Latest news with #KingBilly
The Advertiser
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Meet truffle-hunting dogs and dance with goats in Tasmania
Anna Terry and her truffle-hunting dogs Douglas, Poppy and Peggy. Picture: Tourism Tasmania By Sarah Falson Updated July 10, 2025, first published July 11, 2025 Things get a little wild in north-west Tasmania when winter descends. But why hide away when the temperature plummets? The cold brings with it some of Tasmania's most breathtaking scenery - and dare I say it, delightfully unconventional (and passionate!) characters. So I recommend donning your best beanie, pulling on those warm boots, and embracing winter in the island state's great outdoors. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area I am dancing in a paddock surrounded by goats. No, this isn't a weird dream and I promise I haven't taken psychedelic drugs. This is something you can actually do in Tasmania for the off-season (which is winter). Hideaway Farmlet, nestled in a town with what could be the state's cutest name, Penguin, is the site of the quirkiest bush celebration, called the Mini GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Doof. And if that conjures an image of a pack of teenagers partying, cast this from your mind. This is a wholesome event, hosted by farmlet owners Lisa and Brad Palmer, who moved their family to Tasmania from Perth to embrace the rural lifestyle. They keep 24 miniature goats on their 1.6 hectares where they practise regenerative agriculture, moving the goats to a different yard every two to three months. Brad has been collecting vinyl for 30 years and asks you to pick your favourite era in preparation for your GOAT Doof session - we pick '80s and '90s - and have a boogie in the paddock, take a picnic, and he will even show you how to spin the decks if you're keen. Hideaway Farmlet's Brad Palmer on the decks. How did this bizarre and delightful idea come to fruition? Lisa says they had had a few drinks while spinning vinyl in the paddock on a Friday night, "because that's what we normally do", and as the night (and drinks) progressed they decided it would be great fun to have people over, spin vinyl of their choice "and we could just do this while hanging out with the goats". Tourism Tasmania got on board and now you can, too. Kayak on an enchanted lake The air is fresh and biting, making my cheeks flush red. I am at Cradle Mountain, in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, pulling a handmade kayak to the edge of Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain Canyons. Owner Anthony O'Hern made the vessels with his bare hands out of King Billy pine which grows wild in the region. It's protected, but he obtained wood harvested in the 60s after a bushfire went through a stand of the trees, lovingly spending about 200 hours to craft each vessel. We could be sitting in the wood of a 1000-year-old tree. Stepping into the water to climb into the kayak, my feet become so cold they feel like they're burning. Then we're paddling out on the glassy lake and the only sounds I can hear are our oars slicing through the water, all my fear and coldness forgotten. Dove Lake. Picture: Tourism Tasmania We paddle to Ballroom Forest, where lichen and moss make their way up the trees and everything is so green and cold it feels like an enchanted fairy's enclave. When we head back to the mainland, the rain begins to fall on us and I don't care that snot is dripping from my nose. The air is so pure, the lake so magnetic, I feel like our small group is made up of the last people on earth, and that puts all the world's troubles into perspective. Truffle hunt with happy hounds I must be eating the most expensive cheese toastie in Tasmania. The golden bread is almost hidden under a mound of black truffle, shaved onto my lunch with gusto at the Truffle Farm Tasmania. Even better, we've just pulled this truffle out of the ground with the help of second-generation truffle farmer Anna Terry and her pack of delightfully waggy - and very clever - pooches Douglas (head truffle hunter), Peggy and Poppy. The truffles we have unearthed during our truffle-hunting experience at the beautiful property at Deloraine range from as small as a five-cent piece (my effort) to as large as the palm of my hand (weighing 390 grams and worth about $600; sadly not mine, but we don't get to keep them anyway). The dogs are the real heroes, sniffing out the fungi and showing us where to dig. Anna trained the dogs herself and calls them her "best mates", swearing love and connection are the main elements of her training. The fertile grounds here are where Australia's first black truffle was grown, by Anna's dad, Tim Terry, in 1999, before truffles were fashionable in Australia. Luckily for the family, a culinary boom has led to a steady business - and 100 per cent of the truffles are now sold within Australia. Non-dog lovers need not apply. The writer with the day's haul of black truffles. Tour a cave with a legend "Imagination is what it's all about. People see stuff all the time [in the rocks]," says Geoff Deer, owner-operator at the Gunns Plains Caves. He is pointing to a particularly large, sparkly and complex rock formation he has dubbed "the wedding cake". All his analogies have been food-orientated during our tour of the limestone caves. There's a structure he calls pork belly because of its long formations resembling