Thursday, July 06, 2006

Scottish Smoking Ban Sees Online Bingo Fever Catch Fire

Pubs, restaurants and entertainment premises may all suffering at the hands of the Scottish smoking ban, but there is one industry that is rejoicing at the new law.

Online bingo sites have seen a dramatic rise in the number of Scottish players who have joined recently, as they take up the opportunity to play at a venue where they can still smoke…home!

Since the ban came into effect three months ago, five bingo halls have been forced to close in Scotland after operators saw takings drop by over a quarter as players were forced to obey no-smoking rules.

But in that time Scottish bingo has seen online memberships increase by up to 400 per cent according to BingoScotland.com.

Dylan Schlosberg, spokesman for BingoScotland.com, said, 'When the smoking ban started, we didn’t imagine our membership would increase so rapidly.But as players have the freedom to smoke when they play online in the comfort of their own home, it makes sense that bingo websites have become even more popular.'

Jeanette Clunie, 38, from Edinburgh is a smoking bingo player who has just recently converted to playing online, 'I think online bingo is definitely on the up and through time, bingo halls will be a thing of the past. I personally wouldn’t use bingo halls now you can’t smoke in them and haven’t done since the ban.'

Baseball Fan Wins Trip to MLB All Stars Game

Aces.com Winner Gets Free Trip to Midsummer Classic in Pittsburgh

Aces.com is sending one of their favorite customers on an all-expense-paid trip to the MLB All Stars Game in Pittsburgh next week. Brian B. of Minnesota won the trip to the Midsummer Classic June 11th by betting on baseball at Aces.com Sportsbook (www.aces.com/sportsbook) last month.

“I’m in sales, and I travel a lot,” said the road weary winner, “Normally I wouldn’t get excited about a road trip to Pittsburgh, but this is different! I’m taking my buddy Jerry on this over-nighter. This trip’ll be all about fun!”

“I wish I was going to Pittsburgh with our winner!” said Aces.com Brand Manager Rene Quesada. “A summer day at PNC Park… All the best players from both leagues. Man, you can’t beat that!”

“I must’ve been one of Aces.com’s first customers,” said last month’s free contest winner who’s been betting on baseball at Aces.com since 2001. “Things have changed a lot since then. The lines are faster. Payouts back to your account are fast too. And deposits and withdrawals are easier. At Aces anyway.”

Midway through the 2006 MLB season, New York Mets (3-1), Chicago White Sox (4-1) are currently the favorites for the World Series. Like every hotel on the strip, Aces.com has hundreds of baseball odds and props. To qualify for Aces.com’s MLB All Stars Contest, players just had to place a baseball bet sometime in June.

“That’s no problem here,” chuckled Brian. “I sit down once a week and place my bets. I don’t really bet on any particular team. I just love baseball and football! I’m a homer, so I tend to favor the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings.”

The American League is looking for its ninth straight All Star Game win and will be fielding an experienced team familiar with the Midsummer Classic. Mets players dominate the young National League lineup.

“I’ll be rooting for the American League team in Pittsburgh,” said the contest winner. “I’ve been watching Johan Santana and Joe Mauer…”

Each week, Aces.com Sportsbook offers players one free no-loss baseball bet – losing bets are completely refunded.

This week’s MLB $10 Free Bet at Aces.com is:
Albert Pujols Total Runs+Hits+RBIs on Sunday Night (Must Start)
Over 3 1-1 -- Under 3 1-1

Aces.com’s Slaughter Rule, Cycle Hitter Bonus and No-Hitter Payback promos also make it one of the most fun places to bet on major league baseball this summer. The “Slaughter Rule” refunds all losing wagers for those who bet on the UNDER of the Total. Aces also refunds all losing wagers on the Money Line or Run Line of No Hitters. Hit a single, a double, a triple, and a home run all in one game and Aces.com refunds all losing wagers on the Money Line or Run Line.

Aces.com offers online gamblers ALL the gambling options they have in Las Vegas: casino games, poker, sports betting and horses.