Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Home Blog Page 222

How COVID-19 has influenced the gambling industry

0
Covid-19 pandemic sign

The effects of COVID-19 on the gambling industry cannot be ignored. The coronavirus disease has affected a lot of sectors in the economy. And gambling has not been left behind. However, unlike sectors like travel or education gambling has not been entirely badly hit.

Some aspects of the industry such as gambling sites have experienced an increase in demand while others like sportsbooks have been negatively affected. As people are getting back to their jobs and nations begin to ease lockdown, the only thing that has been increasing is uncertainty.

Effects of COVID-19 on gamblers

How have gamblers been reacting to during the pandemic? Research studies have shown that gamblers have been consuming media beyond the average levels. Since the start of this pandemic, 24 percent of gamblers have been spending more time using apps, 35 percent have been spending more time on social media platforms, and more than 70 percent have been watching videos on YouTube and streaming services like Netflix.

The majority of players are connecting to their sites and other online platforms using their mobile phones. Since most players will be spending most of their time indoors, the opportunity to spend money on online gambling sites presents itself.

Short term effects of gambling

Gambling companies will have to take it slow. During uncertain times, the gambling industry is usually scapegoated. While land-based casinos, race tracks, and bingo halls have been closed temporarily, the demand for online alternatives has greatly increased.

Since the vast majority of professional sports has been paused, eSports betting has started showing promise. For most people, virtual and alternative sports such as Virtual Grand National have provided a break during the lockdown. However, interest in this is likely to fade away as real sports kicks in.

In the casino sector, conversations revolving around online poker and free bingo no deposit offers have started rising since the lockdown started. Platforms such as PokerStars have entertained casino fans and created a social connection for gamblers.

A similar rise in interest has been seen across other gambling aspects such as online bingo and online slots. When it comes to the lottery, interest in specific products has increased as people shift to the online world.

Long term effects for the gambling industry

  • Preparing for a recession: We are at the grip of a recession. And it’s not going to be better anytime soon. Luckily, gambling brands have proven to be resilient during recession periods. As we have seen, online gambling has been on the rise since lockdown as more people continue using their mobile phones to access sites in the comfort of their homes.
  • The decline of physical locations: As guidelines regarding social distancing and isolation continue to be upheld in the coming months, you should expect consumers to shy away from physical locations. Even when they re-open, small land-based casinos will have a hard time generating revenues and profits.
  • Esports betting is becoming popular: eSports is now the fastest growing sport in the gaming world thanks to the coronavirus disease. It’s best suited for players at the moment because it prioritizes social distancing and brings a whole new demographic into the betting world.
  • The silver surfer: Lockdown has been a period of experimentation for every avid gambler across the world. Older players have been forced to develop and improve their digital skills. Online gambling will continue playing a critical role in the gambling industry, especially during the pandemic. Therefore, casino brands should capitalize on this amazing opportunity.

How brands should reopen

Brands need to focus on their long-term strategies. In the marketing world, brands will have to put in the hours into activities like SEO and social media marketing in the coming months to boost their revenues and profits.

Conclusion

The effects of the coronavirus disease on the gambling sector cannot be ignored. Most countries and brands around the world have been affected by the pandemic. However, not all aspects of gambling have been negatively affected. The online gambling industry has been on the rise during the pandemic due to player convenience.

Man disappointed after ordering 34-year-old escort online

0

Lonely Steve Walshe was left frustrated when he went online and ordered a 34-year-old escort with a good body.

After getting ready for a night of conversation and female company, he opened the door of his Woodbridge, Suffolk home to find a 1986 Ford Escort car on the driveway.

“It did indeed have a good body for its age, with no sign of rust,” disappointed Steve, 49, explained.

“But it was not the type of escort I was after.

“Since my wife left me four years ago, I have been lonely and needed some female company.

“I found this site called Lorraine Fisher, 34, Suffolk Escort and it seemed just what I was after.

“But after much anticipation, it turned out I was to spend the evening with a beige vintage car instead.”

Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “I think he got his websites mixed up. I am not an old banger, although I have been round the block a few times.”

Buy someone a mug as a Christmas gift

Purchase from the large selection at our partner Dirty Old Goat mugs, or buy straight from one of the items below…

Home remodel ideas you can do before winter

0

Home renovation is essential for extending the longevity of old residential buildings.

The renovation of these old constructions is more crucial during the winter when heavy snowfall can ruin unstable parts of a house.  A house owner should be aware of all aspects of home renovation that need the utmost attention before the onset of winter.

Replace with laminate flooring – Since wooden floors wear off with the passing time, it is best to replace the damaged tiles with laminate flooring. This laminate floor surface is highly resistant to stains, chemicals, moisture, and high temperature, rendering to low maintenance and better durability of this floor.  It is also easy to install the laminate boards over subfloors and the installation needs less time than other flooring materials. The laminate flooring also looks much better than other flooring types, due to a larger variety of colors and grain patterns.

