the conscientious application of these principles, our aim is not only to bridge existing access gaps but to initiate a ripple effect of empowerment that extends well beyond individual interventions. We aspire to leave a lasting mark on the landscape of digital inclusion in the green economy across the Global South. Stepping into this new era guided by the Principles for Digital Inclusion in the Green Economy, DOT extends an invitation for you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, let’s empower women and girls to become architects of a greener and more inclusive tomorrow. The future is bright, and it starts with each of us taking meaningful steps today.

Call to Action:

Join the movement! Share the Principles for Digital Inclusion in the Green Economy  with your network and be a catalyst for change. Together, we can shape a future where everyone, regardless of gender, plays a crucial role in building a sustainable world. 

Principles for Digital Inclusion in the Green Economy

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our commitment to advancing digital inclusion and sustainability.

IDnow joins consortium aimed at making crypto assets compliant with new EU regulations

System to achieve full compliance of Crypto Asset Service Providers and self-hosted wallets with AML regulations and the Transfer of Funds Regulation  

Munich, February 13, 2024 – IDnow, a leading identity verification platform provider in Europe, joins a consortium of five partners including the IOTA Foundation, walt.id, SPYCE.5, and Bloom Labs with the goal of making Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) and self-hosted wallets compliant with the European Anti-Money-Laundering Regulation and the Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR). 

The new TFR regulation in the EU mandates that all cryptocurrency transactions will need to carry identifying data of the sender and the receiver. According to the new rule, compliance with TFR is mandatory for all CASPs. Additionally, the new AML Regulation will require all CASPs to comply with similar AML rules as other financial institutions. For example, when a user opens an account and registers a wallet with a CASP, an identification process is required to comply with the new AML Regulation and TFR.

One challenge for CASPs to adhere to the new rules lies in GDPR compliance, as personal identifiable information (PII) should not be stored on blockchains or Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT). However, to comply with the new regulations, CASPs need to know with whom they are doing business and continuously verify this information.

Raising trust and transparency in crypto asset transactions

To address this challenge, the partners have formed a consortium to propose a system where a trusted party tokenizes an identification process it has witnessed, allowing CASPs to have confidence in this process, without revealing any PII. The resulting soul-bound token (SBT) can be used for blockchain processes, enabling web3 native interactions. Furthermore, the trusted party can reveal the identity information, if requested by an authorized party, such as law enforcement, as well as revoke the SBT, if needed.

Within the consortium, the IOTA Foundation, a non-profit foundation supporting the development of the IOTA protocol, will provide the underlying network as the proposed solution will be implemented on an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible IOTA Smart Contract Chain. walt.id, a leading open source vendor of decentralized identity and wallet infrastructure, will develop, provide, and maintain the trusted witness service for creating and verifying SBTs like identity proofs, while IDnow will deliver the identity verification solution to onboard users into the wallet solution. Bloom, an all-in-one wallet for the IOTA, Shimmer and EVM ecosystem, will provide the capabilities for users to store, present and prove ownership of the SBT. SPYCE.5, specializing in the integration of hybrid blockchain technologies, will provide the essential infrastructure for seamless interchain communication and transaction validation, ensuring the system’s overall efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Statements

“We are excited to be part of this forward-thinking consortium alongside highly esteemed crypto asset industry players to address a pressing need for crypto wallet solutions that comply with the latest EU regulations. Crypto companies are facing a race against the clock to implement new requirements, which is why we wish to submit this proposed solution to the EU for consideration to address the technological and regulatory challenges around AML, KYC and TFR in crypto,” says Rayissa Armata, Director Global Regulatory and Government Affairs at IDnow.

“We are thrilled to be working with such incredible partners to create a truly seamless user experience and to provide the underlying distributed ledger technology. Identity verification in Web3 environments should be simple and straightforward, without sacrificing privacy or security. As regulatory requirements grow, we need innovative solutions that are easy to use for both businesses and everyday users,” says Dominik Schiener, Chairman of the Board of the IOTA Foundation.

