A 2.99 per cent council tax rise has been proposed for Gedling borough residents to help the authority ‘ensure financial sustainability’.
The increase was approved by Gedling Borough Council’s cabinet in a meeting on Thursday (19).
For the 2026/27 financial year, beginning on April 1, council tax for the borough is planned to increase by 2.99 per cent, which is £5.82 more a year for a Band D property. Around half of council tax payers in Gedling borough live in Band A or Band B properties.
With the rise, Band A properties will pay £3.86 more a year, with Band B paying £4.51, Band C paying £5.15, Band D paying £5.82, Band E paying £7.08, Band F paying £8.37, Band G paying £9.65 and Band H properties paying £11.58.
The final local government settlement – detailing how much funding councils will receive – was announced on February 9 by the Labour Government and is the first multi-year settlement in a decade, covering the period between the 2026/27 and 2028/29 financial years.
Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, finance officer Tina Adams described it as “like wading through treacle” due to changes to funding formulas.
The council’s increase in core spending power – money available for councils to fund their services- has risen by 6.4 per cent for 2026/27 compared to the current financial year but Ms Adams stated: “Whilst this is an increase, a number of grants previously received have been rolled into this new calculation.”
The final settlement also brought “significant changes” to business rates pooling, an area where Gedling is projecting funding losses in the hundreds of thousands in 2027/28 and 2028/29.
The council is expecting “quite a lot of pressures” in 2026/27, including a reduction in investment income by £300,000 due to falling interest rates, an ongoing £100,000 cost for local government reorganisation and a £250,000 budget for a food waste collections pilot scheme.
It also needs to find around £2.53 million in savings “in the next few years” as part of its money-saving programme.
Despite these challenges, the council is still expecting financial sustainability over the next few years.
Ms Adams said to councillors: “I am duly advising cabinet the estimates are sufficiently robust and we do have a level of reserves forecast for March 2027 which I professionally consider to be adequate to ensure financial sustainability while still recognising the increasing risk we are currently facing over the medium term.”
Cllr David Ellis (Lab) said: “I think [officers] described it as wading through treacle – I think it’s more smoke and mirrors than treacle, trying to make sense of any of this.
“The only bottom line is austerity continues. Whatever extra money is available is going to upper-tier authorities for roads, social care and SEND, not for services we provide.
“We’ve still got a robust financial position which is bottom line for us.”
While not bound by any regulations, many councils, including Middlesborough and Nottingham, consider 7.5 per cent of the authority’s entire revenue budget to be a good amount of reserves. Gedling’s council has the same goal.
This money is kept for unforeseen costs and emergencies and for Gedling this figure would be £1.26 million in 2026/27.
But the authority is projected to exceed this in 2026/27 at £5.72 million, meaning it has a surplus of £4.46 million as usable, spare money.
This surplus sits at £2.57 million in 2027/28 and just under £500,000 in 2028/29.
Online casinos continue to gain popularity, and the online casino landscape is forever changing thanks to the latest technological innovations. One of the most captivating developments has been the emergence of feature-rich online slot machines that now provide more intricate storylines, captivating themes, and likeable protagonists than ever before.
These stories not only enhance the gaming experience but also immerse players in a world beyond mere spinning reels. With that in mind, let’s now delve deeper into the significance of storylines found in many of the iGaming industry’s most iconic slots and how they shape player experiences today.
How Slots Became Experience-Led
Gone are the days when slot machines were merely about landing three or more matching symbols across any of the active payline to win prizes. Today, online slots are designed with the player experience in mind, intertwining gameplay with narrative and character development.
Modern players seek an engaging atmosphere where they can escape reality, and the creative developers behind the games have risen to the occasion, producing new and interesting games that offer multi-layered narratives.
Themes in online slots have become increasingly diverse, ranging from Leprechauns and the Luck of the Irish to the grandeur of Ancient Greece and Egypt. These themes serve as backdrops for the narratives players can immerse themselves in.
For example, a slot based on Norse mythology may allow players to encounter legendary figures such as Odin and Thor while revealing story elements as they progress through the game. Each spin tells a part of a larger tale, which draws players deeper into the adventure. Even online slots without characters are proving to be just as popular, such as Pragmatic Play’s fishing-themed Big Bass Bonanza slot series.
