Latest news with #Keno
The Age
a day ago
- Business
- The Age
MONA founder's secretive betting business in court over ‘rip off' by employees
These were the people Sean O'Toole stood accused of ripping off. Hired as a data analyst in 2017, O'Toole was meant to be working within the confines of American basketball and baseball. But the anonymous email suggested he had secretly installed a computer code to extract other information from the company's systems, which he then used to place his own bets. The tip-off triggered the Supreme Court action to uncover the scope of what Data Processors calls 'a dishonest and fraudulent design' to use company data for personal profit. Around the time of the search of O'Toole's apartment, he was sued for breaching duties of confidence arising from his employment. The list of defendants later expanded. Data Processors also sued former employee Joel Caley for allegedly writing an application known as the Jupyter Code, which was then installed by O'Toole. 'The data accessed and transmitted by the Jupyter Code … are in the nature of betting probabilities generated by the plaintiff's algorithms, including betting probabilities relating to horse racing,' Data Processors contended. In their court filings, Caley and O'Toole said they wrote the code together. A third employee, Michael Demos, was accused of accessing other betting odds data. The trio was said to have shared confidential information among themselves and with two non-employees, Kusuv Bhandari and Richard Zhang. According to Data Processors, each member of the group used confidential information to place bets funded with their own money, as part of a rival syndicate. Four of the defendants have admitted to some liability. Demos does not admit to what Supreme Court judge James Stevenson has called 'the critical allegations' but nor does he deny them. Loading What the group resists is the suggestion that Data Processors suffered losses and is entitled to compensation or damages – setting the stage for the ongoing court fight. The most well known of the company's directors is Walsh, who signs off on the financial records while also presiding over the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. The former mathematics student wrote in his autobiography that he founded MONA in 2011 'to absolve myself from feeling guilty about making money without making a mark'. Ranogajec, who has served as a Data Processors director for the past 12 years, met Walsh in the 1980s, playing table tennis. The pair started card counting at the blackjack tables of Wrest Point casino in Hobart before later expanding into Keno and horse racing. It was a 2008 court case that first provided an insight into the scale of their operation. When Ranogajec moved to bankrupt a former business partner, federal magistrate Rolf Diver asked him how much the gambling syndicate turned over each year. 'My guess would be $1 billion,' Ranogajec replied. Telling the magistrate his syndicate was known as the Bankroll Punters Club, he said 'customers that bet on our level number in the handful in the world'. The Punters Club made headlines in 2012 when the ATO pursued syndicate members for about $600 million in taxes and penalties, arguing the club was a business rather than a hobby. The matter later settled out of court. Ranogajec moved to London, buying a property in the world's most expensive apartment block, One Hyde Park, and now goes by the name John Wilson (after his wife, Shelley Wilson). Walsh said in 2022 that Ranogajec remained the leader of the syndicate. In March, the NSW Supreme Court deferred a decision on whether to split the Data Processors trial into two hearings – one focused on guilt, the other on the extent of the financial damage to the company – until more evidence was served.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
MONA founder's secretive betting business in court over ‘rip off' by employees
These were the people Sean O'Toole stood accused of ripping off. Hired as a data analyst in 2017, O'Toole was meant to be working within the confines of American basketball and baseball. But the anonymous email suggested he had secretly installed a computer code to extract other information from the company's systems, which he then used to place his own bets. The tip-off triggered the Supreme Court action to uncover the scope of what Data Processors calls 'a dishonest and fraudulent design' to use company data for personal profit. Around the time of the search of O'Toole's apartment, he was sued for breaching duties of confidence arising from his employment. The list of defendants later expanded. Data Processors also sued former employee Joel Caley for allegedly writing an application known as the Jupyter Code, which was then installed by O'Toole. 