“We have been building decentralized identity and wallet solutions for many clients across various industries, but this project is particularly interesting as it shows new ways of onboarding and verifying users for crypto and DeFi use cases that have traditionally been struggling with regulatory compliance,” says Dominik Beron, Founder of walt.id.

“Bloom is excited to be collaborating with the partners in this consortium. This project will ensure our users and the crypto ecosystem can benefit from a self-hosted wallet that complies with EU regulations,” says Nicole O’Brien, Co-founder of Bloom Labs.

“We’re proud to be part of this groundbreaking consortium, leveraging SPYCE.5’s hybrid chain architecture to navigate the complex landscape of EU regulations. Our innovative approach ensures not only compliance but also maintains the integrity and efficiency vital in the crypto space,” says Holger Köther, Managing Director of SPYCE.5.

Learn more about the project in the video “KYC Done Right with IOTA”. Source: IOTA Foundation

Big Game Party 2024 at Ute Mountain Casino Near Four Corners

Experience the adrenaline rush of watching the Big Game at Ute Mountain Casino this season! As a special treat, our Legendary and Pinnacle players are invited to enjoy free food and drinks as they witness the thrill of the game. Not a Legendary or Pinnacle player? No problem! Our Timberline players can enjoy food and drinks for just $10 while watching the game, while all others can enjoy the party with all-you-can eat for just $20.

Super Fun Drawings & Prizes

And that’s not all – we’ll be holding drawings at random during the party, adding an extra layer of excitement to the mix. Lucky winners could take home FREE Play and other fun prizes. Plus, guests can play fun games such as throw a football through a target and tossing bean bags.

So if you’re looking for where to watch the Big Game, come on down to Ute Mountain Casino, where the game is big, and the rewards are even bigger!

10 Essential Poker Statistics That Will Change Your Game

It doesn’t matter if you play live or online – understanding poker statistics is a vital part of the game.

Of course, it’s much easier to access these stats in online games, as you can use various trackers and software which display key online poker player statistics. But even in a live setting, you can get a very solid understanding of your opponent’s play by observing them in action.

Let’s talk about what you should look out for in your games.

Skip to:

  1. VPIP (Voluntarily Put $ In Pot)
  2. RFI (Raise First In)
  3. 3bet
  4. Fold to 3bet
  5. Fold to steal
  6. C-bet
  7. Fold to c-bet
  8. Went to showdown
  9. Aggression % by street
  10. River call

1. VPIP (Voluntarily Put $ In Pot)

VPIP stands for “Voluntarily Put Money ($) In Pot” and helps you understand how often your opponent is choosing to play.

If a player performs any voluntary action like raising, calling, or even limping, and chooses to play the hand, his VPIP stat increases.

Of course, if he’s sitting in the big blind and was forced to post it because of the game structure, but then folded to a raise, this does not count as an action and does not influence this stat.

While it only gives basic information, you can profile your opponents by how often they choose to play, since many recreational players opt to get involved with way too many hands making their range too weak.

If you notice these tendencies, it can help influence your final decisions.

2. RFI (Raise First In)

Preflop raise or raise first in (RFI) shows how often the player decides to enter the pot by raising when everyone before them folds.

While good players have similar VPIP and RFI stats, since they often enter the pot by raising if they decide to play, you will find opponents who have a wide gap between these numbers.

This is a huge indication of weaker players because they usually decide to limp or call a raise instead of raising, and take passive lines post-flop most of the time.

You should look to play as many hands as possible against these players, because they will usually call your bets and rarely bluff, so you will always know where you stand.

3. 3bet

This poker statistic shows how often a player decided to re-raise instead of calling or folding when someone already entered the pot by raising.

The higher the 3bet stat, the more aggressive your opponent is.

As a rule of thumb, you should be looking to play fewer hands against players with a high 3-bet percent because you will be forced to fold a lot when facing aggression.

It is better to avoid these situations with the weakest part of your range, and only play reasonable hands or add more 4-bet bluffs in the mix.

4. Fold to 3bet

Knowing how often your opponent folds to 3-bet after raising is one of the most important online poker statistics.

