News
KING BILLY CASINO: ONE KING TO RULE THEM ALL AT THE ASKGAMBLERS AWARDS!

There were a lot of firsts in the industry on the first of February 2018! AskGamblers, the trusted and well respected online casino portal, itself a many times awarded website, held its first ever AskGamblers Awards. In an impressive ceremony, pretty much reminding the EBU’s Eurovision Contest format, prizes were given in three categories, including Best New Casino.
They say that there can be only one King! And in the AskGamblers 2018 Awards, this was confirmed in this year’s Best New Casino category. Under fierce competition of the highest possible quality, with no less than 75 new casinos participating and with a lot of suspense until the last moment, King Billy Casino came first, winning the hearts of both the judges and the public.
Vladimir Harkusha, King Billy Casino CEO, commented on the news: “A milestone for the Kingdom and a day of joyous celebration for us all! I want to thank the whole King Billy team for doing the extra mile that has brought this fantastic result to us, as well as all the players who voted for us. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts! But we do not stop here. As they say, it is easier to get to the top than it is to stay there. So, all of us are ready for the next challenges and we are determined to keep the King where he deserves to be: Always at the top!”.
About AskGamblers
AskGamblers is an industry leader in casino portals offering transparent, unbiased online casino and game reviews as well as real players’ opinions and ratings since 2005. AskGamblers has been awarded many times, sweeping the iGaming Business awards for Best Casino Website in both 2016 and 2017. It has also built a free automated complaints system helping players resolve their disputes with casinos and is constantly trying to recognize reputable and spot rogue casinos. All the information collected over the years, has led to the creation of its own, unique and trusted algorithm called “Casino Rank”.
About King Billy
King Billy is an exciting project, launched in April 2017 and created entirely from professionals with many years of experience in online gaming. Its goal is to provide a second to none gaming experience to players by offering them features and offers, very seldom seen in the industry. King Billy Casino is providing games from leading software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, NYX, Betsoft Gaming, Pragmatic Games, Yggdrasil, Endorphina, iSoftBet and others. Besides offering top notch games, King Billy has built on creating a superb user experience focusing on the myth of King Billy and his Kingdom and treats all players with the specialness they deserve. King Billy Casino won the award of Best New Casino in the 2018 AskGamblers Awards.
News
The Legal Poker Debate: Will Online Poker Finally Be Legalized in California?

While online poker is a billion-dollar global industry, its legality in California remains a bone of contention. However, there has been a wave of change in America’s gaming segment in the past few years, thanks to the recently struck-down PASPA and online accessibility.
Let’s dig deeper into the Golden State’s poker culture from the past to the present.
A History of Poker Laws in California
Californians played poker in the saloons as early as the Gold Rush of the 19th century. Cities like San Francisco were famous for their vibrant gambling scene in the 1800s. Indigenous California tribes have been operating and managing poker games in the state.
Further, the state legalized some forms of poker in the 1930s, such as draw and stud gambling. With this ruling, poker card rooms expanded in the Golden State, which became prime venues for law-abiding poker action.
In the late 1990s, playing online poker in a legal gray area became a reality for Californians. The California Constitution and Penal Code did not clearly authorize or prohibit such operations. Hence, this legal loophole allowed poker enthusiasts to play the card game on licensed offshore casino sites.
In the same year, attempts were also made to officially legalize poker. A landmark court decision allowed all forms of offline poker within the state, removing any confusion surrounding the earlier poker bans.
Hence, land-based poker games are legal in California now, with around 88 licensed card rooms operating legally. What about online poker gaming? Let’s find out!
Current Legal Barriers to Online Poker in California
Strict legal and political opposition to the legalization of online poker gaming is the foremost obstacle in California. Further, mandates on tribal gaming and card rooms sometimes overlap with poker regulations. Section 330 of the California Penal Code currently bans online poker within the state border.
California’s tribes hold exclusive rights to operate casino-style gambling, granted by compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). They argue that online poker infringes on these rights, mainly if non-tribal entities operate these gambling platforms.
Moreover, various consumer protection organizations fuel this resistance as they consider any form of gambling an addictive habit. Such critics argue that regulating online poker could promote overexposure and make gambling too easy for otherwise highly vulnerable people.
Hence, there have been endless legislative stalemates with no agreement on what to do about it.
Stakeholders in the Legalization Debate
Several groups play key roles in shaping California’s poker scene:
Tribal Casinos
California’s Native American tribes generate billions annually through land-based casinos. Many tribes view online poker as a competition that could impact their monopoly on gambling.
Legislators
Californian lawmakers try to balance consumer protection and compliance with federal regulations before lifting the ban on online gambling.
Card Rooms
California’s cardrooms operate under different rules than tribal casinos. The owners of these facilities usually advocate for the legalization of online poker to expand their customer base.
Economic Benefits of Legalizing Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California could yield substantial economic benefits:
- Tax Revenue: Licensed online poker markets would add hundreds of billions in tax revenues to the state annually. This revenue could fund other public services within the state, such as education and infrastructure development.
- Consumer Protection: California can regulate this industry to guarantee safe and fair play for its residents. It’ll also help reduce the problems that offshore unregulated platforms bring.
The Future Outlook for Online Poker in California
While progress has been slow, there are signs of hope for online poker fans in California.
For example, some tribes are willing to support online poker legislation under the exclusivity clauses. This step will ensure native tribes have a significant stake in the market. Public support for online gambling also appears to grow, driven by the success of legalized sports betting in other states.
The signs are promising, but the road ahead remains uncertain. The legal and political complexities mean that online poker California enthusiasts may need to wait longer to play their favorite card game online hassle-free.
Social Advantages of Legalized Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California isn’t just about revenue and market growth. There are obvious social benefits, too. A regulated environment assures responsible gaming practice via mandatory self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and esports support for players to manage their habits.
Additionally, legalization is likely to fund problems associated with gambling addictions. States with regulated online poker markets generally allocate a certain portion of tax revenue toward mental health services and addiction treatment. These measures ensure that gambling remains a source of entertainment without becoming an issue for society.
FAQs
- Is online poker currently legal in California?
No, online poker is not explicitly legal in California. While residents can play on offshore platforms, these sites operate outside state jurisdiction and lack regulatory supervision.
- Which are the best offshore poker gaming sites?
Californians can play real-money poker games on Bovada, Ignition Casino, and ACR Poker, which are regulated offshore casino sites.
- Are there any pending bills for online poker legalization?
Though past bills were introduced, very few survived the legislative process and were passed into law. Hence, the legalization of online poker is still pending in California.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, history has been kinder to poker gaming culture in California. With relaxed laws on traditional poker rooms, the online poker market also looks forward to positivity. It’s easy to see the benefits of online poker legalization, including more tax revenues and adequate consumer protection.
However, some issues still create roadblocks in the game’s legal battle. Complicated laws, tribal autonomy, and gambling addiction concerns put barriers to the legalization of online poker in California. For now, the state’s cardrooms and offshore casino sites are the only viable options to satisfy their poker gambling desires.
News
ICE Barcelona 2025: Alona Shevtsova on Sends’ Vision for the Future of Gaming