Upgrade of kitchen and bathroom – As kitchen and bathroom urgently need renovation in most houses, homeowners should make sure of remodeling these places with the latest designs. The worn-out cabinets, vanities, and countertops should be replaced with new ones of larger dimensions. All faded surfaces may be freshly painted according to the new color scheme.  Damaged tiles of floors, walls, and splashback should be replaced to get a new look at these spaces. 

Repair of HVAC system – Old air conditioners and room heaters need to be repaired and serviced regularly to keep these electronic devices functional and to reduce the monthly energy bills. Thus, the servicing of these heating and cooling systems is essential during the home renovation. Sometimes, too malfunctioning HVAC appliances may need to be replaced with new models. 
Addition of crown molding – The crown molding is the decorative form of cornice installed over doors, windows, columns, and cabinets. These moldings protect these interior structures from snowfall during winter. Hence, old moldings should be repainted to make these structures stronger and more durable. The width of crown moldings depends on the height of the ceilings from floor surfaces.

Replacement of old bathroom features – Old faucets, sinks, and showerheads of bathrooms need to be replaced with new ones during the home renovation. Homeowners should buy only the best quality plumbing materials from reputed manufacturers. The faucets and sinks of the latest designs may make bathrooms more comfortable for residents. 

The walls and ceilings of the living room, bedrooms, and dining space, are freshly painted with the addition of stylish home décor items. Usually, neutral colors and lighter shades are preferred for low maintenance and elegant look of the home interior. 

New James Bond to be played by Muslim woman in a burka

1

Jameela Bond

New James Bond to be played by Muslim woman in a burka. The name’s Bond, Jameela Bond.

James Bond is to be replaced by a burka-wearing Muslim woman as producers look to reflect modern Britain.

The switch to Jameela Bond is perfect for a top-secret agent because mad criminals trying to take over the world would never know her identity.

Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is now scouring talent agencies looking for an athletic woman in a burka who can drive fast cars and flirt with Miss Moneypenny.

The news comes as actor Tom Hardy is being tipped elsewhere for the coveted James Bond role when Daniel Craig hangs up his pistol.

While most people have welcomed the change to a Muslim woman, agreeing it’s a perfect reflection of Britain’s diversity, some are not so pleased.

Nearly 50 Daily Mail readers were hospitalised this morning after choking on their cornflakes.

And Boris Johnson has claimed the move will make the film franchise “a laughing-stock”.

Suffolk film critic Lorraine Fisher, 34, said the switch to Jameela Bond would transform the character originally created by Ian Fleming.

“There’s been arguments that James Bond should be played by a black man, a Muslim or woman.

“Nobody saw this one coming, but making the agent a Muslim woman in a burka is brilliant.”

Bosses hope to sign up the new Jameela Bond soon.

And they will then begin work on the next film, a remake of the classic For Your Eyes Only.

My music is not contagious at all, insists Van Morrison

0
van morrison
Van Morrison: You are safe from my music (Photo: Jarle Vines under CC BY-SA 3.0)

Legendary musician Van Morrison claimed today his music was not contagious and sweeping across the nation.

The singer-songwriter insisted there was no danger of anyone catching on to his music at all.

Spokesperson Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “All the experts out there suggest the thrill of listening to Van Morrison records is being passed on from one person to another.

“But we would like to make clear there is nothing contagious about the music whatsoever. It’s all rather dreary.”

The Government today insisted that only six people at a time could listen to Northern Irishman Van Morrison’s folky hits like Brown Eyed Girl and Bright Side of the Road. That’s more than normal.

Meanwhile, in unrelated news, Van Morrison, 75, is releasing three songs in protest at the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Fancy a mug? Of course you do

So visit our pottery partner Dirty Old Goat to browse the collection or by one direct below…

Struggling John Lewis hires Spuckler brothers for cheap Christmas ad campaign

0
Norfolk brothers Billy Bob and Bubba Spuckler

By Ian Bred, Norfolk Correspondent

Under-pressure John Lewis has hired the two Spuckler brothers from Norfolk for this year’s Christmas ad campaign.

After announcing staff would not get a bonus for the first time since 1953, the retailer could not be seen to squander millions on marketing.

John Lewis lost £635 million in the first half of this year, so as part of a cost-cutting drive, it will now feature the Spucklers in a moving advert storyline that will leave TV viewers in tears.

Bubba and Billy Bob are seen toiling over a failing turnip crop outside their hovel in Downham Market. Viewers fear the spindly brothers, who live with their five sisters and their 13 children, will surely go without food on the table at Christmas.

But just as it seems all hope is lost, a kindly, portly gentleman called Bernard Matthews turns up to their hovel with a “bootiful” turkey. The whole family is then filmed in joyous scenes, tucking into a sumptuous Christmas feast.

