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Nearly a decade after the U.S. Department of Justice seized popular poker website domains on Black Friday, the founder of PokerStars has plead guilty to gambling charges. What lies ahead for him, plus sports betting news from Washington State, are also discussed.
Gambling news this week finds a new online gambling threat to the regulated industry in the United States for the third year in a row. Senator Tom Cotton says he is trying to use the enforcement of the UIGEA to push consumer protections in gambling advertising. However, the darker side to his legislation finds ways to block online gambling payments.
Hello friends, and welcome once again to This Week in Gambling! Seems like we just did this a week ago… and yet here we are again! No matter! Let’s get started with this week’s big story! And hold on to your butts, it’s a little complicated.
Every year it seems someone gets a bug up their rear end and tries to make a name for themselves by picking up the gauntlet against online gambling and pandering to special interests. Why should this year be any different?
There’s a new anti-online gambling bill up on Capitol Hill and this year’s poster boy for decency and morality is Senator Tom Cotton from the state of Arkansas! And before you ask, yes… Yes! Those are his real ears! He’s pushing legislation that’s earmarked with ignorance.Pun intended!
The Prevention of Deception and Child Targeted Advertising in Violation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act… is the short name for the shit Mr. Cotton is shoveling. And it is fundamentally flawed right from the beginning. Let me explain… and I’ll use small words in case anyone from Congress is watching.
Now Mr. Cotton says he’s pushing this bill forward in order to protect the children and consumers… which sounds great on the surface. But dig a little deeper, and in reality this bill is commissioning a study on how internet gaming sites conduct their financial transaction so that in the future they can block them!
You see, the UIGEA permits states to regulate online gambling if they want to do so! And that’s exactly what Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and others have done! So you see, the UIGEA can only be enforced in states where internet gambling is unlawful. You know, NOT regulated!
This legislation is based wholly on the enforcement aspect of the UIGEA, and in states where online gambling is regulated there is no enforcement of the UIGEA! In states where online gambling is NOT regulated there’s no advertising! There’s no financial transactions! There’s nothing to study! Like many things in politics this bill seems to be more about garnering votes and grabbing special interest cash than it is and actually accomplishing anything.
Look, I’m a father of four beautiful girls. I’m 100% behind child protection when it comes to gambling, but that’s not what this bill is about! In reality this is just a thinly veiled backdoor attempt by the Sheldon Adelson party to perpetuate their anti online gambling agenda. And as for Mr. Cotton? Well don’t worry too much about him. I mean, one good gust of wind and he could be drifting over Canada!
Now I realize that advantage players don't have an advantage in online gambling, because the casino can detect them and treat them as cheaters.
Even when you think you're being righteous with Black Jack skills, the casino sees card counting as cheating. It is a gray area that needs to be debated between gamblers and online casinos.
On the other hand, you could seek those online casinos that don't see your betting system as cheating. After you master a betting system, like Fibonacci, D'Alembert, Labouchere, or Martingale, just Google "how to cheat online casinos." You could do well after registering at a casino that doesn't see your system as cheating. If you do take this route, I would do the research online first, any preparation work is wise. You never know what kind of tips you'll get. Try to keep your profitable betting system to yourself, because you really should be mastering more honorable career skills.
Read the full article: FFC Tells Online Casino Secrets.
If you don’t already play online slots, you’re missing out. They’re some of the most exciting, entertaining and enjoyable games you’ll find online today. What makes them so brilliant is that they’re so diverse not only in their theming and appearance, but also in their special features, which can vary greatly. There are thousands upon thousands of online slot machine games waiting to be played, with loads more constantly in development. Why do you need to play slots right now? The answer’s simple: slot games are better and more advanced than they’ve ever been. Plus, there are so many of them that whatever your own preferences are, you’re sure to find many that will appeal to you. Here’s some more information about slots that should convince you to start playing.
Themes
Visit any online casino, look through the collection of slots, and you’ll notice there’s a wide range of themes, ideas and concepts represented. They come in all sorts of imaginative and creative themes - there really is no limit. Some of the many themes that are common to online slots include Ireland, ancient Egypt, outer space, under the sea, Norse mythology, fantasy worlds, riches and wealth, Christmas, Halloween, pirates and the wild west, to name just a few. There are also branded slots - these are themed after pre-existing IPs, such as popular films, TV shows, music acts and celebrities. Examples of branded slot machines include Jumanji, Jurassic World, Game of Thrones, Playboy Gold Jackpots, Guns N’ Roses, Top Gun, Jimi Hendrix and Kiss.