'The data accessed and transmitted by the Jupyter Code … are in the nature of betting probabilities generated by the plaintiff's algorithms, including betting probabilities relating to horse racing,' Data Processors contended. In their court filings, Caley and O'Toole said they wrote the code together. A third employee, Michael Demos, was accused of accessing other betting odds data. The trio was said to have shared confidential information among themselves and with two non-employees, Kusuv Bhandari and Richard Zhang. According to Data Processors, each member of the group used confidential information to place bets funded with their own money, as part of a rival syndicate. Four of the defendants have admitted to some liability. Demos does not admit to what Supreme Court judge James Stevenson has called 'the critical allegations' but nor does he deny them. Loading What the group resists is the suggestion that Data Processors suffered losses and is entitled to compensation or damages – setting the stage for the ongoing court fight. The most well known of the company's directors is Walsh, who signs off on the financial records while also presiding over the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. The former mathematics student wrote in his autobiography that he founded MONA in 2011 'to absolve myself from feeling guilty about making money without making a mark'. Ranogajec, who has served as a Data Processors director for the past 12 years, met Walsh in the 1980s, playing table tennis. The pair started card counting at the blackjack tables of Wrest Point casino in Hobart before later expanding into Keno and horse racing. It was a 2008 court case that first provided an insight into the scale of their operation. When Ranogajec moved to bankrupt a former business partner, federal magistrate Rolf Diver asked him how much the gambling syndicate turned over each year. 'My guess would be $1 billion,' Ranogajec replied. Telling the magistrate his syndicate was known as the Bankroll Punters Club, he said 'customers that bet on our level number in the handful in the world'. The Punters Club made headlines in 2012 when the ATO pursued syndicate members for about $600 million in taxes and penalties, arguing the club was a business rather than a hobby. The matter later settled out of court. Ranogajec moved to London, buying a property in the world's most expensive apartment block, One Hyde Park, and now goes by the name John Wilson (after his wife, Shelley Wilson). Walsh said in 2022 that Ranogajec remained the leader of the syndicate. In March, the NSW Supreme Court deferred a decision on whether to split the Data Processors trial into two hearings – one focused on guilt, the other on the extent of the financial damage to the company – until more evidence was served.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Gulf's waterless car wash revolution: How these services are saving millions of litres
Waterless car wash services are redefining sustainability in the Gulf, offering eco-friendly solutions amidst rising water scarcity concerns/Representative Image TL;DR: Waterless car washes are emerging as an eco-friendly and efficient solution across Gulf nations grappling with water scarcity. The trend is driven by environmental concerns, government sustainability goals, and changing consumer habits in cities like Dubai , Riyadh, and Doha. Startups and car care brands are capitalising on the opportunity, offering convenient mobile services that save water and time. With the GCC pushing green agendas like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE 's Net Zero 2050, the market for waterless car washing is expected to expand rapidly. The Gulf's Growing Water Crisis and Car Culture The Gulf region is synonymous with luxury cars, from Lamborghinis cruising through Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road to Rolls-Royces spotted in Doha. Yet, this thriving car culture comes with an environmental downside: traditional car washes consume thousands of litres of water per vehicle annually. In water-scarce regions like the UAE and Saudi Arabia , this is increasingly unsustainable. The Gulf countries rank among the world's highest per capita water consumers. With such alarming statistics, water conservation has become a national priority across the GCC. This is where waterless car wash solutions are making inroads, not just as a novelty but as a necessity. What Are Waterless Car Washes? Waterless car washing involves using specialised biodegradable sprays and microfiber cloths to clean the vehicle without the need for water. These sprays contain lubricants and cleaning agents that lift dirt and grime, allowing them to be wiped away without scratching the surface. The process not only saves water but is also faster and often more gentle on premium car finishes compared to high-pressure water jets used in conventional washes. Why the Trend Is Taking Off in the Gulf Several factors are fueling the adoption of waterless car washes in the GCC: Water Scarcity Pressures: Desalination provides most of the Gulf's water supply, which is energy-intensive and costly. Minimising water use is crucial. Government Sustainability Goals: Initiatives like UAE's Net Zero 2050 and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasise reducing environmental footprints. Convenience: Mobile waterless car wash