According to a study conducted by Gambling Zone*, the original Big Bass Bonanza online slot machine was the most played slot in 2025, with more than 20% of gamers playing it at some point.
When Slot Characters Become Brands
Character development is a vital aspect of the storyline in modern online slots. Likeable characters can create emotional connections, making the gaming experience more memorable.
For example, NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest features the charming Gonzo, an adventurous conquistador exploring the riches of South America. Players not only engage with the gameplay mechanics but also root for Gonzo in his quest, creating a sense of camaraderie.
Similarly, characters such as John Hunter from Pragmatic Play and Rich Wilde from Play’n GO have transcended their games, becoming recognizable figures within the casino community.
These protagonists navigate through various challenges and mythical landscapes, inviting players to join their journeys. Even antagonists are well-crafted to add depth to the stories, making the game more dynamic and engaging.
How Themes Influence Retention
Today’s slots offer a wide array of themes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether a player is interested in the Wild West’s rugged adventures, the mysterious allure of horror elements, or the dazzling luxuries of a wealth-themed game, the options are plentiful.
Slots with classical themes, such as Ancient Egypt entice players with hieroglyphics and pharaohs, while fantasy themes dive into imaginative realms filled with magical creatures. Sports-themed slots attract fans with imagery from their favorite events, whereas sugary delights feature vibrant fruits and candy motifs that appeal to those with a sweet tooth.
These thematic variations are crucial as they cater to different player preferences and help to ensure wider appeal across demographics. As players become more selective, the presence of rich storylines enhances engagement by providing not just gameplay, but a narrative journey.
How Technology Enables Deeper Narratives
Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and graphics, have revolutionized how stories are told in online slots. Sophisticated algorithms analyze player behavior, allowing developers to tailor story experiences that resonate with audiences.
Stunning visuals, high-quality animations, and carefully crafted soundtracks create an atmosphere that draws players in.
As new titles are released, they often push the boundaries of storytelling even further. Games now incorporate interactive elements where players can influence the storyline by allowing them to choose which bonus round they would prefer to win prizes from or choose different paths, which adds a layer of personalization and unpredictability.
This innovative approach to storytelling makes each session unique, enhancing replay value and player satisfaction.
Has Narrative Become a Competitive Edge?
The integration of storylines in online slot machines has transformed the way players interact with games. This evolution has made slots more immersive and engaging, turning them into intricate narratives filled with captivating characters, rich themes, and innovative gameplay.
As players explore these feature-rich environments, they are not just seeking monetary rewards. They are participating in an unfolding adventure. The pursuit for engaging gameplay will continue to thrive, particularly at platforms where you can play online slots for free to experience all the narrative-driven excitement.
With advanced technologies paving the way, the future of online slots promises even more engaging stories for players to explore.
Online casino rules have become stricter over the years. As things stand, not only do casino players face stake limits, but they are also dealing with limits as to how much time and money they can spend on online casinos. For these and other reasons, many players have opted to try their hand at non gamstop casinos as these are not subject to the same requirements. But what about at the local level? Are local councils also changing their approach when dealing with casinos? We look at how Gedling Borough has taken charge of this emerging issue and what this means for its residents.
Are There Casinos in Gedling Borough?
While many boroughs have opened their doors to fully-fledged casinos, Gedling is yet to do the same. Instead, residents are able to access the following alternatives:
Adult gaming centres. These venues, which boast amenities such as high-payout gaming machines, are quite close to casinos. However, they do not host live table games, which is their main takeaway.
Betting shops. While these are not casinos per se, they cater to casino players who also dabble in sports betting. And with a majority of UK residents doing so, these shops get quite a lot of traffic.
In addition to these options, residents of Gedling Borough can travel to nearby locations with fully-fledged casinos. Nottingham city centre is a good example of this. Only about 20 minutes away, it is an ideal spot for casino players who want the full experience. Of course, these players can also go online and access hundreds of casino games without leaving their homes, which is another reason online casino gambling has become a mainstay in this region.
So, Why Did The Borough Review Casino Venue Tax Contributions?
While Gedling may not be home to the typical casinos, it still collects the equivalent of casino venue tax contributions. These are essentially the premise licence fees from operators such as the adult gaming centres and the betting shops. This money covers the costs of inspections while also providing the council with revenue, which is essential in funding public projects.