Before online slots started appearing in the late 90s, players had to make do with physical slot machines and video slot machines. Most of these had minimal theming and featured various fruits as symbols, which is why they’re often referred to as ‘fruit machines’. Even though online slots can come in pretty much any theme imaginable, some of them are designed to replicate and pay tribute to classic fruit slots. These fruit-themed games tend to have few special features, if any, and a smaller number of reels. However, there are plenty of sets, such as NetEnt’s Fruit Case slot, that are themed after fruits, but not necessarily fruit machines.
Features
It’s worth mentioning that there are over three hundred different companies around the world, creating online slots. Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n Go, NextGen Gaming and Playtech are a few of the most prolific ones. Not only do providers want their games to look great, they also want them to be fun to play. This is why slots typically include a number of special features to help you win. Some of the most common features you’ll come across include wilds, scatters, free spins, respins and multipliers. Other features such as expanding symbols, sticky symbols, pick-me games, extra-large symbols and synchronised reels can also be found in many releases. Special features are there to make gameplay more exciting and give you more chances to win or improve the value of your win.
Not all slots are packed with loads of features, though. Some do have lots of features going on, while others only have a few to keep gameplay more simple and accessible. Many players, especially beginners, actually prefer those that keep things simple. Slots that have more straightforward gameplay can still be just as lucrative and enjoyable as those that have loads of special features going on.
Payouts
While some people simply enjoy playing slots for free, most people prefer to play for real money. There’s never a guarantee you’ll win, of course, but taking the risk can be a lot of fun - just remember to always gamble responsibly and stick to a budget. Some slots, when played for real money, can be very lucrative indeed. Many can reward you with payouts worth hundreds or even thousands of what your bet is.
The highest-paying slot machines are those that have a progressive jackpot. This is a special type of jackpot that grows whenever someone places a bet on the slot. A portion of the bet contributes to the jackpot and makes it grow. The more people there are playing and the bigger the bets are, the more the jackpot grows. It keeps on getting bigger and bigger until it’s won. Many progressive jackpots offer four-, five- or even six-figure sums to very lucky players. There are even a handful of them that have turned players into millionaires by rewarding them with seven-, or even eight-figure sums.
Online slot machines are some of the best games available to play today. Sure, they’re not as in-depth or engaging as video games, but they’re still just as much fun, and there’s a chance you’ll win real money when playing. If you haven’t yet tried out them, they’re strongly recommended. They’re quick and easy to play, and you can play loads of them on smartphones and tablets, so you’re not restricted to just playing them at home. Over the last few years, so many thrilling, innovative releases have come out, and there are many more yet to come. Start playing online slots today, and you’re bound to have loads of fun playing these brilliant casino games.
At least once in a lifetime, an adult is likely to visit a gambling facility, not because of expectations to earn large sums of money, but for the experience. While it is true that you can also play in online casino Canada, nothing beats the experience of a land-based casino.
If Canada is one of your tourist destinations on your bucket list, then you have to visit some of its gambling facilities. Today we will show you the top five gambling destinations in Canada.
Casino Niagara
Casino Niagara is located in the province of Ontario. It has been around for more than 20 years. Established in 1996, you will find the equivalent of a candy store as far as slot machines are concerned. Casino Niagara has more than 13,000 slot machines.
The casino also has more than 30 tables for those who love card games, roulette, and other table games. There is a separate poker room for those who love multiplayer games. For sports aficionados, there is also a sports section.
The casino has a shuttle service, and you can stay at the Fallsview Casino Resort. If you want, you can also join the Players Advantage Club. To do this, just visit the club booth on the ground floor. You can use this card to redeem many types of freebies. You must be at least 19 years old to be able to enter the casino.
Casino Rama Resort
Also in Ontario, the casino has also been in operation for more than 20 years too. What makes it a sight to behold is that it offers 25 thousand slot machines! Those who want to table games will feel a little overwhelmed—there are 110 table games and regular tournaments in the casino, especially in holiday seasons.
The casino is known for its superstars. Carrie Underwood has performed here. The night is also festive, as there is no shortage of shows and dances to entertain the crowd. If you ever get hungry, there are also eight restaurants that offer unique cuisines.
