Suffolk has a long-standing passion for sports like football, rugby, and cricket, with many fans closely following these sports. While live events remain popular, an increasing number of fans are turning to online streaming for flexibility and convenience. Streaming services offer cost-effective options compared to cable, with no long-term commitments and the ability to watch on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The ability to stream from anywhere fits busy lifestyles, and local businesses and sports clubs have embraced these platforms to keep fans connected to their favourite teams.

Suffolk’s Passion for Sport

Football reigns as the top sport in Suffolk and across the UK. Surveys show about 40% of the UK population identifies as football fans, and many are very vocal supporters of local clubs. Suffolk has a proud footballing heritage, which is obvious when looking at Ipswich Town Football Club. This team holds a special spot in local hearts, and many fans of TheTractor Boys still talk fondly about past successes.

People love sports, and it’s no surprise that sports betting has become a popular pastime. Sports betting expert Ian Bruce highlights some of the safest online sportsbooks fans can bet on. Beyond safety, he emphasizes how these platforms prioritize fast payouts, excellent customer support, generous bonuses, and competitive odds, and offer live-play and streaming options, allowing fans to place football bets like match winner, total goals, first goalscorer, correct score, and handicap betting in real-time as they watch the match unfold live (source: safestbettingsites.co.uk/).

The online sports betting market in the UK is on the rise, with user numbers projected to reach 15.3 million by 2029. By 2025, user penetration is expected to hit 21.0%, climbing to 22.2% by 2029. Additionally, the average revenue per user (ARPU) is forecasted to be $339.30, reflecting the growing demand for seamless betting options alongside live sports.

Ipswich Town’s long-awaited return to the Premier League after 22 years has sparked excitement across Suffolk, with murals, decorations, and strong local support. Fans eager to follow the team can stream matches through official Premier League services or add-on packages, offering features like live analytics and replays.

Meanwhile, Suffolk’s eSports scene is also thriving, with venues like Press Start Gaming Lodge hosting tournaments and the University of Suffolk introducing an eSports degree. Streaming has made competitive gaming more accessible, drawing in younger audiences and fostering local gaming communities, much like traditional sports.

Boxing, Cricket, and Rugby: Other Favourites

Though football is dominant, Suffolk also embraces other sports that draw a loyal following. Boxing has around 7% interest among sports fans in the UK. Cricket, with its strong ties to English traditions, has about 15-16% of the population supporting it. Rugby—both Union and League—claims around 12% of fans in the country.

For these sports, streaming services often provide live broadcasts of international events, domestic leagues, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Fans in Suffolk benefit from having matches at their fingertips, which is ideal for those who want to follow boxing bouts late at night or catch a cricket match on a weekday. Because these sports may not be on free-to-air channels all the time, streaming has become a handy solution for many residents.

Popular Streaming Services for Suffolk Viewers

A range of platforms is now available for watching live games. Some services cater specifically to football, while others cover multiple sports. One prominent name is Sky Sports+, which launched in August 2024. It delivers more than 50% extra live coverage without extra fees, with extended content for EFL fixtures, tennis, and golf. Features like pause and rewind on any simultaneous feed make it flexible for households that share a single subscription.

Fubo and ESPN have also stepped up their offerings. They cover local and out-of-market fixtures, allowing Suffolk residents to watch matches from Europe, North America, and other places. DirecTV is another option, known for broad coverage of various leagues. Competition among these services has pushed them to introduce user-friendly menus, multi-device access, and ongoing deals that attract both seasoned fans and newcomers.

Cost and Convenience

Many Suffolk residents find the price of web-based sports packages to be more manageable compared to hefty cable bills. Some providers have special rates or short-term passes. For example, certain sports memberships let you pay per daily or monthly. This flexible approach suits viewers who only want to follow major events like Wimbledon or a key boxing match.

Ease of access is another draw. Whether you are at home, in a café, or on holiday, it takes only a stable internet connection to watch your team. This freedom cuts across different age groups. Younger viewers appreciate the on-the-go style of viewing, while older fans value the chance to pause, rewind, or watch replays at a pace that suits them.