Given the importance of these fees in the council’s financial health, it reviews its casino venue tax policies every few years. Its last review, which took place in 2024, was brought on by the following factors:
The statutory requirement. Per the Gambling Act, Gedling must update its Statement of Gambling Policy every three years. As such, with the 2025 to 2028 period coming up, the council needed to determine where it stood on the same and what changes would take place before communicating its stance to its residents and other stakeholders.
The need for more scrutiny. For a couple of years, Gedling Council was the subject of controversy after findings revealed that a council employee had made away with up to a million pounds. The said employee had been using council revenue to fund a gambling addiction, and this resulted in uproar from the rest of the council and the residents at large. With such a high-profile fraud case, the council had to review its casino licensing fees while also tightening its grip on how it handles its finances.
But what about online casinos operating in the area? While these operators are subject to taxes and other fees, they direct these funds to the Gambling Commission, as it is in charge of these casino operations.
Factors Considered in the Review.
Reviewing casino venue taxes is not an easy decision. After all, if the council is too restrictive, then the adult gaming centres and betting shops can take their business elsewhere, which can result in lost revenue. At the same time, if a council is too liberal, it opens itself up to an environment where the betting shops and adult gaming centres may make choices that harm the residents. Thus, to ensure that a balance exists, the council considered the following factors in its last review:
The vulnerability of its residents. Some residents, such as children, are more vulnerable to making poor decisions when it comes to gambling. As such, the council had to think of these people, which is why they came up with local area profiles that mapped these vulnerability zones.
The administrative costs. The council charges its adult gaming centres and betting shops a fee that covers its administrative costs. They had to weigh whether the existing fees were adequate to meet their enforcement costs.
The council also had to think about whether it would change its position on casinos, as it had not issued new casino licenses in its past reviews.
What Was the Way Forward?
After much deliberation, the council came to the conclusion that they would not be permitting any new casinos within the borough, citing that the area did not need one because nearby locations, like Nottingham, already served this need quite well. However, while they were not going to welcome any new players, they had some changes for their existing licensees, which revolved around their new vulnerability zones, and they came up with new policies for any venues that were within 400 meters of any of these zones.
And in line with its changing operational costs, the council revised its licensing fees to ensure that they could meet all its administrative costs without losing money or passing the cost to its taxpayers.
A registered sex offender is back behind bars after threatening a BBC radio presenter and breaching a strict court order that prohibited him from deleting messages on his phone without permission.
Michael James, aged 57, has convictions for sexual offences dating back to 1993 – including against children – and been subject to multiple Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.
PICTURED: Michael James (IMAGE: Notts Police)
In April 2021, he was jailed for two-and-a-half years for sending his probation officer a video of a sex act and committing an act outraging public decency at a bus stop in Nottingham.
Upon his release, he was made subject of a prevention order with 11 strict conditions, with one stating he “must not delete any electronic messages from any electronic communication device without the express permission of a representative of the Chief Constable for the respective police area”.
On November 21 last year, officers visited his address after it was reported he had sent a threatening and offence message into BBC Radio Nottingham that had been racially aggravated and aimed at one of the station’s presenters.
He was arrested and taken into custody, where checks found he had deleted a number of WhatsApp messages sent to the radio station from his device.
James, of Frobisher Gardens, Daybrook was subsequently charged with sending a communication threatening death or serious harm and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He pleaded guilty to both offences and was jailed for 40 weeks after appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (17).
Sergeant Elizabeth Williams, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “James has an appalling criminal record and had multiple spells behind bars.
“As a result, he is on the sex offenders register for life and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which are designed to protect the public from individuals like James.
“As he has just found out to his cost, these orders have real teeth, and the courts take a very dim view of those who flout them in any way.
“The judicial system has also made it clear that the right to freedom of expression does not extend to sending grossly offensive and threatening messages and the abuse James subjected the presenter to was simply unacceptable.
“I am pleased James is back behind bars and he should be in no doubt about what will happen to him if he commits any further offences of this kind in the future.”
Gedling MP Michael Payne has joined the fight to save an Arnold pub after staff got in touch to share fears about its future.
Mr Payne took to social media over the weekend to share the news that The Ernehale pub is facing the threat of being sold and closed by owners Wetherspoons.
He has now written a letter to brewery bosses calling for a meeting to discuss their proposed closure plans and ‘explore any alternatives to avoid the closure’.