Casino Rama also offers rewards. You can join the club, get a card and use it to accumulate points and exchange them for discounts and freebies. The membership is free. Before you go, make sure you call the concierge and ask if they are open because many gambling houses are closed during the pandemic.
Casino De Montreal
Moving on to another province, Casino De Montreal is located in Quebec. It is one of the largest casinos in the world and the biggest one in Canada, and it caters to more than 18,000 visitors per day!
What will you find there?
Casino De Montreal offers hundreds of table games and thousands of slot machines. There are four other casinos inside, and people at least 18 years of age are welcome to play.
Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino
Located in Ontario, it has a hotel where you can stay, and it was the biggest casino in Canada for 16 straight years. It has a poker room where you can test your poker skills against other players. It has table games and slot machines alike. The gambling hub also has a sports park if you want to watch sports.
River Cree Resort and Casino
The last on our list is River Cree, which is located in Alberta. It has over 1,000 slot machines, 39 tables and several poker rooms. There are 12 poker rooms right now in the house. If you do not want to wait, you can download the app and reserve a poker slot or schedule it.
If you decide to visit, you will do well if you get a membership card. The card is free, and you can earn points as you gamble. Also, the casino is known for its daily tournaments in many games, and it also has several restaurants and refreshment bars.
You do not have to visit all these casinos in Canada. Choose one that happens to be close to your tourist destination. If you are visiting the country to gamble, then you might as well choose one or two that are close to each other.
Make sure that you also plan your other activities. There are many things you can do here, like skiing and watching a hockey game. If you want, you can also visit Niagara Falls, the Icefields Parkway, and Old Quebec.
Set aside a budget for gambling and do not gamble more than that. Use your money wisely, and make sure that if you gamble, you only spend the money that you are okay to lose.
We say goodbye to long time online
gambling opponent Sheldon Adelson,
as he passed away last week at the age of 87.
We also have New Jersey and Ohio
sports betting news, as well as
Ohio and Michigan online gambling news.
Our final show of 2020 wraps up the year
with online gambling news involving Sheldon Adelson!
There is also sports betting news involving ESPN,
Caesars, and Disney!
Plus, more Coronavirus closures in
Las Vegas and a new game review!
It’s our last show of the year, so we update some of the biggest gambling news stories from 2019. Topics include Pennsylvania online poker, the Department of Justice Wire Act opinion, and the expansion of sports betting!
Hello friends, and welcome to This Week in Gambling! Our last show of the year before I take some much-deserved time off! And hey, what better way to say goodbye to 2019 than to look back at this year’s biggest gambling news stories?
After a long wait, Pennsylvania online poker finally arrived. Now just over a month after the launch, PokerStars has blown away all the expectations! In fact, Pennsylvania has done better than any other regulated poker market in the United States! The site is averaging over 400 cash games running at the same time, and tournament participation has been so strong that Poker Stars had to up their guarantees by 20 percent!
However, it wasn’t all good news this past year. You may remember that the US Department of Justice played Scrooge to online gambling when they suddenly change their opinion on the Federal Wire Act earlier this year… a case they eventually lost but are planning to appeal. As we reported on our show from November 12th, the DOJ’s paperwork to file that appeal was due last month. However, they asked the judge for an extension and he said yeah sure… go ‘head go ‘head go ‘head… The new deadline for the appeal in the DOJ online gambling case is December 20th, so I’ll have to update you on this case when I come back in January.
Threats from the DOJ did not dampen the Christmas spirit of the states when it came to sports betting. Thirteen of them have now regulated the activity, and another six have passed legislation and should go live sometime in 2020. But with mo’ sports betting comes mo’ problems. As we reported in the gambling news last week the very first NFL player has been suspended for betting on the games, prompting a fresh warning from the league about NFL sports betting rules to be issued just a few days ago.
To be fair, the player in question never compromised the integrity of the games. He never played in any of the games. And he never used any inside information when placing his bets on the games. Still, he made the NFL’s naughty list. After all, rules are rules.
Of course some people may use this incident to condemn sports betting expansion and America, but if they do you just remind them that these bets were placed in a Las Vegas casino where sports betting had been regulated for years… not in one of these new jurisdictions with expanded sports betting. So this incident would have happened even without sports betting reform. So they can go stuff that argument straight in their stocking!
Ahem!
Like to take risks? Want to escape from your daily work?
Don't listen to critics! Guide yourself to go and try gambling online. If you win big and meet the playthrough requirements, you can, absolutely, cash out!