In-Game Features and Interaction

Modern streaming platforms do more than just show matches. Some allow fans to join chat rooms, follow live stats, or even vote on predictions. These tools shape a more active viewer experience. Meanwhile, certain services provide picture-in-picture screens so you can track more than one match at the same time.

For supporters who want stats and analytics, these platforms can offer instant replays, heat maps for players, or speed tracking for serves in tennis. This level of depth was once restricted to professional broadcasts, but it’s now standard in many streaming plans. Fans can also enjoy condensed match highlights if they miss a live event.

Community Ties and Physical Activity

Suffolk is not just about watching from the sofa. The region has a strong sense of local events and community tournaments. Groups like Active Suffolk encourage residents to stay active and follow healthy routines. They organize events, workshops, and small competitions that appeal to people of many ages. This blend of live participation and streaming opportunities has boosted interest in sports even more.

Conclusion

Sports streaming services have changed how Suffolk residents follow competitions. This shift is supported by several factors: higher internet speeds, fresh choices for short-term or monthly viewing, and advanced features like instant replays and multiple-camera angles. Suffolk’s broad sports interests—ranging from Ipswich Town’s triumphant return to the top flight to an emerging eSports scene—show how streaming can enrich local enthusiasm.

Interest in cryptocurrencies across the United Kingdom has been gathering pace, with predictions suggesting revenue could hit around US$1,601 million by 2025. On top of that, experts think more than 23 million people in the country may be involved in some form of crypto activity by then, taking user penetration to roughly 35%. All this excitement brings the issue of regulation to the forefront.

On 12 February 2025, the third meeting of the Joint EU-UK Financial Regulatory Forum happened in London, where both sides explored new rules to keep financial systems steady and encourage innovation. One hot topic was how best to protect everyday users without stifling innovative ideas. Many now wonder how these changes might benefit the UK.

Crypto Wallets and Anonymity

While regulators are refining these proposals, many folks still want a simple and private way to handle their coins. Using an anonymous Crypto Wallet is one option people like, as it keeps personal details out of sight and helps transactions feel smoother. They’re also a useful choice for anyone keen to store coins securely, away from traditional banks that might freeze or limit crypto-related transfers. Once you’re confident your funds are protected, it feels easier to get involved in this fast-moving scene. That said, the banking sector remains watchful, especially in the UK, where some high-street names are restricting daily purchases or even blocking certain exchanges.

Where Are These New Rules Coming From?

The Regulatory Forum brought together major parties like the European Commission, HM Treasury, the Bank of England, and the Financial Conduct Authority. They all agreed that supporting growth while safeguarding investors is vital. On the EU side, there’s MiCA, which took full effect on 30 December 2024. The UK, on the other hand, is working on new legislation to shape its own approach. Emphasis is placed on working globally, which includes backing the Financial Stability Board’s plans, with the overall aim of ensuring crypto remains open to invention while still having proper safety measures in place.

Banks Keeping a Watchful Eye

Major names like NatWest, Santander, and Nationwide have set daily transfer limits to crypto exchanges due to concerns regarding scams and the threat of money laundering. Others, such as Barclays, haven’t banned transfers outright but monitor them closely. Some, like Starling Bank, have put a complete stop to crypto transactions.

At the same time, the government still wants the UK to stand out regarding finance. The plan is to draft rules that protect customers without crushing innovative thinking. That’s why stablecoins, sandbox initiatives, and even the possibility of a crypto-based pound all play a part in these talks.

What’s Next for UK and EU Collaboration

In the wake of the Forum, both sides have agreed to keep talking about banking rules and how to manage the next round of crypto offerings. They’re also discussing quicker settlement (T+1) and exploring cross-border bail-in strategies. When it comes to steering crypto forward, having a clear set of rules is crucial. MiCA already hands the EU a firm set of requirements, and the UK is eager to keep up that pace with its own plans. Since the market changes fast, the big challenge is finding a balance between encouraging progress and warding off problems.