If you find opponents who are opening too many hands, they are also likely folding to 3-bet too often. If that’s the case, you can add many weak hands to your 3-betting range and exploit their mistakes.

Contrary to this, if these players choose to call many 3-bets after raising with a wide range, you can exploit it by 3-betting only a strong part of your range.

No matter what, knowing this stat will help you adjust against various opponents and put them in some tough spots.

5. Fold to steal

Fold to steal shows how often a player in the blinds folds when facing a raise, and is something you should evaluate when choosing which hands to play from later positions.

The player sitting in the big blind is especially important because they get the best odds and close the action, so will likely be your main competition.

If you find an opponent who is folding a lot, you can raise with more hands than you usually would, or even open every single one of them if the big blind is particularly weak and you find yourself on the button.

Of course, if you’re up against a tough opponent who’s not so keen on folding and chooses to 3-bet a lot, the best adjustment would be to fold your weaker hands and choose a tighter approach.

Knowing how often people fold to steal can be very valuable when choosing what hands you opt to play, so always consider your opponents and how they react to your raise.

6. C-bet

Continuation betting (known as c-bet) is a situation where the preflop raiser opts to continue his aggression and bet after the flop.

If you notice how often a specific player is c-betting, you can adjust your play against them and even build your entire strategy based on this information.

Even though c-betting is a very wide and complex topic, people rarely change their strategy and mostly keep doing the same things over and over again. If you caught someone c-betting too much or way less than they should, you could make simple adjustments and exploit irregularities in their play.

Thinking about your own strategy, one thing that you should avoid is c-betting too often and then being forced to fold almost your entire range after checking.

Instead, put some medium-strength hands in the checking range to protect it, and you will be a much tougher opponent to play.

7. Fold to c-bet

The name is self-explanatory. This poker statistic shows how often your opponent folds when facing a continuation bet.

Often players chose to play too many hands and then fold to any bet if they miss the flop, which is probably one of the worst strategies to have.

Against these players, you should forget about balancing and c-bet every single time you miss yourself to take advantage of their mistakes.

However, if you’re up against a player who’s not very keen on folding, the previous strategy would cost you a lot of money. Instead of betting all your bluffs, you should choose to continue with hands that have some equity and give up with complete air.

Of course, it’s not as simple as that, but knowing how often other players are folding on the flop can help you make superior decisions, so always observe your opponents.

8. Went to showdown

Went to showdown stat lets you see how often your opponent goes to showdown after seeing the flop.

If your opponent has high “went to showdown” stats of more than 35%, it means you should not try to bluff them. Instead, you should be value betting more medium-strength hands, because they are not going to fold if they have any piece of the board.

Contrary to this, if your opponents rarely go to showdown, it means they are only playing very strong hands after the flop, and you should be looking to punish them every time you get a chance to bluff.

Of course, it’s way easier to observe this in online games, where you can quickly see the difference. But even in a live setting, you will notice who is calling down no matter what and who is opting to check/fold most of the hands on the flop, so make adjustments based on that information.

9. Aggression % by street

I am referring to Flop Aggression %, Turn Aggression %, and the same stat for the river.

These numbers show how aggressive players are in any given street, and how often they perform an aggressive line by betting or raising, instead of calling or checking. It’s quite a good indication of how aggressive the player is in general.

While many have reasonably high aggression stats on the flop because of an automatic c-bet, you will find plenty of opponents who play later streets passively, and this is where you can take advantage.

You can categorize various players to see when you should be barreling multiple streets or when you should check your strong hands and let your opponent dictate the action.

Many aggressive players love to bluff, so give them a chance to lose their money.

10. River call

River call efficiently shows how often your opponent is calling with weak hands.

So, whenever you see a player with river call efficiency lower than 1, you know they’re losing money when calling on the river, which is quite hard to do because of all the strong hands players have in these situations.

When you notice something like that, you can be sure they are calling way too wide, thus can value bet more often.