Scan for big money jackpots, and play those games. Don't settle for $50 or $100, try to scorch a casino for $50,000 or 100,000. Certainly, you never know if your ship has come in.
We thought we ought to update our details which havent't been updated since 2008. I-love-bingo.co.uk is now one of the leading bingo portal in the UK and have now reached PR4.
I-love-bingo will be soon be available in the US, in Spain, in Sweden, In Norway and in France.
GratisChancer is the coolest danish casino online listing page on the net. Here you can find all the information that your heart desires on casino bonus and new Danish casinos, all presented in a humorous and sarcastic tone to make the content more palatable to the reader.
Gratischancer is more entertaining, more wild, and more casino than any other Danish casino page out there!
When you log on to Gratischancer, you will meet the Danish casino online players Karsten and Valentin, who will guide you through the casino page and help you find the best casino bonus possible. They’re a bit bonkers, but they have a heart made of gold, and they know where to find the bonusses (and how to get a tab at the local pizza place and get drunk in cheap alcopops).
How does it all work? Well, its as easy as log on, check the info graphic, and go find your huge casino bonus!
If you wanna know more about a casino online, you can read Gratischancers review of it. Otherwise, just visit your chosen casino through their link, claim your bonus, and win the huge jackpot. You can thank Carsten and Valentin later by sending them a case of cheap vodka.
At Gratischancer they try to bring their readers more than just information about casino bonus, and they frequently post news and stories related to casino online and the casino world in general.
Keep a look out for Gratischancer. It’s no doubt one of the most innovative Danish casino listing pages out there, and they can open a beer with their teeth.
A few decades ago, the online gambling industry was like the wild west.
For starters, there was a lack of regulation, and security was not their primary concern. As such, most gaming enthusiasts had doubts over the methods used to depict winners. They worried about the fairness of the games, as well as the safety surrounding the payment methods.
But thanks to technological advancements in the gaming industry, online casinos are now more regulated and secure than ever before.
They're tightly governed by regulations and vetted by independent bodies. Also, payment methods are more guarded, ensuring players are in a safe gambling environment.
To ensure security in online casino payment methods, many websites are adopting Pay N Play services.
Pay N Play casinos: Background and Evolution
Pay N Play casinos like GoSlotty are rapidly taking over and have revolutionized the gaming industry.
So, what is Pay N Play?
For those who are new to online gaming, Pay N Play is a funding method that involves directly depositing funds from a gamer's bank account to a Pay N Play powered online casino, without needing to create an account.
The sign-up process, in most cases, is tedious and time-consuming. Research has also shown that a significant number of gaming enthusiasts abandon online casinos due to the dull registration processes.
What's more, Pay N Play casinos have taken online security to another level. Trustly, the company behind this ingenious invention, collects relevant information as a player makes a deposit and sends it to the operator.
They are eliminating the need for online casinos to ask for personal information, so simplifying the registration process.
Since the gamer is not required to input any personal details, it is hard for hackers to intercept such vital information. Also, it goes a long way in minimizing the possibility of fraud.
While Pay N Play is the latest innovation used to enhance online gaming security and to promote customer satisfaction, it is unfortunate that it is not applicable everywhere.
Currently, only a handful of countries can access this service. However, as technology continues to evolve, it is possibly only a matter of time before all casinos are Pay N Play powered.
Other security factors employed by online casinos
While reputable companies run a wide range of online casinos, there are still plenty of 'rogue casinos.'
A rogue casino is one that is not regulated, does not have a valid license, and is known for defrauding players of their hard-earned money. As a first time gaming enthusiast, it is essential to be on the look-out for such casinos.
Below are additional tips on how to spot a rogue casino and safeguard your money online.
Reviews
Your money is precious, and to avoid losing it to unscrupulous people posing as legitimate casinos, make a habit of reading online reviews.
If or when an online gaming site is labeled as a rogue, it is only a matter of minutes or hours before a disgruntled client calls them out for who they are.
SSL
Is the online casino making use of SSL?
SSL is an abbreviation for Secure Sockets Layer. It's an encryption method used when transferring sensitive data from one point to the other. It makes it impossible for third-parties to intercept the data being passed across.
If you're playing at an online casino without SSL, your data may be at risk.
License
As earlier stated, online gaming sites are now under strict governance. Authorities have put in place rules and regulations to ensure that casinos don't defraud customers. As such, a reputable online casino needs to have a valid license.