With so many threads now in motion, there’s plenty to watch in the months ahead. Meanwhile, both sides are also keeping an eye on the roll-out of shared data systems like consolidated tapes, which aim to keep markets transparent. As these projects unfold, the UK’s standing in the crypto world may well receive a boost, helped along by the government’s push for a future-ready financial sector.

If there’s one thing you can be sure of in our modern world, it’s this: there’s no such thing as untouchable income — you will be taxed one way or another.

So how do your online casino winnings affect your tax liability? It’s easy to get swept away in the excitement and endless possibilities of what to do with your loot when you hit the jackpot but the reality is, you first need to factor in the old tax man before you get too carried away.

Tax laws surrounding gambling winnings are complex and tend to vary from state to state and across the world. We’re going to unpack the basics and help you gain a better understanding of the tax implications of your online gambling winnings.

Winnings are income

We hate to be the bearers of bad news but gambling winnings are considered to be a form of income — the same as your salary or any rental income you may receive. Just like your regular income, they’re subject to taxation — whether you play bingo or enjoy Sweepstakes Casino.

So you are legally obligated to report these winnings to your local tax authority when it’s time to file. Failing to do this can result in costly fines or even legal woes, depending on the tax laws in your area.

Some regions treat gambling winnings the same as your regular income by taxing you at the same rate. Others have specific tax rates for gambling winnings that may be lower or higher than the regular income tax rate. And if you’re lucky enough to live in some areas of the UK and Europe, your winnings may not be taxed at all.

Countries where gambling winnings are taxed

In most countries around the world, gambling winnings are subject to income tax. This means that your winnings must be added to your tax return and you will then be taxed according to your income bracket. In the United States gambling winnings are considered a form of income that must be reported to the IRS. Tax rates on winnings will vary greatly from state to state.

The online casino will issue you with a W-2G form if your winnings reach a certain threshold. It’s up to you to keep accurate records of your winnings to submit to the IRS when it’s time to file.

In other countries like Canada, while winnings are also taxable, their rules are a little more complex. Different tariffs may apply for lottery winnings over online gambling winnings, for example. If you’re ever unsure about whether or not you need to declare your winnings, it’s a good idea to chat with a local tax consultant for advice.

Countries where gambling winnings are not taxed

Contrary to the United States, other countries like the United Kingdom, take a much more relaxed approach to taxing gambling winnings.

His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) — the UK’s tax authority — does not see gambling winnings as income from a professional trade, and it is therefore exempt from being taxed. Everything from online gambling to traditional casino winnings and even the lottery is not taxed. Every precious penny of your winnings is all yours!

Gambling is thought of as a leisure activity and instead of taxing you, the player, the government collects taxes from the casinos themselves through licensing fees as well as revenue. There’s an exception to this rule if you’re a professional gambler by trade — winnings of any kind will then be seen as your income and will be taxed accordingly.

This same tax model is followed across most of Europe where taxes are imposed on the operators as opposed to the players. Laws change all the time, and as we’ve mentioned before, laws can differ from country to country (e.g. the law in Spain could be different from the law in Germany). Never assume you’re exempt — check your local tax laws!

Top tips to stay on top of your taxes

Don’t ruin the fun and excitement by landing yourself in hot water! Here’s how to keep on top of your taxes.

1.   Report your winnings

You should be prepared to report your winnings to your local tax authority if you live in a country where gambling winnings are taxable. Once again, you should check your local tax laws around the specific requirements.

Some stricter countries will require you to report your gambling winnings regardless of the amount. Others only require you to report the winnings if they reach a certain threshold. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the local reporting laws in your area.

2.   Keep accurate records

Even if you are not taxed on your winnings in your jurisdiction, you should keep a record of your income generated through gambling. The easiest way to keep track is by setting up a simple spreadsheet where you can track the following:

• Date
• Game played
• Amount wagered
• Amount lost or won

This not only helps you keep track of winnings for tax purposes but is helpful for responsible gambling purposes by keeping you aware of your spending. When the time comes to report your winnings, you’ll be able to deduct your losses from your winnings so that you are only being taxed for actual income. Obviously, this amount cannot exceed the actual amount of winnings.