A final word on poker statistics

All of these poker statistics should be in your HUD (heads-up display) when playing online. When playing live, the theory behind these poker statistics should still be observed to help you make better adjustments.  

PokerTracker4 HUD showing poker statistics
Image credit: PokerTracker

Be sure to check out some more poker articles by Tadas, such as the 10 most common mistakes in Texas Hold’em or the most common poker cheats.

Lead image credit: PokerTracker

Top 5 Poker Players Today

Unlike playing in a casino online, there is something special about sitting down at the poker table and getting into the heart of the action. Then again, you may find yourself in a sea of sharks depending on the game.

There are five poker players who transcend the popularity of online casino games and dominate the felt as only the best poker players in the world can.

Phil Ivey

Ivey may very well be the most famous and best poker player ever. He rose to prominence during the poker boom of the 2000s and has since become the face of Full Tilt Poker. The ten WSOP bracelets certainly don’t hurt his case, either. In 2022 alone, Ivey cashed almost $6 million, making him one of the most successful players ever.

Benny Glaser

Though he may not be the name that Ivey is, Glaser has become a mixed game specialist rather than getting involved in the traditional world of No Limit Texas Hold’em. He’s had success in person and online, winning four British WSOP bracelets. Since 2015, he has become one of the best poker players going, becoming arguably the best in the online realm.

Daniel ‘Jungleman’ Cates

A college dropout turned poker player, Cates had won more than $11 million in online poker by 2011. Cates has since moved into the live environment, winning the WSOP $50,000 Players Championship event in 2021 and 2022. With $11 million in live tournament cashes since, he’s easily become one of the top names in the world.

Jason Koon

Koon, an American, is sixth on the all-time winnings list, having accumulated more than $41 million just from live poker. He left Party Poker to represent GG Poker and has become perhaps the most consistent super high roller performer out there. Don’t let the one WSOP bracelet fool you, either. He won $18 million in high roller events a year ago and he defeated the legendary Phil Hellmuth in Poker Go’s High Stakes Duel III to win $1.6 million. 

Stephen Chidwick

The Englishman Chidwick is currently fourth on the all-time money list but often flies under the radar. He consistently finishes highly in tournaments but keeps a low profile. With one bracelet, more than 20 top 10 finishes, and a whopping 64 finishes in the money at the WSOP, it’s hard to argue with the resume Chidwick puts together.

Conclusion

Though the landscape has changed from the times of Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, and others who dominated the early 2000s poker scene, there are still dominant names running the show. With millions in winnings and consistent finishes at the WSOP, it is easy to see why these players qualify as some of the best in the world.

Jamie O’Hara and Jose Enrique’s Premier League Matchweek 23 Preview

The Premier League is back this weekend, with the Gameweek 23 fixtures including some belters from Saturday onwards.

Grosvenor Sport ambassadors Jamie O’Hara and Jose Enrique put two of the key fixtures under the microscope, giving their insights on Everton versus Tottenham, and Arsenal versus Liverpool.

Watch the full episode of The Counter Attack with Jamie O’Hara and Jose Enrique.

 

Everton v Tottenham

 

Jamie:

I think this will be a very even game. Tottenham did well to bounce-back against Brentford in the week, they started playing their free-flowing football again. I think Brentford striker Neil Maupay had something to do with the Tottenham awakening – he added fuel to the fire when doing James Maddison’s goal celebration and it injected some energy into the Tottenham team.

Everton desperately need to start winning games. They most recently drew to Fulham away 0-0, where Jordan Pickford had a cracker of a game. I’m going to go for a draw, I think that this will be a difficult fixture for Spurs, especially with the added motivation for Everton having just dropped into the relegation zone.

Tottenham 1-1 6/1

 

Jose:

Both of these teams played okay in their midweek games. Tottenham obviously came behind to win against Brentford, but I do think that they were very poor in the first half. If Tottenham start slow away at Everton in the early kick-off, they could be trailing before they know it. I expect Goodison Park to be up for this game and the fans motivating the team.