services are increasingly popular in urban centres, allowing customers to get their cars cleaned at home, work, or shopping malls. Economic Diversification: Startups and SMEs see eco-friendly car washing as a lucrative, low-barrier business aligning with national sustainability goals. Successful Examples Across the GCC Keno (UAE): Dubai-based Keno offers on-demand waterless car washes via a mobile app. This uses less amount of water per car, compared to 150 litres in traditional washes. Hiwash (Qatar): Hiwash offers a professional mobile car wash and wax services to its customers, all without water . The Business Potential in the Region The Middle East car wash service market is expected to grow significantly. With over 3.5 million cars in the UAE alone and Saudi Arabia's growing car ownership post the lifting of the women driving ban in 2018, the market size for car cleaning services is vast. As environmental regulations tighten, companies adopting water-saving practices could gain a competitive advantage. Environmental Impact Switching to waterless car washes can contribute significantly to water conservation. A traditional automatic car wash uses around 150 litres per wash, while a home hose wash can consume 300-500 litres. With waterless technology, this drops to under 1 litre, including the cleaning agents, which are typically biodegradable and non-toxic. Given that the GCC's renewable water resources are extremely limited, this shift could help conserve millions of litres of water annually. Governmental and Policy Support Several Gulf countries are also introducing policies and incentives to encourage water conservation: UAE: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) runs campaigns advocating water conservation across sectors, including car washes. Saudi Arabia: The National Water Strategy 2030 aims to improve water sustainability, and industries are increasingly encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices. Qatar: The country's National Development Strategy 2018-2022 emphasised water efficiency, with new sustainability frameworks expected to continue this momentum. Consumer Response and Future Trends Consumers in the Gulf, particularly the younger, environmentally conscious generation, are driving demand for sustainable services. There is a growing awareness of carbon footprints and water waste, especially in the UAE, where Expo 2020 Dubai heavily emphasised sustainability themes. Moreover, the convenience factor cannot be understated. With traffic congestion and packed schedules, having a car washed at the workplace or home without water mess is a winning proposition. We can also expect technological innovations such as nano-coatings and eco-friendly waxes that reduce the frequency of car washes, further aligning with sustainability efforts. Risks and Challenges Despite the growing trend, the waterless car wash industry faces some challenges: Consumer Skepticism: Many car owners, especially of luxury vehicles, are concerned about whether waterless methods can adequately clean without scratching. Cost: Waterless services may be slightly more expensive than traditional washes, though prices are becoming competitive as the sector grows. Standardization: The lack of standardized products and techniques could lead to variability in service quality. FAQ Q: Is a waterless car wash safe for all car types? Yes, when done with proper products and techniques, it is safe even for luxury car finishes. Q: Does it completely replace water-based washes? For heavily soiled cars, occasional water-based washes might still be necessary, but for regular maintenance, waterless methods suffice. Q: Are the cleaning agents eco-friendly? Most reputable services use biodegradable products, but it is advisable to verify before booking. Q: Are there mobile apps for booking such services? Yes, app like Keno in the UAE allow users to book car wash services directly.
Edinburgh Reporter
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
15 Surprising Facts About Casinos You Probably Didn't Know
Casinos are often associated with flashing lights, spinning roulette wheels, and glamorous atmospheres — but behind the scenes, the world of gambling is filled with unexpected twists, hidden rules, and fascinating history. Whether you're a casual player or just casino-curious, there's a lot more going on beneath the surface of the gaming floor. In this article, we uncover 15 surprising facts about casinos that may just change the way you look at the industry forever. 1. Casinos Are Designed to Make You Lose Track of Time No Clocks, No Windows – And That's On Purpose Have you ever noticed that casinos rarely have clocks or windows? That's not an oversight — it's a deliberate design tactic. By removing visual cues of the outside world, players become immersed in the environment and lose sense of how long they've been playing. Many casinos also use strategic lighting, soothing music, and controlled temperatures to create a timeless atmosphere, subtly encouraging players to stay longer and keep playing. 