3.   Withholding Taxes

In some jurisdictions, online casinos may be legally obligated to withhold a portion of your winnings as taxes. Kind of like how your employer deducts your taxes off of your monthly paycheck.

If taxes have been deducted from your winnings, you will be given a W-2G form (in the USA) with a declaration of how much has been deducted as tax. This form must be submitted when you file so you receive a tax credit towards your overall tax liability.

Conclusion

In the heat of the moment when you win money online gambling, it’s easy to get carried away with dreaming of that down payment on a new car or repainting the kitchen cabinets.

But before you whittle your winnings away, it’s important to always check your tax affairs are in order. Understand your local tax laws or speak to a tax consultant to make sure you’re compliant and avoid expensive fines.

The 2025 Six Nations Championship has delivered exhilarating rugby, with emerging talents and seasoned players showcasing exceptional performances. As the tournament progresses, let’s delve into the standout players, rising stars, memorable matches, and future predictions.

Most Entertaining Match So Far

As all the talk in rugby news, the clash between England and France stands out as a tournament highlight. In a nail-biting encounter, England edged out France at Twickenham (ahem, Allianz stadium) by a single point, with Eliot Daly scoring a try in the red. This victory not only revitalised England’s campaign hopes but also put on display that unpredictability the Six Nations is renowned for.

Standout Players

Several players have been pivotal in their teams’ successes:

• James Lowe (Ireland): The winger has been instrumental in Ireland’s campaign. Aside from being a try-scoring machine, his left boot is lethal, he’s a menace in the air, and he can beat the best one-on-one.
• Tom Curry (England): For a man with a metal hip, Curry’s work rate has been outstanding, and he never fails to put himself on the line. While he was overlooked for man-of-the-match, his influence at the breakdown and in defence was decisive.
• Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France): You may be hard-pressed to recall this French winger, as the most people see of him is the flash of his red scrum cap as he crosses the try-line. It’s no surprise this side-stepping youngster is the tournament’s top try-scorer so far. 

Emerging Young Talents

The tournament has also spotlighted promising youngsters:

• Sam Prendergast (Ireland): At just 21, Prendergast has seamlessly transitioned to international rugby. His composure under pressure was showcased when he secured a late penalty to clinch victory against Scotland, earning him the Player of the Round accolade.
• Fin Smith (England): At 22, Smith has demonstrated maturity and control, particularly in England’s narrow victory over France. His leadership and game management have drawn comparisons to legendary fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.

Predictions for the Remainder of the Tournament

As the championship approaches its climax, several narratives are unfolding:

• Ireland’s Pursuit of the Title: Currently unbeaten, Ireland’s depth and resilience position them as the contenders for the championship. Only their remaining fixture against France is seen as a threat to their Grand Slam victory.
• England’s Resurgence: Buoyed by their recent victory over France, England aims to build momentum. The upcoming Calcutta Cup match against bogeymen, Scotland, is pivotal; a win could propel them into title contention, while a loss might derail their campaign.
• France’s Consistency: Despite a mixed start, France’s blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Théo Attissogbé makes them formidable. Consistency in their remaining matches is key to their championship aspirations.
• Scotland: Scotland’s performance against Italy and Ireland has been underwhelming. With question marks remaining around Darcy Graham and Finn Russell’s fitness for this weekend’s game, Scotland need a win for the title.
• Italy: Italy faces an uphill battle if they want to make an impact on the table. While they have found consistency, they’re not quite at the level to beat their remaining competition with Ireland, France, or England.
• Wales: Having just lost Warren Gatland, Wales will only be in damage control mode. With severe structural issues in the WRU, it looks like a second wooden spoon on the trot.

Overall, predicting the outcome of the 2025 Six Nations at this point is difficult. The big showdown yet to come is between Ireland and France, while the England vs Scotland game could put either in contention for the title if France beat Ireland. All is yet to be won or lost.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Six Nations Championship so far has been nothing short of spectacular. With some of the world’s best players and emerging talent battling it out on the pitch and an atmosphere to quell the winter blues, it’s no surprise it continues to be a fan favourite.