stacked meat, and one he calls ice-cream because it resembles a heaped bowl of it. Geoff's family is only the seventh to run these tours in the 119 years since the caves were "found" by a local named Bill Woodhouse while hunting for possums in 1906. Geoff Deer, owner operator at the Gunns Plains Caves. It's not just the stalactites and stalagmites that are putting on a show; Geoff is, too, adding warmth to the dark and cold cave system. We descend 50 stairs to get into the caves (and out again, fair warning) which are a constant 11 degrees - "mild" according to Geoff who is wearing a T-shirt - and on the way out he warns us to watch out for "Panadol rock", a pointy stalactite hanging down over the walkway which is dubbed so because people always hit their head on it. You'll never look at glow worms the same after this tour. According to Geoff, they are actually fly larvae who eat their own families. Who knew? The writer travelled courtesy of Tourism Tasmania Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
7NEWS
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- 7NEWS
Seven of the dreamiest regional homes for sale from $699k to $4.1 million
It's practically a national pastime in Australia, scrolling through property listings and dreaming of your future life or just an occasional weekend at the latest homes for sale. We've done some of the heavy lifting for you to create this hand-picked collection of the dreamiest homes for sale in regional Australia. Behind the facade of this century old weatherboard home in the Victorian spa town of Dalyesford sits one very stylish home. The three-bedroom home that is within walking distance to all the dlicous delights of the town centre has a dark, moody and on-trend colour palette, and some serious winter necessities such as gas fireplace at the centre of the lounge room. For this thinking of getting crafty, there's room for that too in modern Nordic Hut Studio in the garden. Californian bungalow in Tassie's Stanley $945k The coastal town of Stanley in Tasmania's north-east is a gem itself, but Holmes House a California bungalow constructed in the 1930s is also a real jewel. The original materials and construction are first class. The handsome three-bedroom residence at the centre of town, constructed from Tasmanian Huon pine, with celery prine window, King Billy pine and Tasmanian oak flooring. The bench seat in the original bay window in the living room is just the space to gaze out over the garden and the modern and expansive kitchen and dining area is another great spot. Seaside original at Port Macquarie $1.6 million This original beach house in a knockout spot has position and potential. Overlooking Shelley Beach and the Pacific Ocean this original weatherboard home looks like the place you may have spent your annual summer holiday if you are of a certain vintage. There's plenty of great retro features in the home that is currently configured as two separate three-bedrom apartments. The upstairs kitchen is completely original, right down to the dining booth, which also captures that sensational view. Just the spot for a morning coffee. Coastal or acreage? Why not both in Narooma $2.85 million You love the coast, but you also want a bit of green and space to relax year round. If that's the criteria then this stunning modern home on 3.2 acres may be the answer. Position wise it is hard to beat. The property on the NSW far south coast enjoys an elevated setting with direct access to Wagonga Inlet. The main residence is pretty inviting too with the light-filled open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas taking in the views. If you can drag yourself away from this patch of paradise, the town centre of Narooma and its beaches are only a 10 minute drive away. Architectural beauty in Scone $2.6 million There's nothing to do in this recently renovated home in the NSW Upper Hunter town of Scone but sit back and relax. All the hard work has been done in a recent complete renovation of this circa 1960 home. It's design suits 21st century living with floor to ceiling windows and open plan areas that let the views beyond shine. The central living area with open fireplace, and vista to the surrounding well-kept gardens is a highlight. Work, play and take in the views at Orange estate $3.35 million A this time of year this property had me at the inclusions of "under floor heating" and "a wood fired heater" but it offers so much more. Clover Hill is stunning rural retreat that sits on 715 acres of grazing country, allowing for an income producing country lifestyle. But at the end of the day, there are some serious modern comforts to indulge in, including a beautifully appointed four bedroom home. Designed to capture the views there are stunning outlooks, including over the property's pool, from living and sleeping areas. Water security is also assured with bore water multiple dams across the property, frontage to a creek, plus waters tanks for household and gardening. Beachfront dream at Port Fairy for $3.8 million You can't get closer to the beach than this. It's just a few short steps from the deck of this three-bedroom original coastal home to the sand. The classic mid-century design features expanses of double glazed windows to take in the view and keep out the etremes of temperate. A slow combustion wood heater in the open plan living and dining area, makes the home a great place to hang out year round.