2. Slot Machines Bring in Most of the Revenue The Real Moneymaker Isn't the Poker Table While poker and blackjack get plenty of attention, it's actually slot machines that generate the lion's share of casino profits. Game Type Average Revenue Share Slot Machines 65–80% Table Games 10–20% Other (Keno, Bingo, etc.) 5–15% Slot machines require little skill and have fast gameplay cycles, making them both addictive and accessible. Many modern slots are also themed with pop culture elements, keeping them fresh and appealing to new generations. 3. The First Modern Casino Opened in 17th-Century Venice A Legalized Attempt to Control Gambling Chaos The Ridotto, established in Venice in 1638, is considered the first modern, state-sanctioned casino. It was created by the Venetian government to regulate gambling during the chaotic carnival season. Entry was only allowed to the elite, and guests had to follow a strict dress code, including masks and formal attire. This set the precedent for the luxurious and exclusive image casinos still project today. 4. High Rollers Get Treated Like Royalty VIP Perks Go Far Beyond Free Drinks Casinos go to great lengths to attract and retain high-stakes players, known as 'high rollers' or 'whales'. These players wager large amounts of money — and casinos often reward them with lavish perks. Common VIP perks include: Complimentary luxury suites Private jet transport Personal hosts Free meals and spa treatments Invitations to exclusive events In some cases, casinos even cover a player's losses if they're important enough, as long as they agree to return for more action. 5. Superstitions Run Deep in Casino Culture Lucky Charms and Banned Numbers Many players — and even dealers — are deeply superstitious. From wearing red in Chinese casinos (a symbol of luck) to avoiding the number 13 in Western casinos, rituals and beliefs shape behavior. Culture Common Superstition China Red clothing = good luck USA Avoid seat/table 13 Japan Number 4 avoided (sounds like 'death') Some players bring lucky items, follow strict routines, or even avoid certain dealers based on previous experiences. 6. Online Casinos Now Rival (and Surpass) Land-Based Ones Gambling Has Gone Digital — and Global With the rise of internet accessibility and mobile devices, online casinos have become a dominant force in the gambling industry. In some regions, online platforms now outperform physical casinos in both player numbers and revenue. Players are drawn to: Convenience and 24/7 access Wide game selection Live dealer experiences Attractive bonuses and promotions Many sites offer deals like no deposit bonuses, allowing users to try games risk-free. For example, platforms such as Richard Casino provide incentives just for signing up with their Richard Casino promo code — no initial deposit needed. 7. The House Always Has an Edge — But It Varies Not All Games Are Created Equal Casinos are businesses, and every game is designed to give the house (casino) a mathematical advantage. But that edge isn't the same for every game. Game House Edge (Approx.) Blackjack 0.5% (with strategy) Baccarat 1.1% Roulette (single zero) 2.7% Slots 4–10% Keno Up to 25% Games like blackjack and baccarat offer the best odds, especially when played with correct strategy. Others, like keno or some slot machines, are much less favorable. Why do casinos use chips instead of cash? The answer lies in psychology. Chips feel less like real money, making players more likely to spend freely. The physical separation from currency helps blur the financial reality of gambling. Also, chips are easier for surveillance, reduce theft risk, and speed up transactions — but primarily, they encourage riskier bets by removing emotional friction. 9. Casinos Use Sophisticated Surveillance Systems Casinos invest heavily in security and surveillance, not only to prevent cheating, but also to ensure fair play and regulatory compliance. Key components of casino security: Overhead 'eye-in-the-sky' cameras Facial recognition technology Heat maps for crowd tracking AI tools to detect unusual betting patterns In larger resorts, entire security teams operate from high-tech control rooms, watching every table and machine in real time. 10. You're More Likely to Win — and Then Come Back Casinos often allow small or moderate wins in the short term. This isn't generosity — it's psychological reinforcement. A win, even a minor one, activates the brain's reward center, encouraging the player to continue playing. This behavior is a principle known as 'intermittent reinforcement' — and it's one of the most powerful motivators in human psychology. In essence: You win → you feel good → you believe it can happen again → you stay longer. 11. Card Counting Is Legal — But Not Welcome A Skill, Not a Crime (Technically) Card counting in games like blackjack is often portrayed as illegal — but in reality, it's not against the law in most jurisdictions. It's simply a strategy where players track the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck to make smarter bets. However, casinos are private establishments and reserve the right to refuse service. If they suspect someone of counting cards, they can: Ask the player to leave Ban them from blackjack Share the person's name with other casinos Advanced surveillance and automatic shuffling machines now make card counting much more difficult. 