PICTURED: Gedling MP Michael Payne
The MP said: “Losing Arnold’s Wetherspoons would result in job losses for local families, leave yet another vacant building in the heart of Arnold and our local community would lose an affordable venue where many elderly residents come together to meet friends.
“I’ve now written to the Chairman and Chief Executive of JD Wetherspoon plc urging them to reconsider any decision to sell off and close The Ernehale in Arnold.”
The MP has also created a petition and has called on the public to back the campaign to save the pub from shutting its doors for good.
He wrote: “Let’s send a strong message from Arnold’s community to JD Wetherspoon plc urging them to reconsider their decision and keep Arnold’s Wetherspoons open.”
Devastated members of a long-standing bowls club are fearing for its future after a council refused to U-turn on plans to exclude it from a new leisure centre.
Gedling Indoor Bowls Club’s future has been vulnerable since September 2025 after Gedling Borough Council decided to no longer include it in its plans for a new leisure centre in Carlton.
This ‘Carlton Active’ project involve a new centre being built on the Richard Herrod site and could include an eight-lane swimming pool and teaching pool, a 100-station gym, community rooms and a café.
Members of the bowls club – which opened in 1987 and is based in the Forum Leisure Centre – have been protesting for months to safeguard the club’s future. But in a meeting on Thursday (February 19) the council has confirmed its stance to exclude the bowls from the new centre remains unchanged.
The decision, the authority says, is due to “significant affordability, design and deliverability risks” and a required “significantly larger” footprint would likely result in the “highest-demand” facilities such as the swimming pool or gym being removed or reduced.
The council is continuing its offer of “non-financial” support to the club to look for relocation options.
But the club’s board of directors plans to continue fighting to ensure the bowls club has a secure location from which it can continue to operate. Its current lease runs out on April 30.
Speaking to the local democracy reporting service (LDRS), Jenny Higgins, a director at the club, said it would be taking a “two-pronged” approach going forward, putting pressure on the council to help find the group a new spot and work with their legal advisers.
She said: “A lot of people are very angry. A lot of people are completely and utterly distressed about it.
“I know myself and fellow directors will continue to fight – we’re not going to give up.”
Ms Higgins says the cost to refurbish a venue to accommodate a bowls hall is around £3 million.
She said: “The biggest issue is time and money we don’t have. The time we’ve got to [find the money] isn’t there.
“If they’d been open and honest with us back last February when we asked the question whether indoor bowling was still an option we could have probably got some grants, fundraising and sponsorship by then.”
The director added that because of this, she was “not very confident” about the club’s future at this stage.
The bowls club has around 320 members aged between 25 and 92 and runs 2,200 sessions each month, including for bowlers with disabilities.
Group members are “devastated” at the prospect their club could cease to exist, where it has acted as a “lifeline” for members who experience mental health difficulties and isolation while promoting physical activity for older members and those with disabilities.
Ms Higgins was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and missed most of the 2024/25 season as she was receiving treatment.
While her diagnosis is “looking positive” now, she told the LDRS: “One of the things that’s helped me recover was being determined to get back onto the green in September 2025 as I finished chemotherapy.
“Knowing I could try get back to some sort of level of bowling ability, play with my friends, be competitive, have a laugh and not think about the fact I’ve had this diagnosis hanging over my head.
“Without that to come back to, I don’t think my health would have improved as much as it has, physically and mentally.”
The long-standing club has offered mental respite for some players, with 65-year-old Len Knight, who has been a member for 25 years, previously telling the LDRS in September it was an “outlet” for his depression and anxiety.
He said: “The people at the bowls club understood my problem. They would listen to me. I could talk to them. It was more of a community that brought me back.”
Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, Councillor Henry Wheeler (Lab), portfolio holder for lifestyles, health and wellbeing, called the club “part of the fabric” of the community but reiterated the council’s financial risk.
He added: “The equality impact assessment recognises the importance of provision for older residents and those with conditions.
“Carlton Active responds with a fully accessible design and a dedicated exercise suite which uses power-assisted equipment, designed to support all adults, those with long-term health conditions, those undergoing rehabilitation.
“[The club’s] lease comes to a scheduled end on the 30th April, 2026, which has been known to the club for some time – this is not sudden or premature termination, it is not an eviction, it is a natural point of transition.”