The Sends team attended the biggest and most famous gaming conference, ICE, now held in Barcelona, Spain. From the 20th to the 23rd of January, the leading gaming companies and solution providers gather for business meetings, experience sharing and networking. More than 170 countries visited, achieving the number of 55,000 visitors.
“Our team attends the ICE conference annually. Previously held in London, the financial capital and home to our head office, 2025 is the first time it’s hosted in Barcelona—and it remains as expansive and resourceful as ever. We’re thrilled to participate, connect with our partners, explore innovative solutions, and engage with market leaders. At Sends, we are committed to staying ahead in this dynamic industry, never missing an opportunity to gain fresh insights and experiences,” commented Alona Shevtsova, Director at Sends.
As the organisers of ICE 2025 said, after a rigorous, independent selection process, ICE and iGB Affiliate moved to Fira Barcelona Gran Via because Barcelona presents a compelling list of benefits, including improved logistics and operational efficiency. The location is close to Barcelona airport and is well connected to the public transport network, offering a world-class in-show and around-show experience.
It is worth mentioning that this February, Send will co-host its event in London for fintech companies. This is the third gathering in London to network and connect industry professionals. To get more information about the London Fintech Meetup, follow the link.
To get more details, keep in touch with Sends on social media: LinkedIn and Instagram.
Conferences
Industry leader Parimatch launches The Idol: Black is Back at iGB Affiliate in Barcelona

Are you an idol? Then join us as we take iGB Affiliate Barcelona by storm this January with The Idol: Black is Back, a unique series of events including amazing deals, giveaways, and our stunning Asian Euphoria party where dark luxury fuses with Asian artistry.
A new era is dawning at Parimatch and we want to celebrate it with you in style!
Once again Parimatch’s stand E20 will be the epicenter of iGB Affiliate Barcelona, an annual highlight of the iGaming industry at the iconic city’s famous Fira Gran Via.
We’re confident that Parimatch’s stand will be the talk of the conference. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Fantastic deals: The latest updates and exclusive offers you can’t miss
- Giveaways where you’ll have the chance to win unique prizes
- Our Hall of Fame: Become part of Parimatch’s history
But wait, there’s more. As Parimatch embarks on a new era we are inviting over 500 partners and brand friends to our immersive Asian Euphoria party at a stunning location in the center of Barcelona where you will experience:
- The party headliner – world-famous DJ Steve Aoki
- The very best in performance art that Barcelona has to offer
- The world of Asian luxury merging with American pop culture
Don’t miss out! Be sure to join us to witness Parimatch set new standards at booth E20 at iGB Affiliate, Barcelona, January 20-23. And don’t stop there – join the Asian Euphoria party on January 21 and see us set a new trend for the entire industry!