Entertainment has changed a lot over the years. We’ve gone from renting DVDs to streaming movies instantly, from buying CDs to unlimited music subscriptions, and from slot machines in casinos to fully digital gambling experiences. But there’s a new shift happening right now, and it’s bigger than anything we’ve seen before.

Blockchain technology—the same tech behind cryptocurrencies—is quietly changing how we enjoy things like music, streaming, and gaming. It’s not just hype, either. The global blockchain market is expected to reach £1.4 billion by 2030, and blockchain gaming alone is set to hit £65.7 billion by 2027. The numbers speak for themselves—this tech is here to stay.

Gaming and Blockchain

One area where blockchain is making a huge impact is with iGaming. By using decentralised ledgers, casinos can offer provably fair gaming. Another major benefit is the use of cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals. Traditional casinos can take days to process payouts, but blockchain transactions are instant, anonymous, and highly secure. No waiting, no banks holding up your money, and no concerns about personal data being shared.

According to James Foster, the best online casinos UK players visit are adopting blockchain to give players more flexibility and transparency. These platforms operate outside GamStop’s self-exclusion scheme, offering a wider range of games and better promotional offers. For those looking for a safer, more secure experience, blockchain-based casinos provide an extra layer of fairness—particularly when it comes to verifying game outcomes and ensuring fast, hassle-free withdrawals.

Of course, finding reputable platforms is key. Many experienced players turn to trusted sources when searching for, ensuring they choose sites that prioritise security, fairness, and smooth transactions. The iGaming industry has come a long way, offering cutting-edge technology that enhances user experience, from high-quality live dealer games to AI-powered customer support. As platforms continue to evolve, players can enjoy even more immersive, personalised gaming tailored to their preferences.

But blockchain’s influence doesn’t stop at casinos. This tech is shaking up music, gaming, streaming, and digital ownership—transforming how we experience entertainment in ways we’re only beginning to explore.

If you’ve ever spent real money on a game, you know how frustrating it can be when you don’t truly own your purchases. Maybe you bought a rare skin, a powerful weapon, or even in-game currency—only to find out later that you can’t trade it, transfer it, or use it anywhere else.

Blockchain is fixing that. Games built on blockchain allow players to own their digital assets as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), meaning they can sell, trade, or even use them across multiple games. This creates a real, player-driven economy where items have actual value.

How Blockchain is Reshaping Music and Streaming

For years, artists have struggled to earn fair pay from streaming services. According to recent data, Spotify pays artists between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream. This means that for a song that receives one million streams, an artist could earn approximately $3,000 to $5,000 in royalties, depending on various factors such as the listener’s location and subscription type

Blockchain is changing that by allowing artists to sell their music directly to fans through smart contracts. These contracts automatically handle payments and royalties, ensuring that artists get paid instantly—without any middlemen taking a cut.

Take Audius, for example. This blockchain-powered music platform lets musicians upload songs and receive direct payments from fans, completely bypassing streaming giants. It’s like a decentralised version of Spotify, where artists actually own their content.

Another example is Ujo Music, which allowed singer-songwriter Imogen Heap to release a track and receive instant payments directly from listeners. It’s a glimpse into a future where artists keep control of their work and earnings.

This innovative model isn’t limited to the music industry; it could significantly impact movies, TV shows, and various forms of digital content as well. By bypassing traditional studios and streaming platforms, which often take a substantial portion of the profits, content creators could retain more revenue and maintain greater control over their work. 

This approach empowers artists and producers, potentially transforming how entertainment is produced, distributed, and monetized in an increasingly digital landscape.

Final Thoughts

Blockchain is doing more than just powering cryptocurrency types—it’s completely transforming entertainment.

From gaming and online casinos to music and streaming, blockchain is creating a fairer, more transparent, and more profitable digital world. Players finally have control over their in-game assets, musicians are earning what they deserve, and online casinos are providing verifiable fairness like never before.