Leader of the council, John Clarke (Lab), questioned whether Nottinghamshire County Council could help find a new home for the bowls, adding: “I think we do owe the bowls club… this game is disappearing across the country and we don’t want to be part of that, but we can’t finance this.
“If there’s any way forward we can apply pressure to get somewhere, there must be buildings, then we can assist Gedling bowls to carry on.”
Two petitions have been set up since September to save the club in council plans, with one having more than 1,000 signatures.
Earlier council documents said both existing leisure centres faced more than £2 million in backlog works and require a yearly subsidy of around £545,000. The new wider project is currently estimated to cost just under £30 million.
If you’re tired of waiting days for sportsbook payouts or dealing with blocked bank transfers, crypto casino platforms have changed the game completely. The best sites in 2026 now combine full-service sportsbooks with huge casino game libraries, letting you bet on 30 to 50+ sports using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or dozens of other cryptocurrencies. Your deposits land instantly, and withdrawals clear in minutes instead of the week-long wait you’d face at traditional bookmakers.
The advantages for sports bettors are straightforward. You get odds margins sitting at 5 to 6% compared to the 7 to 8% standard at old-school fiat sportsbooks, which means better value on every single wager. Add in live in-play betting, bet builder tools, and cash-out features funded by crypto, and you’ve got a setup that traditional platforms can’t match. This guide covers five crypto casinos that excel in sports betting while packing thousands of casino games on the side, all selected for odds quality, payout speed, bonus fairness, and licensing standards.
How We Selected the Best Crypto Casino Sites for Sports Betting
Our team tested integrated crypto casino sportsbooks throughout January and February 2026, putting each platform through the same evaluation process. We measured sports coverage depth, tracked odds margins across major leagues, tested live betting performance, verified crypto payout times, and analyzed bonus terms line by line.
Our selection focused on five specific areas:
Sportsbook depth and market coverage: Total sports offered, betting markets per event, live in-play options, bet builder availability, cash-out features
Odds competitiveness: Measured margins across major sports, preferring platforms consistently under the 7 to 8% industry average
Cryptocurrency support and payout speed: Number of accepted cryptocurrencies, deposit and withdrawal processing times, transaction fees, withdrawal limits
Sports betting bonuses: Dedicated sportsbook welcome offers, free bet promotions, rakeback on sports wagers, and wagering requirement fairness
Platform reliability and licensing: Regulatory status, SSL encryption, uptime performance, mobile optimization, customer support availability
Best Crypto Casino Sites for Sports Betting Enthusiasts
After testing dozens of platforms, these five stood out for sports bettors who want the full crypto casino experience:
JB Casino
BiggerZ
BC.Game
CasinOK
JackBIT
Best Crypto Casino Sites for Sports Betting – Detailed Profiles
JB Casino
Sportsbook Coverage: 35+ sports plus 17 eSports options; 150 to 270+ betting markets per major fixture; live in-play betting with live tracker, stats, and expert tips
Odds Competitiveness: Basketball margins at 5.28%, football at 5.8%, and eSports at just 4.7%, consistently below the 7 to 8% industry average
Welcome Bonus: Multi-deposit sports welcome package with deposit boosts and free bets across first four deposits; 20x wagering requirement
Cryptocurrency Support: 130+ cryptocurrencies accepted including BTC, ETH, SOL, USDT, XRP, DOGE; instant crypto withdrawals; fiat also supported via Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Company Overview: Since opening in 2025, JB Casino has built a crypto-first site that stands out for pricing and market depth. Major fixtures get 150 to 270+ betting markets with odds margins well below traditional bookmakers. The platform includes a bet builder, cash-out options, and a daily high-roller contest where top bettors earn up to 50% of their daily wagers in BCD tokens. JB Casino also packs 10,000+ casino games from 80+ providers, including JB’s top slots, and serves as Principal Partner of the Barbados Royals cricket team.