News24
30-06-2025
- Business
- News24
EU online casinos (2025) – 10 Best online casinos in Europe
Lots of countries and different gambling regulations – tracking down the best European online casinos is not as easy as making a quick Internet search. It takes research. Deep research. We've spent the last month looking into and testing the most popular casino sites in various countries across Europe to find out which are the best options all around the continent. Our main focus: Reliable software and games that don't break mid-session, easy KYC and same-day withdrawal processing, fair bonuses, and top high roller treatment. If you would like to learn more about our recommended EU casino sites, we will discuss them in this article. We'll also tell you more about the features you should look for if you want to test an online casino yourself. Ready to get started? Let's get right into it! FINAL RESULT – THE TOP EU ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2025 MyStake: Highest overall rating Goldenbet: Highest cashback King Billy: Top mobile casino 1Red: Top pick for slot games Tomb Riches: Best casino bonuses Freshbet: Top casino + sportsbook Roosterbet: Best game library HellSpin: Best VIP program Slots Gallery: Top choice for reload promos 20Bet: Best crypto casino Now that you know our top picks for European online casinos, let us tell you more about the five platforms that impressed us the most: 1. MyStake: Highest rating overall, the #1 European online casino Reasons to play: ✅ MyStake original games ✅ Over 7,000 casino games ✅ 10% crypto cashback ✅ Social media giveaways ✅ Rewarding VIP program Reasons to avoid ❌ No mobile app ❌ No phone support MyStake is our top pick for the best European casino overall, offering a modern platform with a stellar selection of games and bonuses. The best part? Some European players can qualify for the most sought-after promo - the no deposit bonus of 10 free spins! Casino games: MyStake has a selection of over 7,000 games, including slots, tables, live dealers, and jackpots. Even though most of the games in the jackpot section were tied to fixed instead of progressive jackpots, the prizes were quite high. But the best part of the lobby has to be the originals – games you won't be able to find in any other lobby. From Avia Masters to Tower Push and the Thimbles, these unique titles were very fun to explore, while we were happy to find that all had high RTPs of at least 96%. Bonuses: For as long as we've been playing at this casino, we've noticed that MyStake continuously adds new offers for its players. The welcome package for new players includes three bonuses and a possible match of 300% up to €1,500. For existing players, there are crypto deposit matches and cashback bonuses on top of weekend reloads and a 10 free spins no deposit bonus available in some countries. The terms and conditions on the offers are fair, with minimal deposit requirements of only €20 or €30, 30x rollover, 30-day expiry frames, etc. However, bonus terms can vary, so be sure to review them before playing. Payment methods: MyStake is a great option for crypto gamblers because it offers a selection of methods for them to explore, each one offering instant deposits and withdrawals. You can choose between Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Dogecoin, etc, along with many e-wallets. Keep in mind that the withdrawal processing times are longer for e-wallets and can take up to 24 hours, while bank transfers take up to 72 hours. MyStake breakdown [Editor's Notes]: Casino games [★★★★★]: A versatile gaming lobby with over 7,000 titles neatly divided into slots, live dealer games, mini-games, and originals. They are sourced by 90+ standout providers. Bonuses [★★★★★]: Versatile bonuses for new and existing users with below-average wagering requirements and long expiry frames. Social media giveaways are also available. Payment methods [★★★★★]: Fiat and crypto payment methods with instant deposits and quick withdrawals. The longest withdrawal processing is only 72 hours for bank transfers. >> Play at MyStake 2. Goldenbet: Top EU casino online for cashback Supplied Reasons to play: ✅ Unlimited 10% cashback ✅ Generous welcome package ✅ High max caps on some bonuses ✅ 24/7 customer support ✅Rewarding slot tournaments Reasons to avoid: ❌ High wagering requirements on some bonuses ❌ Withdrawal restrictions for Visa and Mastercard Rarely will you come across a bonus that rewards you an unlimited number of times during the day, but that's possible at Goldenbet! In addition to a promotions section with numerous offers, there are over 5,800 games to explore, as well as a fully functioning sportsbook. Casino games: All of the casino games available in this lobby are divided into the casino and live casino sections. With a total of 5,800 games, we found popular options from over 60 standout providers, including Hacksaw Gaming, Wazdan, Novomatic, Playson, and BGaming. The most versatile category is the slots, with around 5,000 titles, including jackpots, Megaways, Bonus Buys, and classic titles. Tables are available in video and live dealer options, but we found only a limited selection of game shows, so we'd want to see a few more added soon. Bonuses: As far as promotions are concerned, players can start by activating a first, second, and third deposit bonus with a 100% match up to €500. Daily offers include batches of free spins on Thursday and Friday, but the offer we liked the most was the unlimited cashback. Whenever you play at the lobby, all of your losses will contribute towards a 10% cashback that you can activate whenever you want to. The most you can receive from this bonus is €500, with a 45x rollover and a max bet of €20 for the bonus. Payment methods: As far as payments are concerned, you can deposit funds into your account using credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. All of them have minimum deposits starting at €10, while the maximum can go up to €100,000 on crypto deposits. Withdrawals start at €10 on e-wallets, €20 on crypto, and €50 on bank transfers. Bank transfers remain the option with the longest withdrawal processing of up to 3 days, so it's often avoided. If you're looking for a quicker payout, you're better off using crypto withdrawals, but for safer payouts, bank transfers are the way to go. Goldenbet breakdown [Editor's Notes]: Casino games [★★★★☆]: Over 5,800 games from 60+ providers. Slots, tables, and live dealer games are readily available, but the selection of game shows can be better. Bonuses [★★★★★]: Excellent selection of promotions for casino and sports bettors, including welcome bonuses, daily offers, and unlimited cashback that you can activate as many times per day as you want. Payment methods [★★★★★]: Transparent transaction limits for all methods, with deposits and withdrawals starting at only €10. Quick withdrawal processing for all methods besides bank transfers. 