12. Some Casinos Are Open 24/7 — Without Ever Closing The City That Never Sleeps… Literally Many major casinos, especially in gambling hubs like Las Vegas, Macau, and Atlantic City, never close — not even for holidays or special events. These venues run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering continuous entertainment, food, and gaming. Reasons for nonstop operations include: Maximizing profits Serving international visitors in different time zones Keeping the experience seamless and immersive In Las Vegas, you can walk into a casino at 4 AM and still find a buzzing gaming floor. 13. Dealers Have Strict Rules — and Watchers Watching Them The Game Must Be Controlled to Stay Fair Casino dealers are highly trained professionals who must follow strict procedures. Every motion — dealing, shuffling, paying out chips — is done with deliberate consistency to prevent mistakes or cheating. Dealers are also under constant observation by: Pit bosses (floor supervisors) Surveillance cameras Auditors (in some regions) Casinos rotate dealers every 30–60 minutes to avoid fatigue and temptation. It's a system built for control, speed, and accountability. 14. Casinos Use Scents to Influence Your Mood Smells Like Winning? Beyond sound and light, smell is another tool used by casinos to shape the gaming experience. Many venues use specially designed air scents that are subtle but stimulating. Effects of scent design in casinos: Encourages players to stay longer Enhances memory and positive emotion Creates a sense of comfort and familiarity In fact, studies have shown that certain scents can increase slot machine play by up to 45%. It's another layer of subtle psychological influence. 15. Some Casino Chips Are Worth More Than a Car High-Stakes Chips You Don't Want to Lose While most players use low-denomination chips, high rollers and VIP guests often receive custom chips worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Chip Color (example) Typical Value White/Red $1 – $5 Green $25 Black $100 Purple $500 Orange/Grey (custom) $5,000 – $100,000+ These chips are heavily tracked and stored in secure vaults when not in use. Some even contain RFID chips for extra protection against theft or fraud. Conclusion Casinos may look like pure entertainment, but they're also finely tuned environments, designed with psychology, strategy, and business in mind. From the games on the floor to the layout of the building, every detail is there to shape the player's experience — and ultimately, their behavior. Whether you enjoy the thrill of blackjack or just want to explore online platforms from home, understanding these lesser-known facts gives you a smarter perspective on how the casino world really works. And the next time you walk past a slot machine or log into a digital lobby, you'll know — there's more going on than luck alone. Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Washington Lottery Mega Millions, Cash Pop results for June 27, 2025
The Washington Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here's a look at June 27, 2025, results for each game: 18-21-29-42-50, Mega Ball: 02 Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here. 06 Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here. 6-2-7 Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here. 01-02-18-24 Check Match 4 payouts and previous drawings here. 21-26-28-32-35 Check Hit 5 payouts and previous drawings here. 03-08-11-12-20-26-29-30-32-37-41-45-50-53-56-57-66-70-75-77 Check Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results All Washington Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Washington Lottery's regional offices. To claim by mail, complete a winner claim form and the information on the back of the ticket, making sure you have signed it, and mail it to: Washington Lottery Headquarters PO Box 43050 Olympia, WA 98504-3050 For in-person claims, visit a Washington Lottery regional office and bring a winning ticket, photo ID, Social Security card and a voided check (optional). Olympia Headquarters Everett Regional Office Federal Way Office Spokane Department of Imagination Vancouver Office Tri-Cities Regional Office For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Washington Lottery prize claim page. Powerball: 7:59 p.m. PT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Mega Millions: 8 p.m. PT Tuesday and Friday. Cash Pop: 8 p.m. PT daily. Pick 3: 8 p.m. PT daily. Match 4: 8 p.m. PT daily. Hit 5: 8 p.m. PT daily. Daily Keno: 8 p.m. PT daily. Lotto: 8 p.m. PT Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Powerball Double Play: 8:30 p.m. PT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Washington editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington Lottery Mega Millions, Cash Pop results for June 27, 2025