Best For: Value-conscious crypto sports bettors seeking the lowest odds margins and deepest market coverage across 35+ sports and 17 eSports
Standout Feature: 130+ cryptocurrency support paired with industry-leading odds margins (5.28% basketball, 4.7% eSports) and 150 to 270+ markets per fixture
BiggerZ
Sportsbook Coverage: 20+ sports with strong eSports tournament support; pre-match and live in-play betting; thousands of daily markets across football, basketball, tennis, and eSports
Rakeback System: Automatic 5% daily rakeback on all casino and sports wagers with no opt-in required; weekly bonuses up to 500 USDT; monthly rewards up to 1,000 USDT
Welcome Bonus: 150% match up to 1,500 USDT on first deposit; promo code WO; 40x wagering within 14 days
Casino Library: 5,800+ games from 50+ providers, including Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Play’n GO, and NetEnt; 350+ live dealer tables
Cryptocurrency Support: Crypto-exclusive platform; 11 major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, DOGE, XRP, ADA, BNB, TRX, BCH, USDC); instant deposits and withdrawals; zero transaction limits; Anjouan Gaming Commission license
Company Overview: BiggerZ opened in 2025 as a crypto-exclusive casino and sportsbook run by CDK PLAY INC Limitada under an Anjouan Gaming Commission license. Built mobile-first, every sportsbook feature runs smoothly on smartphones without losing functionality. BiggerZ applies 5% daily rakeback automatically to all casino and sports wagers with no opt-in or threshold needed, making it rewarding for regular sports bettors. Combined with weekly and monthly bonuses, players access up to 1,500 USDT in monthly bonus potential on top of daily rakeback.
Screenshot
Best For: Mobile-first sports bettors who want automatic daily rakeback on every wager without opt-ins or complex promotion requirements
Standout Feature: 5% daily rakeback on all sports and casino bets applied automatically, plus up to 1,500 USDT in combined monthly bonus rewards
BC.Game
Sportsbook Coverage: Full sportsbook with pre-match and in-play betting across major sports, including football, basketball, tennis, cricket, MMA, and eSports; one unified wallet across casino and sportsbook
Odds and Features: Competitive odds with bet builder tool, cash-out options, and combo bets; live match tracker and real-time statistics on major events
Welcome Bonus: 470% up to $4,000 + 400 free spins across four deposits; 40x wagering; 30-day expiry; separate sports-specific promotions available
Casino Library: 10,000+ games including provably fair BC Originals (Crash, Plinko, Dice, Limbo, Blackjack); Zero Edge program returning 100% house edge as wagering-free $BC tokens
Cryptocurrency Support: 150+ cryptocurrencies accepted; withdrawals in 5 to 10 minutes; Curaçao eGaming license (No. OGL/2024/1353/0918); active since 2017
Company Overview: BC.Game has run since 2017 under a Curaçao eGaming license and delivers one of the most established integrated casino and sportsbook experiences in crypto gaming. The platform covers major sports with pre-match and live in-play betting through a single wallet system that lets players switch between casino games and sports wagers without friction. BC.Game’s provably fair BC Originals and Zero Edge program, which returns 100% of house edge as wagering-free $BC tokens, adds extra value for players who split time between sports betting and casino gaming.
Best For: All-round crypto gamblers who want a unified wallet for casino and sports, backed by 150+ cryptocurrencies and eight years of operation
Standout Feature: Single-wallet pairing across 10,000+ casino games and a full sportsbook, plus the Zero Edge program returning house edge as wagering-free $BC tokens
CasinOK
Sportsbook Coverage: 32+ sports, including football, basketball, tennis, American football, golf, ice hockey, snooker, badminton, and water polo; eSports covering League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike; live betting section with multi-view for following multiple events at once
Sports Welcome Bonus: 125% match up to $2,000 in free bets on first deposit; minimum $20 deposit; 20x wagering requirement with 3 selections per ticket at minimum odds of 1.40
Unique Features: StreamBet feature allowing live betting during slot streams; up to $20,000 cashback; Boss Club loyalty program with 10 levels offering up to $100,000 in cash at the top tier
Casino Library: 7,000+ games from providers including Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, Nolimit City, Play’n GO, NetEnt, Betsoft, and Evolution
Company Overview: CasinOK opened in 2025 as a crypto-only casino and sportsbook run by Ryker B.V. under a Curaçao Gaming Authority license. The platform covers 32+ sports with competitive odds (football margins 6.4 to 8.3%, basketball around 7%) plus a live betting section with multi-view for tracking several events at once. CasinOK’s StreamBet feature lets players place live bets during slot streams, bridging casino and sports entertainment uniquely. The Boss Club loyalty program rewards dedicated players across 10 levels, with the top tier offering up to $100,000 in cash.