3. King Billy: Best EU online casino for mobile bambling Supplied Reasons to play: ✅ Over 9,400 casino games ✅ Dedicated Android app ✅ High-value VIP bonuses ✅ Advanced filtering option ✅ Special social media offers Reasons to avoid: ❌ No phone support ❌ High withdrawal minimum Don't let the simple design fool you – this casino has rightfully earned a spot on our list because it features a lobby with over 9,400 casino games, numerous bonuses, and a VIP program. Did we also mention there's a native Android app? Yup, plus the fact that the website is fully mobile optimised. Casino games: We loved testing the lobby at this casino, not only because of the impressive selection of games but also because of the advanced filtering option. You can use the filter to divide games by providers or by themes, while for each category, the casino displays the exact number of games available. With over 90 providers featured in the lobby, you can find a great selection of tables, live games, and jackpots, but the main focus is on slots, which are the most versatile category here. The King's Choice category offers the best games in the lobby, so we recommend starting there if you're looking for some new titles to explore. Bonuses: The first bonus you can qualify for is the welcome package, which includes a match of up to €2,500 and 250 free spins. This package includes four bonuses, with the exact prizes being: First deposit bonus: 100% match up to €500 + 100 FS Second deposit bonus: 50% match up to €500 + 50 FS Third deposit bonus: 25% match up to €1,000 Fourth deposit bonus: 75% match up to €500 + 100 FS You'll also find a crypto welcome bonus, daily free spins, and specific King's bonuses. The VIP club houses more perks, including weekly cashbacks up to 13%. Payment methods: Deposits at this casino start at €20, with the exception of cryptocurrencies, which have their own deposit limits. Withdrawals can start at €40 and extend up to €4,000 per transaction. We found quick processing of only 24 hours for all payment methods, while bank transfers have the longest processing time of 7 days. If you want to make a bank withdrawal, you should also be aware of the possible fee of up to €16. This is quite a high fee, but we found it does not affect all bank transfers. So, you might want to check with your bank before making any transactions. King Billy breakdown [Editor's Notes]: Casino games [★★★★★]: Over 9,400 games are offered, including slots, jackpots, tables, and live dealer games. The advanced filter allows an easy selection of games per provider or theme. Bonuses [★★★★☆]: Rewarding bonuses for regular players, including a hefty welcome package. A 13% cashback is available only for VIP members. Payment methods [★★★★☆]: Quick transactions with industry-standard limits per payment method. However, fees of up to €16 may be charged on bank withdrawals. Supplied Reasons to play: ✅ Over 10,000 slot games ✅ Collaboration with 120+ providers ✅ High-value welcome package ✅ High roller bonuses ✅ Progressive network jackpot Reasons to avoid: ❌ Low max bet when using bonuses ❌ Fees on bank transfer withdrawals Not even the lobby with 10,000 games or the progressive network jackpots impressed us as much as the welcome package this casino offers for its players. Quests, secret drops, summer gifts, and a loyalty program are also part of the offer when you wager at 1Red. Casino games: The quantity of games at this lobby was the first thing that caught our eyes, but after testing a few titles, we noticed that the quality was also on another level. All of the games available here offer fair gameplay, which we've come to expect from providers like Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Playson, Play'n GO, and NetEnt. Besides the standard selection of tables and live dealer games, 1Red offers many slots with fixed jackpots. All of these have high RTPs, but this info is only visible after you launch the game and inspect the details. Instant-win games are the only games missing. Bonuses: 1Red's top feature is the generous welcome package with three separate bonuses. Your first deposit can trigger a 100% match and 50 FS, the second deposit gets a 25% match, while the third deposit gets a 75% match and 50 FS. The entire package gives you up to €9,300 and 100 FS, which is the highest match we've ever seen. Besides this package, you can also qualify for a high roller welcome bonus if your budget allows deposits of €200 to €250. Daily cashbacks, weekend reloads, and daily free spins are also available, but we didn't like the fact that the max bet when using bonus cash is only €2, which is lower than at other top European casinos. Payment methods: A standard selection of payment options is available at the cashier, including Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, Tether, and Litecoin. Deposits with most of these start at €20, while withdrawals start at €30 and can extend up to €5,000 in a single transaction. We appreciate that the casino handles withdrawal requests instantly, but please note that it may still take a few days to receive your funds, depending on the chosen method. Also, keep in mind that withdrawals through bank transfers can come with a 2.5% fee, which will come right out of your casino balance. 