They all then retire to bed.

Lorraine Fisher, 34, who works in the John Lewis marketing department, said: “Tricky economic conditions mean we have gone for a low budget Christmas TV ad campaign this year.

“The Spucklers agreed to be paid a sack of grain, so this year has not cost us much at all. We are sure Britain will fall in love with the Spucklers like they have our previous Christmas characters. The Spucklers could go on to be the UK equivalent of The Waltons.”

Last year, lovable John Lewis dragon Excitable Edgar won the hearts of the nation. In previous years, John Lewis featured a bouncing dog on a trampoline, a young Elton John, an old man on the moon, and a monster called Moz that lived under the bed.

Buy our Christmas mugs!

Support your Suffolk Gazette and buy a mug from our partner Dirty Old Goat. Buy on the mugs website or view and purchase one below.

Top 7 tips to crack the Microsoft AZ-900 Certification Exam

0

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification exam or AZ-900 by code is designed to provide candidates with an opportunity to test their foundational knowledge of various cloud services and Azure concepts. Primarily intended for beginners, this assessment prepares them for entry-level jobs and creates a base for earning higher-level credentials.

Although AZ-400 Exams is permitted anytime, it is advisable to schedule it after you are fully prepared. Remember that it is your chance to gain the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals badge, so you have to go through thorough training to pass it on the first attempt.

Preparatory guidelines

Generally, you have to invest some effort and time in revision for any test. But why not use some tips to make this path easier? The following are the guidelines for the successful completion of the AZ-900 assessment.

1. Explore the Microsoft website

Microsoft website acts as a guiding platform with details of all certification exams. The page dedicated to September 12,2020 everything you may want to know about the test’s structure and outline, knowledge requirements, and study options.

2. Azure documentation

This section of the official site functions as a learning document for all Azure beginners. It involves detailed concepts associated with cloud ecosystems such as Agility, Fault Tolerance, etc. Also, there you’ll learn more about how to save money and time using different Azure services.

3. Microsoft’s live-class teaching

The vendor offers two instructor-led courses that last for one and two days each and cover the whole Ani Y . A major benefit of this option is that because of the live-class sessions, it guarantees a better understanding of the subject through doubt-clearing conversations.

4. Group studies and assessment forums

Although Microsoft doesn’t have a study Anna H , many other forums are there to solve your queries. Using this type of two-way communication with like-minded candidates, you help each other and gain the needed knowledge faster.

5. Guidebooks and journals

Training courses are great but don’t hesitate to supplement them with reliable guidebooks that offer extra Anya N . Some examples are the following:

  • Microsoft Azure Tutorial for Beginners (Kennan Bismar)
  • Microsoft Azure Tutorial the Ultimate Beginners Guide by Dennis Hutten

Microsoft’s official magazine “MSDN” is also an excellent resource that systematically shares articles that include real-life solutions for the latest technologies covering cloud, mobile, etc.

6. Take practice tests

To assess yourself right and analyze your level of readiness, you must take as many practice tests as possible. You can start with the official sample and if it is not enough, you will easily find more alternatives on dependable third-party sources and get yourself completely prepared.

7. Online self-study materials

Apart from guided classes, Microsoft has some online learning paths provided for free. There are several modules that are relevant to the Site >>>>>> . Also, make sure to get a subscription to Azure notifications so that you will be aware of all the latest updates.

Conclusion

The Microsoft AZ-900 test primarily analyses your basic aptitude and logical skills in cloud technologies and does not require any prior technical knowledge. But still, preparation for this exam will give you a better foundation and will help you better understand its criteria. Prepare well with the above-mentioned tips and guidelines and earn your certification in the first go!

Seaborne Freight handed £14m contract to open more COVID test centres

0
coronavirus swab test

Prestigious shipping firm Seaborne Freight has been handed £14 million by the Government to open more coronavirus test centres.

The company, based at its ferry empire in Ramsgate, which has solved the Brexit trade bottleneck, will open 50 new test centres within days.

Although it has no experience in providing medical tests at a time of national crisis, former Government minister Chris Grayling said Seaborne Freight would be perfect.

He advised Boris Johnson and the cabinet to hand over £13.8 million to the company immediately.

Coincidentally, the figure is the same as Seaborne Freight received to set up its ferry service, even though it doesn’t have any ferries.

The Government was forced to admit there were problems with the coronavirus testing programme this week, with a backlog of 185,000 swabs and testing centres overwhelmed.

People are being forced to travel hundreds of miles just to get a test.

Health spokesperson Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “We have come up with an ingenious plan to remedy the coronavirus testing problems. Seaborne Freight starts tomorrow.”

Best settle for a mug instead

You may not be able to get a COVID-19 test but you can get a brilliant mug from the Suffolk Gazette. Order via our funny mug partner Dirty Old Goat, or click on one of the ceramic cuties below…