And this is just the beginning. As the tech evolves, we’ll see even more industries embracing blockchain to give users more control, more ownership, and better experiences.

So, whether you’re a gamer, a music lover, or someone who enjoys playing at the best online casinos in the UK, blockchain is making your experience safer, fairer, and more exciting.

March marks the beginning of a thrilling journey for college basketball fans. The 2025 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament will bring together 68 teams, each battling for a shot at the national championship. This single-elimination format means every game carries weight, with no second chances for teams hoping to make history.

The 86th edition of the tournament kicks off on March 18, 2025, setting the stage for weeks of intense matchups. Programs from across the country will fight for their place in the spotlight, but only one will emerge victorious. The road to glory will end on April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, where two teams will face off in the ultimate test of skill and resilience.

Among those vying for the title, UConn stands out as a team with both history and high expectations. Their journey through the bracket will be closely watched, with each game adding to the legacy of the program. This article focuses on the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies basketball team and their 2025 NCAA Tournament run.

UConn Men’s Road to the NCAA Tournament

The regular-season performance has been strong, with a 16–7 overall record and 8–4 in Big East play. UConn has demonstrated dominance against key rivals, but inconsistency has raised concerns about their ability to sustain momentum in high-pressure games. While they have secured crucial victories, recent losses, including a tough defeat to St. John’s, have exposed weaknesses that must be addressed before the tournament.

Their offense struggled to find rhythm, and defensive lapses cost them crucial points, making adjustments necessary heading into the tournament. Stronger rebounding efforts and more consistent perimeter shooting will be crucial factors in regaining their top form. The team’s ability to execute under pressure will ultimately determine their success in March Madness.

While Connecticut Huskies was originally projected as a No. 3 seed, their standing depends on how they perform in the Big East Tournament. A strong finish could solidify their position, while continued struggles may push them lower. The pressure is on the team to correct their flaws and prove they belong among the top contenders.

UConn Women’s Dominance and Their Tournament Aspirations

With a 22–3 overall record and an undefeated 13–0 Big East run, UConn’s women’s team has positioned itself as a national title contender. Their ability to dominate conference opponents has made them a team to watch, and their deep roster offers multiple scoring options. The Huskies’ defensive tenacity has been a key factor in their success, forcing turnovers and limiting opponents’ shot efficiency.

Paige Bueckers continues to lead the team, while freshman Sarah Strong has played a major role in their success. Bueckers’ leadership on the court has been instrumental in navigating tough matchups, setting the tempo, and making key plays in clutch moments. Meanwhile, Strong’s presence in the paint and rebounding ability have strengthened the team, providing much-needed depth to the lineup.

Their seeding may be affected due to fewer Quad 1 wins compared to other top teams. While their Big East dominance is unquestioned, tougher non-conference competition would have strengthened their résumé heading into March Madness. Despite the seeding concerns, the Huskies remain strong contenders for a deep tournament run, with their depth and experience setting them apart.

Key Players to Watch for UConn’s NCAA Run

Paige Bueckers leads the women’s team in scoring and has been a key playmaker throughout the season. Her ability to create opportunities for herself and her teammates makes her invaluable. Her leadership and court vision will be crucial in tight matchups where every possession matters.

Sarah Strong has recorded 417 points and 179 rebounds, demonstrating her ability to impact both ends of the court. Her defensive presence and scoring efficiency provide the team with a valuable edge. As a freshman, she has already established herself as a rising star.

The men’s team needs its key players to step up and overcome recent setbacks. Their ability to handle pressure and maintain defensive discipline will be crucial in March Madness. Those who thrive in high-stakes situations will determine how far UConn advances.

Challenges and Potential Roadblocks in the Tournament

The men’s team has struggled with offensive consistency, particularly in their recent loss to St. John’s. Their scoring droughts and inability to close out games have been problematic, and these issues must be resolved before tournament play. In particular, three-point shooting and turnovers have been areas of concern that need immediate attention.