1Red breakdown [Editor's Notes]: Casino games [★★★★☆]: Over 10,000 casino games with 8,500 slots and 800 live dealer games. Games are sourced by 120+ software providers certified for fair gameplay. Bonuses [★★★★☆]: The casino offers a generous welcome package for regular players, a high-roller welcome package, and other regular bonuses, all with industry-standard wagering requirements of 30x to 40x. Supplied Reasons to play: ✅ Over 8,700 casino games ✅ VIP program with generous bonuses ✅ Multiple first-deposit promotions ✅ 15% cashback offer ✅ Three network jackpots Reasons to avoid: ❌ High withdrawal minimum ❌ Low max bets on some bonuses Tomb Riches has a neat layout that makes it easy to navigate, even for beginners. With a versatile game lobby and numerous bonuses, gambling at this platform can be rewarding for anyone. Casino games: We counted over 8,700 games when testing the lobby, but the tab dedicated to new games keeps getting new additions, so we suspect this number will continue to rise. The selection includes slots, crash games, tables, live dealer games, and many jackpot games. What we liked most about the lobby was the fact that there were tabs for Bonus Wagering and FS Games. This means that whenever you activate a bonus, all eligible games will appear here, making it easier for you to make bets on qualifying games. Bonuses: Tomb Riches has been our go-to for versatile and rewarding bonuses. There are three different offers you can activate with your first deposit, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your budget or wagering style: 200 FS on Bonanza Billion with bonus code 1ST200FS 125% match up to €250 with bonus code 1ST125 100% match up to €500 + 100 free spins Various other offers are available for both regular and VIP players. We found that most offers are triggered with deposits of only €30, and they come with standard wagering requirements of 40x and expiry frames between 3 and 7 days. Payment methods: We were pleased to find a variety of fiat and cryptocurrency payment options available. Our top picks were e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, which ensure deposits are instant and withdrawals are quickly processed. While deposits can start as low as €20, you will need to have at least €40 in your balance to request a withdrawal. Moreover, deposits need to be rolled over 3 times before you can withdraw, even if you don't claim a bonus. If you don't clear this playthrough, the casino can impose fees. Tomb Riches breakdown [Editor's Notes] Casino games [★★★★☆]: Over 8,700 games are readily available, including slots, tables, and live dealers. Each wager contributes toward the Mini, Midi, and Max jackpots. Bonuses [★★★★☆]: There is a great selection of welcome bonuses for newly registered players. Some bonuses are reserved for VIP players, so regular players cannot qualify. Payment methods [★★★☆☆]: Smooth transactions with over a dozen trusted payment providers. While deposit limits are within industry standards, the high minimum withdrawal of €40 could be lower, and the 3x WR on deposits should be lowered or removed. >> Play at Tomb Riches HOW WE FOUND THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS IN EUROPE When we researched the European online casino market for the best options, we used the following benchmarks to separate the best from the mediocre platforms: Selection of casino games Our research began with the game lobbies of each online casino in Europe, examining the number of available games and their quality. We ensured that the games were sourced by software providers with certificates for fair play. In the end, we ended up with a list of 10 casinos with lobbies of 3,000 games and upward, with 20Bet offering over 10,000 games. The lobbies always include slots, tables, live dealers, instant wins, and some originals, as in the case with MyStake. Bonuses and tournaments Another thing we wanted to ensure is that you receive a nice boost to your budget, and what better way to achieve it than with some generous bonuses? We were surprised by the sheer number of offers we noticed, as each of the recommended casinos above had at least a few solid offers. We also found popular tournaments, such as Pragmatic Play's Drops and Wins, as well as casino-organised tournaments and daily tournaments that reward players with cash or free spins when playing selected titles. Payment options To be able to gamble online, you need to move cash into your account, use it to make bets, and then take out your winnings. This is only possible if the casino offers a range of trusted payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, prepaid cards, and more. All the selected casinos offer at least a few of these options, but they also have transparent transaction limits and quick processing times. Overall platform design Many of our readers are new to European gambling platforms, so we wanted to provide them with recommendations for platforms that are intuitive, optimised for mobile, and convenient. The last thing we want you to do is struggle to find your favourite games or qualify for bonuses. An added bonus was that the platforms we selected are also available in many European languages, making it even easier for you to navigate. PROS & CONS OF PLAYING AT THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS IN EUROPE Before you join any of our recommended online casinos in Europe, we want to take a moment and tell you about the most common pros and cons that come with using these platforms: Advantages ✅ Secure payment options: Licensed EU online casinos collaborate with trusted payment method providers to ensure you can make secure and quick transactions. ✅ Wide game variety: These casinos collaborate with some of the most popular game providers, featuring thousands of game titles for both demo and real-money gameplay. ✅ Generous bonus offers: The casino promotions feature hefty reward packages with bonus cash and free spins that come with industry-standard wagering requirements. ✅ Mobile optimisation: While the best EU online casinos offer native apps for iOS and Android users, all other platforms are fully optimised for mobile use and typically have web apps. ✅ Quality customer support: In addition to email support and an information-packed FAQ section, the best online casinos in Europe have 24/7 live chat support with knowledgeable agents. Disadvantages ❌ Delayed withdrawals: Due to robust security features, some withdrawals may be delayed as you complete your verification check at the casino. ❌ Conversion fees: The internal currency of most European online casinos is the Euro, so if you want to withdraw your winnings in any other currency, you might be subject to conversion fees. ❌ Possible taxes: Some countries will require you to pay taxes on winnings made at online casinos, so it's best to check the gambling regulations per market before you start making any wagers. PAYMENT METHODS AT THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS IN EUROPE The cashiers at some of the most popular online casinos in Europe hold a variety of payment options, with the most popular ones being: Credit & debit cards Credit and debit cards are popular across Europe, with most adults holding at least one valid option that they can use to fund their wagers. You can freely