This game is a recipe to have lots of goals and I think it will be close come the final whistle. Out of the two teams, I think Everton showed more solidarity in the defensive third against Fulham than Tottenham did against Brentford. For that reason, I think Everton will just clinch it.

Everton 3-2 20/1

 

Arsenal v Liverpool

 

Jamie:

This is a massive game for both teams and a big moment in the Premier League season. I think if Liverpool put in a performance like they did against Chelsea, then they will win this too – they were fantastic. They have so much attacking threat, even without Mohamed Salah – Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are electric! Nunez is one of my favourite players to watch at the moment. If Liverpool win this decisively, I put them as my favourites to win the Premier League this year, But Arsenal over the last few seasons have a knack of showing up and putting in performances in big moments. This one is too close to call, so I’m going to have to sit on the fence.

Draw 2-2 11/1

 

Jose:

I am pretty confident that Liverpool will have too much t for Arsenal across the pitch. I don’t think Chelsea troubled Liverpool at all midweek, so it will be interesting to see how Liverpool fare against a more in-form and talented side. I expect Trent Alexander-Arnold will start but Conor Bradley has been superb. It will be a great game for the neutral with lots of intensity and I think Liverpool will nick it.

Liverpool 1-2 9/1

 

Predictions:

 

Everton v Tottenham

Jamie: Draw 13/5

Jose: Everton 19/10

 

Brighton v Crystal Palace

Jamie: Brighton 11/20

Jose: Brighton 11/20

 

Burnley v Fulham

Jamie: Fulham 13/10

Jose: Fulham 13/10

 

Newcastle v Luton

Jamie: Newcastle 7/20

Jose: Newcastle 7/20

 

Sheffield Utd v Aston Villa

Jamie: Sheffield Utd 22/5

Jose: Aston Villa 13/25

 

Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest

Jamie: Draw 29/10

Jose: Bournemouth 13/20

 

Chelsea v Wolves

Jamie: Wolves 4/1

Jose: Draw 3/1

 

Manchester Utd v West Ham

Jamie: Manchester United 7/10

Jose: West Ham 16/5

 

Arsenal v Liverpool

Jamie: Draw 5/2

Jose: Liverpool 9/5

 

Brentford v Manchester City

Jamie: Manchester City 4/11

Jose: Manchester City 4/11

Metrobank to GCash – Easy Money Transfers in the Philippines

Online banking and e-wallets like GCash are two of the most popular payment methods in the Philippines. This informative post will cover the differences between the two, provide information regarding any fees and finish off with the steps for performing the process itself.

Read along to learn all about the interaction between these payment methods, and feel free to use the navigation bar below to jump to a relevant section in the blog.

The Difference Between Metrobank and GCash

The main difference between Metrobank and GCash is that the former is a Filipino bank, while the latter – is a popular e-wallet in the country. Usually, when you transfer money between two e-wallets, you will most likely not have any fees.

However, while GCash is a mobile wallet that offers a convenient way to send money and shop online, it differs from a bank. As such, there will be a Metrobank to GCash transfer fee for the transaction.

In our opinion, this fee isn’t something to be concerned about, as it is standard procedure when managing transfers between a bank and an e-wallet. Thankfully, managing finances between the two platforms is very simple, as you’ll find out further in our blog.

There is a reason why Metrobank and GCash are two of the most popular payment methods among Filipinos, as they allow secure ways to deposit funds at the best online casinos for real money in the Philippines.

Metrobank – A Popular Choice Among Filipinos

 A Retro Building of a Bank, With Gray Coloring

The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, also known as Metrobank, is the fourth largest bank in the Philippines. It offers various financial services, such as regular and online banking and managing multiple accounts. There are two ways to manage your account – in the mobile app or via your desktop browser. It isn’t a surprise that Metrobank is a leader in depositing funds across the best online casinos in the Philippines.

✨ Name Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company
📟 Founded 1962
📅 Founder George Ty
🏢 Number of Branches/Locations 957 Branches, 2,345 ATMs
ℹ️ Website web.metrobank.com.ph

Doing a Metrobank transfer to GCash is very simple. But, as we mentioned and as of the time of writing this post, there is a Metrobank to GCash fee of ₱25. This is normal when doing transfers from a bank to an e-wallet.