The women’s team has fewer Quad 1 wins than other top teams, which could impact their path to the Final Four. While their dominance in the Big East is impressive, they will need to prove themselves against top-tier competition to solidify their standing. Strong performances in early rounds will be essential to gain momentum for deeper tournament runs.

Both teams must adjust to the high-pressure environment of March Madness and avoid early upsets. The intensity of win-or-go-home matchups requires mental toughness, strategic discipline, and execution under pressure. How they handle these challenges will determine their success.

Final Thoughts

UConn’s NCAA Tournament run will test their ability to perform under pressure, with the men’s team needing consistency and the women’s team aiming to prove their dominance. Both squads have the talent and leadership to compete at the highest level, but execution in crucial moments will determine their success.

If you’ve bought anything on the internet, there’s a very good chance that you’ve used PayPal. If you’ve somehow managed to avoid creating an account with PayPal, it’s certain that you’ve seen their logo as a payment option alongside traditional payment processors like Visa and Mastercard. PayPal has become such a fixture of online payments that most of us never give it a second thought.

The Honey coupon code scandal has brought PayPal into the limelight for the first time in years. The coupon-finding app Honey has been accused of replacing affiliate links with its own link, essentially stealing millions in revenue from the social media influencers and content creators who have been promoting it. PayPal has owned Honey since January 2020.

While this isn’t PayPal’s first brush with controversy, it’s probably the biggest. PayPal has had minor controversies over how it handles fraud, its tendency to shut down fundraising accounts, and fees, and their lack of transparency about policy changes. For the most part, these have been minor issues that were settled quickly.

An ability to avoid controversy is vital for online financial service providers, especially in today’s fast-moving tech climate. The fact that PayPal has remained at the top of the digital payment services game for 25 years shows how important the brand is.

This article will look at how PayPal has revolutionised payments on the internet. From their early history as the payment service for eBay to their diversification today, we’ll tell the PayPal story.

History of PayPal

PayPal was originally founded under the name Fieldlink in 1998 (though it was renamed Confinity within a year). It was founded by Peter Thiel, Max Levchin and Luke Nosek, all of whom remain incredibly successful. Confinity focused largely on security software.

In 2000, Confinity merged with a financial services company that had been created by Tesla founder Elon Musk. By 2001, the company had changed its name to PayPal and Musk was no longer involved with the project. At this point, the company shifted its focus completely to digital payments.

These early years saw the company change direction as often as it changed names and directors. Luckily for PayPal and internet shoppers of the future, that was all about to change. 

Use for online shopping

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw online shopping slowly becoming a normal practice. It was during this period that eBay emerged and became a cultural phenomenon. eBay was such a major player in the online retail space that the 2005 comedy blockbuster The 40-Year-Old Virgin had an entire eBay subplot.

When PayPal became a publicly traded company in 2002, it was almost immediately bought out by eBay. eBay saw that having an online payment provider would expand the online retailer space and make online shopping easier and safer for customers. PayPal would remain the official payment servicer for eBay until 2014.

As eBay grew in popularity, so did PayPal. eBay users began to use PayPal for more and more of their online shopping transactions. A partnership with Mastercard in 2007 expanded where PayPal could be used. By 2010, PayPal had over 100 million users from 25 different currency areas.

PayPal was set free by eBay in 2014. As a separate entity, PayPal has continued to acquire smaller payment service companies in order to expand its reach and the services it can offer. Alongside online shopping, users can now send personal payments, create savings accounts and invest in cryptocurrencies. It now has at least 425 million users, spread across 202 markets.

Use at online casinos

There was a period in PayPal’s history where it refused to process payments related to gambling. This lasted from 2003 to 2010. In 2010, PayPal resumed its relationships with gambling brands, with some new rules. The company would only process funds from gambling brands that were fully regulated and operating with all necessary licenses, and PayPal is now used across many entertainment platforms.

As a payment method for online casinos, PayPal has a lot of positives. Their refusal to work with unlicensed sites makes PayPal a very trustworthy payment processor. The Casinomeister guide to withdrawal times shows that PayPal withdrawals are consistently processed faster than most of the other well-established payment methods. Additionally, PayPal’s international acceptance means players can use it at online casinos around the world.