connect your Visa or Mastercard to your casino account at our recommended casinos. You can also use Maestro at selected casinos, but don't expect to find this option everywhere. With bank cards, you can expect instant and fee-free deposits, while withdrawals can take up to 3 to 5 working days. Expert note: Keep in mind that some countries, like the UK, ban the use of credit cards for gambling activities. E-Wallets Various electronic wallets are available in European countries; however, their availability may vary depending on your location. Some common methods we came across when testing the casinos mentioned above included Skrill, Neteller, Jeton, AstroPay, MiFinity, and others. With e-wallets, you can expect instant deposits and quite fast payouts, but there's a catch. Some e-wallet deposits are excluded from bonus eligibility, so if you want to boost your balance, you have to consider an alternative. Cryptocurrencies While not all gambling licenses cover crypto integration, we've found that most licensing bodies that cover European gambling markets allow the use of cryptocurrencies. The list of options usually includes Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ripple, Tron, and others. We've found all these options have instant processing times for deposits and withdrawals, but the exact limits might vary depending on your selected option. The good thing is that crypto transactions usually have more lenient payment limits. Bank transfers Bank transfers are the most secure payment options for online casinos and are generally offered only for withdrawals at EU online casinos. If you don't mind the prolonged withdrawal times of up to 10 business days, you can give wire transfers a try. BONUSES AT EU ONLINE CASINO SITES Online casinos in Europe are the ideal gambling sites for players seeking generous bonus offers with good requirements. Here's more on the most common bonuses we've found at the recommended platforms: Welcome bonus: All online casinos offer a welcome bonus exclusively for newly registered players. While the prizes usually include a deposit match and some free spins, our favourites are those with lower playthroughs. Cashback bonus: Cashbacks are deals that don't require a specific deposit but are based on the amount you lose over a particular period. We've found that most EU online casinos offer weekly and weekend cashback, with bonus cash ranging from 10% to 25%, and minimal withdrawal requirements. Reload bonus: Reloads are an ideal way for a casino to keep its existing users coming back for more. You can trigger a reload bonus if you make a qualifying deposit on the day specified in the bonus details, which will release a deposit match and possibly a batch of bonus spins. Free spins bonus: Many casinos reward your daily deposits with batches of free spins, usually tied to a specific game. These bonuses promote new games, but even if slots are not your cup of tea, we recommend them because they allow you to test the gameplay without financial risk and still make real money winnings. GAME TYPES AT EUROPEAN ONLINE CASINOS A diverse selection of online casino games is mandatory if a casino wants to be deemed a top site, so here's a bit more on the games we usually look for in casino lobbies: Online slots Slots are the top option for many players because the gameplay is easy to understand, and many in-play bonuses can help you get winning spins. When selecting a slot, we recommend considering the quality of the provider and ensuring the volatility level aligns with your play style. If the RTP is above 96%, you're looking at a decent return on your wagers over time. Table games Tables can also be based on RNG systems, but they often have varying betting limits to accommodate players with different budgets. Some of the standard options you can commonly find at EU casinos include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and dice games. P.S. We'd recommend avoiding side bets, as they usually turn the odds in the house's favour. Live casino games Live casino games are the closest thing to land-based gambling, so they are perfect if you want that added social experience but would rather not leave your home. All popular tables have live dealer versions, including poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. Our suggestion is to give live game shows with engaging gameplay and straightforward rules that are easy to master a try, too. Originals In some casino lobbies, you can also come across original titles. These are games created exclusively for that casino, so you won't be able to find them elsewhere. The exact formats can vary, but we've found that most original games are slots or mini-games with easy gameplay and lower betting limits. Responsible gambling at the best EU online casinos The top online casinos in Europe keep players protected not only by incorporating advanced security features but also by sharing responsible gambling measures like these: Set clear limits when gambling: If you fear that you will overspend money playing casino games, we recommend determining a comfortable budget before you start. Use responsible gambling tools: Responsible gambling tools are available on all online casino platforms in Europe, with standard options including deposit, loss, wager, session limits, and self-exclusion. Don't consider gambling a source of income: Gambling should never be a source of income, as you can never determine when your next win will come and how much you need to spend before it does. Don't be ashamed to seek help: If you suspect you have a gambling issue and spend too much time and money on your wagers, don't be ashamed to seek help. Various help organisations can help you learn how to control your gambling, sometimes without even asking for personal information. START PLAYING AT THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS IN EUROPE TODAY! After a month of testing and reviews, we finally have the 10 best online casinos in Europe! We are confident that we've presented you with the safest and most reliable casinos, tailored to suit all gambling styles. MyStake takes the top position on the list due to its impressive lobby featuring original games, numerous deposit and no-deposit bonuses, and its rewarding VIP program. While we advise you to start with our top casino, you can't go wrong with any of the sites mentioned above. They all have something great to offer, or we wouldn't have included them on our list. So, choose one and start playing today!