Before we delve into the actual process and steps for transferring funds between the two platforms, read along to learn more about the popular e-wallet GCash. With leading platforms such as these, making deposits for online gambling in the Philippines has never been easier.

GCash – Easy to Use & Reliable E-Wallet in the Philippines

GCash is a Filipino mobile payment service and a very popular platform in the country. At the time of writing this post, it has over 81 million active users and 2.5 million sellers and merchants in the Philippines.

✨ Type of Product Mobile Payments, E-wallet
🏢 Country Philippines
📅 Owner Globe Fintech Innovations Inc.
📟 Founded October 2004
ℹ️ Website www.gcash.com

The platform originated back in 2004 and offered prepaid phone credits. As the years went by, the payment became widely used among online gambling operators, and today, there are many online casinos that accept GCash. It has an extensive network of partners and is widely used in the country.

GCash also has partnerships with over 139,000 merchants, allowing you to shop at numerous nationwide stores, all within an easy-to-use, intuitive mobile app. Some of the categories include entertainment, food, supermarket goods, and more.

All of this shows that GCash is a widely used service among Filipinos, and with good reason. Its reliability, convenience and provided services are one of a kind.

Overview of the Transfer Process

We will give a brief overview of how to send money from Metrobank to GCash before jumping in with the exact steps. It is a simple process, however, please note that the Metrobank to GCash fee will be ₱25, as we briefly mentioned above.

As one platform is an online banking service, while the other is an e-wallet, you will need to have an account registered with Metrobank. You can send money to any GCash user, regardless of if it’s you or somebody else. Without further ado, here are the steps you’ll need to follow to complete the Metrobank transfer to GCash.

Metrobank to GCash Transfers in a Few Easy Steps

 A Phone in Front of a Laptop, With Currencies Displayed on the Screens

There are two ways to complete a Metrobank transfer to GCash. You can either use your computer and enter your Metrobank account via the browser or proceed with the mobile app. Regardless of which method you choose, you will see your account balance, and the process will be seamless.

Here is how you can perform the transfer when using Metrobank’s mobile app:

  1. Open the Metrobank app and select “Transfer to Other Bank”.
  2. Choose InstaPay, as it allows a faster process time.
  3. Select “One-Time Transfer” and tap the “Transfer” button.
  4. Choose “GCash”.
  5. Enter the details you will see on your screen.
  6. Tap “Next” and select the source account for your fund transfer.
  7. Enter the amount you’d like to transfer.
  8. You will receive a One-Time Password sent to your phone number.
  9. When you enter this password and select “Submit”, the transfer will be completed.

There are a few notes that we’d like to add regarding this process. When you enter the details after choosing GCash, you will have an option of entering the email address of the recipient or their phone number.

Depending on the chosen selection, the recipient will either get an email notification or a phone text message for the transfer completion. The daily transaction limit is ₱50,000 per source account, and the Metrobank to GCash transfer fee will be ₱25.

If you do not receive your OTP (One-Time-Password) (step 8), you can click the Resend button to try again. You will need it to authenticate that you are the owner of the Metrobank account.

When it comes to doing this process via the desktop Metrobank platform, the steps will be similar to what we described above.

The InstaPay option processes the transaction right away. And, by using Metrobank, you can send money to anyone who owns a GCash account, making things as convenient as possible.

Our Final Thoughts and Details

It is time to conclude our informative post and provide you with our final thoughts and remarks. In our opinion, both Metrobank and GCash are very reliable platforms for Filipino users. Both have been operating for a long time and have a proven reputation.

The fact that you can transfer funds from a bank to an e-wallet is not only convenient but also simple and easy. With an instant processing time, anyone who owns a Metrobank account can directly send funds to a GCash user.