Best For: Sports bettors who value deep market coverage across 32+ sports with unique engagement features like StreamBet and a highly rewarding loyalty program
Standout Feature: StreamBet feature for live betting during slot streams, combined with a 10-level Boss Club loyalty program offering up to $100,000 in cash rewards
JackBIT
Sportsbook Coverage: 30+ sports plus eSports and virtual sports; 75,000+ pre-match events and 82,000+ live events; bet builder, cash-out, and live HD streaming on selected matches; Twitch pairing for eSports
Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% no-risk first bet up to $100; minimum $20 parlay with 4+ selections at odds of 1.40+ each; free bet stake not returned, but winnings are cash; 3+1 FreeBet ongoing promotion (place 3 combo bets, get 1 free bet worth 15% of total value); 10% bet insurance on losing parlays
Rakeback System: VIP rakeback from 5% up to 30% based on tier level; no wagering requirements on rakeback; 500-point minimum threshold to claim
Casino Library: 7,000+ games from 90+ providers, including Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, Evolution, and NetEnt; 200+ live dealer tables; daily slot tournaments with 1,000 free spins prize pool
Cryptocurrency Support: 20+ cryptocurrencies accepted (BTC, ETH, USDT, SOL, DOGE, LTC, XRP, BNB, ADA, XMR, SHIB, and more); instant withdrawals typically under 10 minutes; no KYC for standard transactions; Curaçao eGaming license (No. OGL/2024/1800/1049); operated by Ryker B.V.; launched 2022
Company Overview: JackBIT opened in 2022 and runs under Ryker B.V.’s Curaçao eGaming license, the same operator behind CasinOK. The sportsbook covers 30+ sports with 75,000+ pre-match and 82,000+ live events, making it one of the most comprehensive crypto sportsbooks around. JackBIT’s no-KYC registration and instant crypto withdrawals (typically under 10 minutes) appeal to privacy-focused bettors, while the wager-free rakeback system rewards sports activity at up to 30%. Native Twitch pairing for eSports betting and a bet builder added in 2025 strengthen the sports experience.
Best For: Privacy-focused sports bettors who want no-KYC access, wager-free rakeback up to 30%, and one of the largest live event counts in crypto sports betting
Standout Feature: 82,000+ live betting events with Twitch-paired eSports streaming, wager-free rakeback up to 30%, and no-KYC instant crypto withdrawals
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crypto Casino for Sports Betting
Odds Margins and Pricing
Crypto sportsbooks don’t all price their odds the same way. Margins range from 4.7% up to 8% or more, depending on the sport and platform. Lower margins translate to better value on every bet you place, so take time to compare odds across several sites before settling on one. Even a 1 to 2% difference adds up over hundreds of wagers.
Live Betting and Streaming Quality
Live in-play betting is where crypto sportsbooks really shine. Odds refresh every few seconds, and bet settlement happens instantly. Look for platforms offering live match trackers, real-time stats, and HD streaming on selected events. The best sites let you cash out on live bets and provide multi-view options for monitoring several matches at the same time.
Sports-Specific Bonuses vs Casino Bonuses
Many crypto casinos focus their welcome offers on casino play rather than sports betting. Check whether the platform offers dedicated sportsbook bonuses like free bets, risk-free first wagers, or sports-specific rakeback. Confirm how sports bets contribute to wagering requirements too, since some bonuses only count casino wagers toward clearing.
Withdrawal Limits and Processing Speed
Crypto payouts beat fiat hands down for speed, but withdrawal limits vary quite a bit between platforms. Some cap weekly withdrawals at $5,000 to $25,000, while others offer unlimited options. If you’re a high-volume bettor, go for platforms with higher limits and instant processing so your bankroll doesn’t get stuck waiting.
Unified Wallet and VIP Program Access
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Final Thoughts
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A housing developer has announced a new collaboration with Jigsaw Homes Group to deliver 43 much-needed affordable homes at its flagship Linby Meadows development.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the ambitious 763-home development in Linby. The project, supported by Nottinghamshire Country Council, will offer a vibrant mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, maisonettes, and apartments.
The scheme will also introduce new parks, sports facilities, wildlife corridors, and safe pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as a brand-new primary school.