The Guardian
06-04-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Is eating farmed salmon worth snuffing out 40m years of Tasmanian evolution?
Australia is justly famous as a place where ancient species, long extinct elsewhere, live on. After aeons of adversity, Australia's living fossils often survive only in protected habitats: the Wollemi, Huon and King Billy pines, the Queensland lungfish and even the Tasmanian devil (which thrived on the mainland at the same time as the Egyptians were building the pyramids) are good examples. Such species are a source of wonder for anyone interested in the living world and they should serve as a source of hope that, given half a chance, even ancient, slow-changing species can survive periods of dramatic climate change. Australia's largest repository of living fossils is arguably the cool, shallow marine waters off its southern coastline. Despite that fact that most of us enjoy a swim, snorkel or walk on the beach, the biological importance of our shallow temperate seas is almost entirely unrecognised. In 1996 Tasmania's spotted handfish became the first marine fish to be listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Found only around the Derwent River estuary, this 10cm-long Tasmanian has a cute, froggy face and hand-like fins, which it uses to 'walk' across the sea floor. There are only 14 species of handfish, and all are restricted to the cool waters off southern Australia. Most have limited distributions, several are endangered and a few are known from just a single example. But what is truly surprising about handfish is that they were once widespread. A 50m-year-old fossil was unearthed in the Italian alps. So, like the platypus and Huon pine, handfish are relics, clinging precariously to life in Australia's cool southern waters. The Maugean skate, also known as the 'thylacine of the sea', has become famous because it is endangered by salmon farming. It is also a living fossil, found only in the tannin-rich waters of Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast. The Maugean skate's relatives inhabit shallow marine waters around New Zealand and Patagonia, indicating that the species is a relic from the time, about 40m years ago, when Australia, Antarctica and South America were joined together to form Gondwana. Its predicament is forcing ordinary Australians to ask whether it's right to snuff out 40m years of evolution for a salmon bagel. The bell clapper shell, found only in the shallow waters off Australia's south-west, is a third and most surprising relic. These long and narrow chalky white shells, shaped like the clapper of a bell, remain common enough that you have a fair chance of finding a sea-washed example on a beach walk anywhere between Perth and Esperance. Yet it is a living fossil with a truly exotic history. When workers were constructing the sewers of Paris in the 19th century, they often came across fossil bell clapper shells, some of which were up to a metre long. Right across the world, from Europe to eastern Australia, bell clapper fossils abound. Yet only in Western Australia's south-west can living examples still be seen. Handfish, Maugean skates and bell clapper shells are just three charismatic species among a plethora of smaller and less spectacular marine species that have found refuge in the cool waters off southern Australia. Today the great juggernaut of climate breakdown threatens to extinguish their entire habitat. The heating caused by our emissions of greenhouse gases is not distributed evenly. The oceans are absorbing 90% of the heat trapped by the greenhouse gases, and the high latitudes are warming faster than areas closer to the equator. Catastrophic changes are unfolding. Giant kelp once abounded in the shallows off eastern Tasmania. So great is the biodiversity found in groves of giant kelp that Charles Darwin called them the rainforests of the sea. Due to warming waters, in most places it's nothing but a memory. When the kelp vanishes, so does the biodiversity. Problems of simple warming are compounded by the migration of the long-spined sea urchin, which is spreading southwards as waters warm. Without the strongest efforts to eliminate greenhouse gases, it can't be long before the first of southern Australia's marine living fossils wink out. The survival of Australia's living fossils is a source of wonder and hope for me. The fact that platypus, which are little changed for 100m years, continue to survive in creeks and rivers near the largest Australian metropolises helps calm my worst fears about our future. And, while I may never see one in the wild, knowing that spotted handfish continue to walk the bay floor near the Hobart casino brings joy to my soul. I continue to believe that once Australians realise what is at stake, they will act to protect our extraordinary biodiversity. There is no doubt that good climate policy is facing a Trumpian apocalypse. Yet, like our living fossils, some bold initiatives survive, among them Andrew Forrest's 'real zero' target by 2030 for his iron ore mines. If an energy-hungry iron ore miner operating in a remote corner of Australia can abolish all use of fossil fuels in the next five years, why can't we all? Prof Tim Flannery is one of Australia's foremost climate change experts, an internationally recognised scientist, explorer and conservationist. He was named Australian of the Year in 2007 and is chief councillor of the Climate Council. He is also is a board member of Minderoo Foundation, Andrew Forrest's philanthropic vehicle
The Guardian
08-03-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Jurassic-era trees have grown in Tasmania for millions of years. Now they face their biggest threat: fire