This allows Filipino users to manage their funds and make money transfers whenever needed, all done through two safe and secure platforms. Transferring money has never been easier, and with the evolution of the Internet, we’re sure things will get even simpler.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the section below, you will find quick answers to the segments discussed in the blog. We covered a lot, and the most common inquiries are below – you can click on the links that will take you to the relevant section of the blog post.

What is the difference between Metrobank and GCash?

To briefly summarize, the difference between the GCash and Metrobank platforms is that one is an e-wallet, while the other is a bank. E-wallets allow for easy money transfers between users, while the other platform allows you to have several banking accounts.

What is Metrobank?

As we covered at the beginning of our Metrobank to GCash post, Metrobank in the Philippines is the fourth largest bank in the country. It is a reliable platform among Filipinos to store, send, and manage funds across the board. This can also be done to e-wallets like GCash.

What is GCash?

This is one of the most popular e-wallet payment services in the Philippines. The GCash platform allows its users to easily send and transfer money from one destination to another and is widely used in the country. Paying for products and services has never been easier with the existence of GCash.

Is there a Metrobank to GCash fee?

As of the time of writing this post, Metrobank to GCash money transfers have a fee of ₱25. This is normal, as is with any transaction happening between a bank and an e-wallet. However, the process for the transfer itself is made simple and convenient for users.

How to transfer money from Metrobank to GCash?

As we discussed in our blog, the steps on how to send money from Metrobank to GCash are very simple. You’ll need to have a Metrobank account and a mobile device or a computer. Then, with the outlined steps, you can send funds to any GCash user.

3 Things That Shocked This Chess Master Turned Poker Pro

The newest course in the Upswing Poker library comes from a chess master turned high stakes poker pro.

Alex Vuilleumier achieved the title of International Master and a rating as high as 2400 in competitive chess. In poker, Vuilleumier is a WSOP bracelet winner, with a resume that includes more than $2.2 million in tournament earnings.

Alex’s chess background forms his unique approach to poker, and he brings that approach to you in his new Precision Poker course. The standalone course debuts on February 19 at Upswing Poker. Join the waitlist here!

In his first Upswing Poker video, Alex shared 3 things about the poker world that shocked him as a player who transitioned from chess.

1. The Prevalence of Money

Alex says the number one thing that shocked him about poker culture was the prevalence of money. Money sits at the heart of poker success (and failure), yet many recreational players have no problem losing money in exchange for the opportunity to play the game. 

In Alex’s words:

“Why should (money) be the only measurement tool? Why should recreationals be happy to lose, let’s say, $200 on a Friday night? Why should they think that is better than going to the cinema ten times, or something like that?”

Over time, however, Alex formed his own answer to that question.

“Because (poker) is a beautiful game,” Alex says. “Because it is fantastic; they will be cognitively challenged. There will be psychology. There will be feelings; their heart will pump, their blood will flow.”

The prevalence of money in poker contributed to an overall culture shock effect for Alex when coming from the world of competitive chess.

2. Lack of Individuality in Poker

Alex contends that most people who try to achieve success at poker copy what works for other successful players. They watch videos and take courses that feature poker pros explaining their own methodology, and the student is trying to replicate that as closely as possible.

“People aren’t ambitious enough to try to do something new,” Alex says. “But also, very often, they aren’t curious enough.”

“Poker isn’t seen as an art, but more as a science. The difference in chess; every player in chess wants to create a novelty. Every player on Earth is trying with a computer to find something new. There is the quest of excitement and curiosity. Whereas in poker there is a lot of copying.”

“If you think about Isildur’s overbets, or Linus introducing the 10%-pot bet, they invented something and they stayed. And that is a way to be happy that doesn’t exist in poker enough, making the poker theory advance.”

3. Lack of Happiness

The world of competitive chess can be extremely stressful. The best players are often already competing for world championships and tens of thousands of dollars by the time they’re teenagers, and that stress persists throughout their careers.

Poker doesn’t have to be like that according to Alex.

“You have the pleasure of working at home and trying something, or being able to read your opponent, calling with queen-high and it’s working. Both of these elements will give you a spring of dopamine.”

“The ultimate goal is to combine both. To work on something at home, but also be able to adapt it.”