Garnet Fazackerley, Operations Director of Development at Jigsaw Homes Group, said:“As a significant housing development providing new homes via a Section 106 agreement, this scheme demonstrates how planning policy can meaningfully deliver both quality new homes for sale and much‑needed affordable housing.
“We’re proud to join forces with Vistry to provide properties that offer comfort, security and opportunity for local people. Our partnership is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about supporting communities and creating green, welcoming spaces for everyone.”
Gedling councillors are appealing for urgent road repairs after a busy main Nottinghamshire road was left littered with ‘crater’ potholes.
The dire condition of the A612 Colwick Loop Road has been showcased in a video made and shared by Conservative Nottinghamshire County and Gedling Borough Councillor Mike Adams on Facebook on Monday (February 16) calling on the County Council to repair the road in his area.
At the time of writing, the video had 34,000 views.
The junction next to the Marks and Spencer’s at Victoria Retail Park, in Netherfield, has been in a deteriorated, crumbling state for around eight, weeks according to Cllr Adams.
In January 2025 the section had temporary repairs where potholes were filled in but speaking on these quick-fixes, Cllr Adams says “you might as well pour Weetabix in it”.
He said: “It’s just deteriorated massively in eight weeks, you can’t drive over it at more than five miles per hour.
“It’s in a braking zone, making it potential dangerous because your vehicle’s out of control.”
The councillor says he has contacted highway officials at the County Council in recent days highlighting the issues and is ‘awaiting updates’.
Councillor Sam Smith (Con), who also sits on the County Council and represents the Trent Valley ward on the Borough Council alongside Cllr Adams, described the potholes as ‘craters’.
He said: “I drive that road every single day, twice a day to and from County Hall – I feel like I’ve fell through the road to Australia and back. It’s atrocious.
“People drive into different lanes to avoid them. They’re definitely category one defects where the County Council has a responsibility to fill them in within 24 hours – that’s not been adhered to.
“It’s causing damage to cars, it’s frustrating to drivers and it’s dangerous. It’s both sides – you get rattled about on the way into Nottingham and rattled about on the way out.”
Cllr Smith said policy under the previous Conservative administration at the County Council was to temporary repair roads within 24 hours but then to return within 90 days to complete a resurfacing section.
One woman, who works at Noble Electrical Contractors in Great Northern Way, said she purposely avoids the potholes in her car.
She said: “I’m going into the right lane which you shouldn’t do. It’s that bad I’d rather go round. If you have to go through it you have to go through at your slowest – even then you can hear it.
“Every time I come to this road I think ‘they’ve definitely got to have fixed it by now’… I don’t understand how this one is not [fixed].
“The weather’s not getting better any time soon, the cold makes it worse and they’re not keeping on top of it. How bad does it need to get?”
Cllr Mick Barton, whose Reform group took control of the council last year, was responding to his party’s leader, Nigel Farage, who said he wanted an “attitudinal change to the idea of working from home” at a rally in Birmingham.
Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) currently has a hybrid working policy, meaning the work week for many staff is often split between office and home-based.
The authority is still advertising hybrid working roles on its website.
Cllr Barton said: “Here at Nottinghamshire County Council we have a working from home policy that works very well.
“We are encouraging working from the office. I totally agree with Nigel that staff are more productive working from the office. We are changing the culture.
“But the reality at NCC is that we literally do not have the desk space for everyone to be in five days a week.”
Recently, Mr Farage said: “You can’t go on the sick because you’ve got mild anxiety. But it is an attitudinal change that Britain needs.
“An attitudinal change to hard work, rather than work-life balance. An attitudinal change to the idea of working from home.
“People aren’t more productive working at home, it’s a load of nonsense. They’re more productive being with other fellow human beings, and working as part of a team.”
Cllr Sam Smith had been the leader of the council for the Conservatives before Reform took control.
Now speaking as leader of the opposition, he said his group would have encouraged more people to return to the office, arguing “no Teams message beats in-person office talking between colleagues.”
“Being in the office prevents silo working and duplication and increases productivity with better outcomes,” he said.
“Staffing working together in the office is more efficient than working from home.”
However he questioned Reform’s support for the current council policy based on a lack of office space.
“A large proportion of the council’s workforce are not deal workers and are instead out in the community supporting residents, including social care staff and youth workers,” he added.
“Both County Hall and Oak House have huge amounts of desk space and the county council has access to office space dotted around the county that can accommodate more office working than currently exists.”
