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Online Casino Tendencies: How Does the Industry Change?

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Technological innovation has been taking over the gambling industry. Old players want novelty, and new players want excitement. Keeping up with the latest technology allows online casinos to do just that. Now, gambling platforms can provide double the fun and require less hardware or skills in return. It’s a win-win for both parties.

From more convenient payment methods to greater selection, modern technology meets all players’ needs. You can play nzd casinos without leaving your couch, even if you are not currently in New Zealand! See what technological advances have made this possible. 

Mobile Mania

These days, all you need to gamble is your everyday phone or tablet. Think of it as a mini-casino in your pocket! Just look at the online kasiino selection at www.eestionlinekasiinod.org/. All of the top offers have their application for mobile users. Apps have become the one-stop shop for gambling, offering all your favorites — from classic slots to games with real dealers. 

This super convenient way to play is why mobile gambling is booming faster than ever. Imagine this: your favorite team scores a touchdown, and you can instantly place a winning bet — all while relaxing at home! Talk about easy!

Virtual Reality (VR) Gambling

Imagine this: instead of fancy vacations, just pop on a VR headset. Boom! You’re in a stunning casino, lights flashing, chips clinking. Chat with friendly computer dealers and high-five virtual players — all the excitement as if you were still at home! We all have great expectations from VR technology, and it seems they will be delivered very soon.

VR is still new, but gambling companies are all-in. Shortly, VR headsets will be your ultimate gambling tool. No more travel hassles! Dive into your own casino world, all thanks to VR’s magic.

Esports Betting

Video games and sports betting are for everyone today! Just consider esports for a moment. In this realm, gamers compete professionally with millions of fans who cheer on their favorites. And here’s the cool part: thanks to tech, these fans can now bet on who will win, just like with regular sports. This is a whole new game for gambling companies, letting them reach a younger generation who love online games and using digital money. So next time you see a top gamer crushing it in an online tournament, you could be placing a winning bet on their champion skills!

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Everyone talks about AI today. However, whether you are pro or against its integration into our lives, you cannot deny its great role in online gambling platforms. This complex technology can carry so many responsibilities on its digital shoulders. 

This super tech analyzes how you play, what you like, how much time you spend on most games, at what hours you log in, and so much more. Remember that time you spent hours on a specific slot game? AI takes note and suggests similar ones you might enjoy. It also keeps an eye on your spending habits. Gambling a little more than usual? AI might send a reminder to take a break. 

This two-way street benefits everyone. You get a more personalized experience with games you’ll likely love. Casinos can ensure you’re having fun responsibly, keeping you coming back for improved and more personalized entertainment. 

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

It won’t be long before online casinos abandon the traditional money shuffle. Cryptocurrency is coming, and it offers a much more convenient way to play and pay. Indeed, online platforms wholeheartedly embrace blockchain — a secure online record keeper. Every bet and payout you make with blockchain is easy to follow but impossible to mess with, hack, or steal. It is also impossible for intruders to follow or discover your accounts and transactions. This means faster processes, lower fees, and peace of mind for you and the casino. Plus, some players prefer using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for anonymous gambling. 

Augmented Reality (AR) Gambling

Augmented reality (AR) enriches online gambling by blending the digital and physical worlds. It’s easy to use and super fun to try. No matter where you are, AR can bring a casino to your feet — no extra equipment is needed. Just use your phone or tablet to project virtual casino elements onto your surroundings.  

For example, players can use AR to project a roulette wheel on their coffee table or poker cards on a real deck. Just like that, AR lets you interact with these virtual elements in your own space, creating a more immersive and interactive gambling experience. 

Focus on Responsible Gambling

Technological advancements can also help promote responsible gambling practices within the digital gambling industry. They can provide players and platforms with the tools that empower safe and reasonable decisions during play. For instance, players may set deposit limits, keeping their spending in check. Other tools can track playtime, reminding you if you’ve been in a game for too long. For players who need a break, self-exclusion options allow for a simple way to restrict access to gambling platforms. 

These responsible gambling features can promote safer gambling conditions, which is impossible in traditional casinos. So now, players can gamble more responsibly while casinos enjoy greater client trust. It’s a win-win situation for all.

Entertainment

A trivial comedy for serious people at The Torch Theatre

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NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE 2025 brings The Importance of Being Earnest like never before, directed by Max Webster (Donmar’s MacbethLife of Pi), to the Torch Theatre screen on Saturday 22 February. Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.

This hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London, will appeal to everyone who likes Holby City, Notting Hill, Mamma Mia and Macbeth – what a combination and what appeal! Fans of Oscar Wilde’s witty, expressive writings and plays, as well as fans of classic literature will enjoy this night of comedy, with satire thrown in.

Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so. While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade. Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.

Described as a ‘flawless piece of comic theatre’ by Broadway World and ‘A sparkling new production … that’s fiercely faithful to Wilde’s wickedly subversive spirit’ by the Daily Mail, The Importance of Being Earnest has received rave reviews and five and four stars.

The Importance of Being Earnest will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Saturday 22 February at 7pm. Tickets for the screening are priced at £15. Concessions: £13 and Under 26: £8.50. Visit the website for further details on www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

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Entertainment

History of Welsh music videos charted in new website

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WELSH-LANGUAGE television has played a more important part than commercial record labels in the development of Welsh music videos over the past 50 years, say researchers.

As the 24-hour MTV channel made its entrance on to the global stage in the early 1980s, it was the arrival of S4C which helped shape music video making in Wales at the time.

The finding is included in a new website documenting the development of Welsh music videos over a period of more than fifty years, which launches on Welsh Language Music Day (Friday 7 February).

The fideos.cymru website stems from a unique research project led by two lecturers at Aberystwyth University’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, Dr Greg Bevan and Dr Kate Woodward.

They say the project has highlighted significant differences between the dynamics driving the production of Welsh-language and Anglo-American music videos.

Dr Greg Bevan said: “There is no doubt that the music video has had a fascinating history since the format really took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The political, industrial and social landscape of Wales was very different at that time and these contexts are reflected in the videos that were being created.

“One of the main differences that has emerged as part of our research is that Anglo-American videos are produced with the primary aim of selling and promoting mainstream songs as part of a wider marketing drive by the big record companies. That commercial imperative has been less evident in Wales. Here, the need to promote cultural arts in a minority language has been a crucial factor, alongside other anti-establishment, subcultural influences.”

As part of the project, the researchers interviewed some of Wales’s leading artists and producers about their experience of making music videos, including Dafydd Iwan, Cerys Hafana, Geraint Jarman, Eddie Ladd, Rhys Mwyn, and Dafydd Rhys.

Dr Kate Woodward told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We wanted to speak directly to the people who have been involved in making Welsh music videos over the years and share their insights with a wider audience through the website. What we found was that the television industry in Wales – and S4C in particular – was mainly responsible for driving music video production by providing not only a platform for broadcasting content but also the necessary funding, in contrast to the Anglo-American trend where record labels were the main drivers.

“The iconic series Fideo 9 on S4C played a key role in the development of the Welsh music video, producing around four new videos every week when they were on air between 1988 and 1991. Bandit was on air between 2004 and 2011, and Lŵp has been offering a cross-platform stage for Welsh music since 2019. We are also now in a new era where artists are increasingly likely to create their own videos independently and promote them on various social media streams.”

Music Video Fund

In addition to launching the website, it was also announced today that a small fund is available for applications to support the production of two new Welsh music videos.

As Dr Woodward explained: “We are keen for our research project to contribute to the ongoing development of the Welsh music video by supporting current content creation as well as examining and analysing the scene’s historical development.”

The closing date for applications to the music video fund is 16:00 on Friday 28 February 2025 and further details are available online: https://fideos.cymru.

Image: Dr Kate Woodward and Dr Greg Bevan from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University.

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Entertainment

Haverfordwest to host free family film screening this Sunday

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A FREE cinema screening of The Sloth Lane, an unreleased animated film, will take place in Haverfordwest this Sunday (Feb 9) as part of Escapes’ first-ever family-friendly event.

Escapes, supported by the BFI and National Lottery funding, is offering families the chance to watch the heartwarming film ahead of its official UK release on Friday (Feb 14). The initiative aims to bring people together through independent cinema, with free screenings at over 80 venues nationwide.

The Sloth Lane follows a speedy sloth named Laura and her quirky family as they move to the big city in their rusted old food truck, determined to make their business a success. The film delivers a feel-good message about embracing life’s adventures.

The Sunday matinee screening is designed for families, allowing bookings for up to two adults and three children per order. All screenings will feature descriptive subtitles to ensure accessibility.

Escapes has already provided over 65,000 free cinema tickets across the UK, showcasing everything from cult classics to Oscar-nominated films. The initiative will continue throughout 2025, bringing a new free film to cinemas each month.

Tickets for The Sloth Lane are available now at escapes.cinematik.app.

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