Precision Poker Launches February 19th

Alex’s upcoming Masterclass on Poker Methodology goes live on Upswing Poker later this month.

You can get on the waitlist now for this course, which aims to be unlike anything seen before in the realm of poker training:

precision poker waitlist with up branding

Keep an eye out for more of Alex’s free content on Upswing Poker in the run up to the February 19th launch.

MEET THE PEOPLE Ashraf Shrouf, Managing Partner, 3Anet.

Ashraf Shrouf, Managing Partner, 3Anet brings 20-plus years of experience in the operational and executive management of telecommunications technologies and services in MENA and GCC regions.

What does you company do?

3Anet is a leading mobile billing aggregator enabling other companies to take advantage of its DCB (Direct Carrier Billing) connectivity with telco operators in MENA region.

Over the past 20+ years, 3Anet has built a strong track record of success by providing first-class services to its partners, including service providers and MNOs, leveraging its team’s expertise and passion.

What sectors does your business operate in ?

  • Payments
  • Value added services
  • Content

Which countries or regions do you feel represent the greatest opportunity for your telemedia services in 2024?

Middle East and Gulf regions

PAYMENTS

Which content and/or applications do you see being the most likely to benefit from telemedia billing technologies?

Offering applications and content using the cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were the best assets.

Do you think that Direct Carrier Billing can become mainstream and in which markets?

Yes, for sure, especially in Gulf region and more specifically in Saudi Arabia.

How do you balance payment flows, operator relationships and customer satisfaction?

As an aggregator, our focus is on serving three key customers – operators, merchants, and end-users. We believe in streamlining payment flows through collaboration with operators to ensure satisfaction for the end-user.

What are the key drivers and inhibitors for growth?

A robust relationship with customers, coupled with strategic short and long-term planning, constitutes the primary drivers for growth.

What major factors do you think will impact the future development of mobile payments and which other payment options represent the biggest threat?

Aligning strategies and plans with operators and service providers consistently influences the future development of mobile payments.

I hold the belief that direct banking payments will always possess the potential to surpass digital payment methods if it is designed in simple flows for the end users.

How likely is it that crypto currencies will become popular telemedia/mobile payment mechanisms for premium content, services and applications?

It will take some time for crypto currencies to gain a significant share of the payment market in the MENA region, especially as governments still consider it an illegal payment method.

VALUE ADDED SERVICES

Which specific VAS verticals are you expecting to have a great year and why?

VAS categories and sectors should be enhanced and go beyond the basic services provided by operators to have great future, and I think the below verticals has an opportunity in the VAS future:

– Mobile Commerce (mCommerce)

– Health Services

– Education Services.

– IoT (Internet of Things) Services

How might you answer that same question in 5 years time?

Absolutely, VAS has indeed undergone significant transformations in the past five years, and the trajectory suggests further evolution in the next five years. The dynamic nature of technology and consumer expectations contributes to the continuous adaptation of VAS. Looking ahead, it’s plausible that VAS will evolve into a broader concept, encompassing a comprehensive array of digital services that touch various aspects of our digitalized lives.

What’s the most effective business model for an mVAS customer acquisition strategy?

The most effective business model for an mVAS customer acquisition strategy depends on various factors, including the target audience, the nature of the services, and the market conditions, so it is challenging to consider a specific model as the best one.

In the next 12 months what key technical developments or innovations do you feel will have the most positive impact on mCommerce (VAS / mobile payments / marketing)?

There are many potential key innovations that might positively impact the VAS business in the coming months like: Enhanced AI and Machine Learning Integration, but we need to remember that the technology landscape is dynamic, and unforeseen innovations may also shape the VAS business in the coming months.

Your words of wisdom: On a more personal level, what is the most inspiring piece of advice that has seen you through a life in business to this day and who gave that advice to you?

That is a powerful and timeless piece of advice from Steve Jobs. The notion of pursuing what you love and finding genuine satisfaction in your work resonates with many, as it can contribute significantly to personal fulfilment and long-term success.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

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