Steve Leonard finds it hard when he goes bushwalking in Tasmania's high country these days. 'I look at a stand of pencil pine and I wonder: 'how long will you be there?'' The ecologist is just back from a rapid survey of the cost to ancient trees of the latest lightning-strike fires across the island's drying landscapes. Among the losses he found near the overland track, an alpine walking trail through central Tasmania, were groves of pencil pine. 'We saw a couple of stands that were quite severely burned,' says Leonard, from the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service. 'Others where the fires had taken out single trees.' This wizard-bearded scientist spoke the fears of many: that tree-by-tree natural antiquity is being consumed. Only found in Tasmania, pencil pine dates back to the late Jurassic, 140 million years ago. It is from the small Athrotaxis genus, with King Billy pine and a third species that crosses between them called the Lax-leaf. If allowed, these trees can live a thousand years. Unlike eucalypts, they are hypersensitive to fire; if burned around the trunk, they die. And Tasmania is in a new age of fire. Pencil pine has an absorbingly varied character which reflects its landscape, shaped by wind, ice and snow. The bark is soft and yielding, its waxy leaves kind to running fingers. I have seen it outlined at sundown, making a trail along a watercourse like a clan on a centuries-long journey. Marvelled on a mountain plateau where the trees' windward stems have been ice-stripped of bark, yet shelter stems of new life. And I've been held spellbound on a glacial shelf where a pine crawls up a boulder, live branchlets rising barely a hand's breadth above the rock. I have imagined pencil pines sculptural groves offering permanence through generations of Palawa who have lived on the island for thousands of years, the shelter across riskier altitudes they would have offered. After invasion it was regarded as so 'remarkably handsome' that its first colonial name was pine of Olympus. Woodlands of pencil pine are now rare. The tree persists in rock-guarded fortresses like the walls of Jerusalem and the labyrinth; a reminder of what once stood before wide-scale burning. Mostly now pencil pines live as remnants, finding just enough nourishment to huddle in fireproof boulder fields or to edge wet shorelines. A century ago the poet Marie Pitt, who lived through bushfire on a mountain mining hamlet, wrote of people unleashing 'A gallop of fire': I loose the horses, the wild, red horses I loose the horses, the mad, red horses And terror is on the land. The burning was to clear Tasmanian land for access and prospecting, and later to encourage livestock grazing. Pitt's words stand eerily today as a description of the red horses of global heating, which have brought lightning-started fires across whole Tasmanian landscapes in 2013, 2016, 2020, and now in 2025. These latest fires, now burning into a fifth week, are again exceeding our ability to protect these ancient trees. A tree like Huon pine, renowned for its long-lasting scented timber, can more often be found today confined to pockets of landscape that are less likely to burn: south-facing hillsides, for example, sheltered from the predominant northerly wind-blown fires. In his 21 February helicopter survey, Leonard flew west to the Harman River, where deep concern was held for a Huon pine stand that included a tree ring counted to 2,500 years of annual growth – not including its rotten centre, which might have held another 500 rings. Fire had burned to the edges of this stand in a steep river valley. 'It's a tall, single stem tree. It sticks up out of the canopy in the rainforest. It's a really nice looking tree. It was unharmed.' Other, big, Huon further downriver did burn, leaving a ghastly catalogue for Rob Blakers, a nature photographer, to record. Touchstones from the deep past such as the Huon and pencil pines give each of us pause to contemplate our own temporary existence. I was drawn to these trees during my recovery from stage 4 metastatic lung cancer, our joint struggles for life an inspiration to me. I have the medical breakthrough of immunotherapy to thank for my second life. Surely human ingenuity can be turned to protect this rich heritage of trees too. On the afternoon of 3 February, 1,227 lightning strikes hit the ground in a sweep across the island. Nineteen fires lit up within hours in the north-west but one in the south of the state didn't. It stayed smouldering near Mount Picton for a few days, then burst into flame. Within minutes its smoke was reported by a remote AI-trained camera set on a nearby mountaintop; a little swarm of Fire Boss water bombers flew out to it and began dumping. Helicopters followed and winched down remote area firefighters. Together they stopped the burn at a few hectares. But this is just a hopeful sign. The 2025 fires have left a patchwork of burnt ground across 98,500 hectares of wild country. Richard Dakin, the deputy incident controller with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, says the fire which took out the pencil pine near the overland track was nearly held back by Fire Bosses – fire fighting float planes – skimming water out of nearby Lake St Clair. Lakes and coastal bays are on the side of the ancients. But Tasmania is an island in the southern ocean. Strong winds and cloud are usual, and the skimmers could not hold the fire's perimeter. Instead, the fire headed north toward more rich flora, including a very old King Billy pine forest and – in the distance – Cradle Mountain itself. 'We had to throw everything at it,' Dakin sais. NSW fire service large air tankers dropped a 2.5km fire-retardant line; water bombers campaigned from the lakes; and remote firefighters worked at arduous, grimy 'old-school' firefighting, flailing and digging at the perimeter. 'The combination of the three led to success,' Dakin says. Their campaign rolls on, the full losses of the ancients yet to be tallied. But already we know for certain that after millions of years on Earth, and living only in Tasmania, these trees will need our help if they are to have a place in a heated future. Andrew Darby is the author of The Ancients, published by Allen & Unwin and available now