Charity

The PayPal Giving Fund is a registered charity operated by PayPal. Its purpose is to streamline the donation process so that non-profit organizations and charities can receive their funds faster and without having to sacrifice a huge percentage to middlemen.

Having a charitable project like this improves PayPal’s reputation. Some of the charities that participate in the PayPal Giving Fund are Save the Children, the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Florida Yorkie Rescue and Operation Kindness.

Cryptocurrency

Investing in cryptocurrency is becoming a mainstream form of portfolio diversification. PayPal saw the potential for mass market cryptocurrency investment and jumped at the chance to further expand their operations. They partnered with Paxos Trust to enable their users to spend, trade and manage cryptocurrency investments.

By branching out into cryptocurrency, PayPal has guaranteed that it will remain relevant even if there are major changes to the world’s financial systems. Embracing innovation has always been key to PayPal’s brand strategy and it is one of the main reasons why they have been able to revolutionise online payments in the 25 years since they were founded.

Final thoughts

The issues surrounding Honey and PayPal’s potential complicity in affiliate link replacement are going to be a small blip in the history and reputation of the company. As this article has shown, PayPal is a dominant force in the online payment world and one scandal is unlikely to shake that.

The real threat to PayPal’s dominance comes from the constant appearance of new payment apps and digital banks. However, the name recognition, positive reputation, and international availability that PayPal enjoys make it nearly impossible for any tech upstart to take its place.

As it’s a game of chance where cards are dealt randomly, you might not realize that good bankroll management plays an important role in video poker. Once you understand how it works, you can enjoy playing this game in a way that suits you.

Choose How You Want to Play

Video poker can be played in various ways. Your first decision is around the version you want to play. Your approach to bankroll management when you play video poker will depend on the version of the game you choose. Deuces Wilds uses the 2s as a type of wild, meaning that they can stand in for other cards to complete winning hands. Jacks or Better is based on the same basic gameplay but the 2s aren’t wild, although the lowest winning hand of two jacks is included on the paytable.

Once you’ve seen which game you want to try, the next question is how you prefer to play. Video poker can be played with a small bet size of just a few coins or you could choose a larger amount if this suits you. A smaller bet amount will help you reduce the volatility level, as you can expect to play more games and potentially receive more regular, smaller payouts as a result.

On the other hand, using a larger bet size means that you might run out of funds more quickly if you get non-winning hands. However, if you get a paying poker hand, then the prize is going to be bigger if you’ve placed a more substantial bet. Look at the paytable at the side of the screen to see how much the different hands pay. 

A royal flush is typically the most valuable combination, paying 800x the wagered figure on Deuces Wild Multi-Hand by Playtech, followed by the other strong poker hands like a straight flush, four of a kind, and a full house, each with smaller prizes. Some video poker games also include a jackpot prize, but you might need to place a certain value of wager to have a chance to claim it.

Adopt a Responsible Approach

Sensible bankroll management is a crucial aspect of responsible gambling in any game. By setting a reasonable betting limit at the start, you can avoid running into problems like chasing losses and betting more than you can afford to lose later on. By working out how much you want to play with in a single session or spread over a day, you can more easily work out the amount you want to wager on each hand played. 

Since it has a relatively high return to player (RTP), video poker tends to pay out wins fairly regularly.  However, with a random number generator making the exact cards dealt totally unpredictable, you can’t expect to see guaranteed wins every time you play. Therefore, having a bankroll limit in place ensures that you only gamble with an amount that you feel comfortable with. 

You should look to use the casino’s responsible gambling tools to set deposit and betting limits before you get started. It’s also worth taking a look at the rest of the responsible gambling information, as this helps you to understand some of the other steps to take and warning signs to look out for so that you can play safely and without any worries.  

Don’t let the simple gameplay and easy-to-understand layout cause you to think that video poker is a game that doesn’t require a degree of bankroll management. By simply thinking for a few minutes about how you want to play, you can choose the bankroll approach that’s right for you.