The process of acquiring a license for an online casino depends on your country of residence and the regulatory bodies involved.
A small part of the licensing process comprises:
- Audit of the software and games
- Background checks on casino owners and financing
- Financial stability and safety of the casino
The best part is that, in most cases, all this information is available in public documents.
By noting the above security measures, you can significantly minimize the risks of falling prey to fraudsters, hackers, and identity thieves.
Last but not least, you will not be a victim of rigged games that only payout in favor of the house.
The online gambling industry is growing at a rapid rate.
As people stay at home and practice social-distancing, online casino websites have become the go-to place for entertainment.
Technological advancements in the mobile industry have also led to an upsurge in the people engaging in online gambling.
The significant increase in online gamers has resulted in the emergence of several gambling sites. With such competition, online gambling entrepreneurs need to come up with various marketing strategies to ensure they stay ahead of their competitors.
In this article, we are going to look at various implementable strategies to ensure increased online visibility of your gambling website.
E-mail and mobile marketing
E-mail marketing is one of the most traditional methods of selling products and services. And with the increased usage of mobile phones, people are more connected to their e-mail accounts than ever before.
Which means it's an excellent communication tool to contact your consumers.
Send out e-mails notifying your target audience on offers, tournaments, and other developments. To make it more effective, ensure you include links to your page.
Bonuses and free plays
All gamblers are in search of better deals. Lucrative bonuses and free plays are some of the most effective ways of marketing your online casino. It is no wonder that this strategy is one of the most popular marketing tactics in the gaming industry.
Most online casinos offer substantial welcome offers and bonuses that match a player's deposit or even exceed it.
Additionally, free plays use the same concept. Players, especially amateur players, are offered 'virtual money' to try their luck before making a deposit. Free play allows new customers to explore and experience the casino's theme, user-experience, and games before playing for real money.
Because of the high competition between casinos, their welcome bonus packages are often lucrative as they try to create the most attractive offer.
Online casino tournaments
Hosting online casino tournaments is another marketing strategy that is doing wonders for online casino owners.
Here, competitions take place where gamblers play against each other to win prizes, ranging from cash-prizes, bonuses, free spins, and even all-inclusive cruises and trips.
These tournaments can feature a wide range of casino games, including slots, blackjack, bingo, and roulette.
For players to take part in the tournament, it's often required for them to have made at least one deposit to be eligible for prizes.
These tournaments are an effective way to not only attract new customers but also to keep and engage existing players.
Social media platforms
With the rise of the internet, social media platforms have been at the forefront of encouraging entrepreneurial marketing strategies. The same applies to the online gaming industry.
Social media campaigns are among the top-rated methodologies of promoting brands, especially if your target audience is active on them. Make the most out of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to post relevant information. These platforms can also advertise your promotions and tournaments.
Additionally, you can use affiliate marketing to bring in more referral traffic to your website and to increase your site's online visibility.
Content marketing
No matter your niche, content marketing is one of the most popular online marketing strategies, and for a good reason. Many entrepreneurs are making use of content marketing strategies to grow their brand and become recognized as an authority in the industry.
The secret is to come up with high-quality content relevant to your target audience. Otherwise, it will not capture the attention of your audience.
For starters, you can publish articles that focus on game improvement. Share tips that help novices become pro-gamers, as well as background information on the various casino games.
By doing so, you can drive organic drive traffic to your website.
Conclusion
As the number of online casinos increases, there is a need for entrepreneurs to increase the flow of customers to their website. By implementing the above marketing strategies, entrepreneurs can take their online casinos to the next level.
Last week it was announced that a partnership between Rush Street and Scientific Games with bring new online games to the state of Pennsylvania. Popular titles from the Scientific portfolio will soon be available at both the BetRivers.com and PlaySugarHouse.com web casino sites.
One of the most exciting titles to debut in Pennsylvania will be the 88 Fortunes slot, which combines Asian artwork and bonus features. 88 Fortunes is a fan favorite because of the bounty of winning opportunities it offers players, including four progressive levels with a Grand Jackpot possible.
American players living outside of Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Jersey and other regulated jurisdictions can still find legitimate online casinos by visiting a reputable directory such as Legitimate Casinos. They can help players finding the most legit online casinos that they are licensed and regulated with a certified software and responsible financial processor.
Scientific Games slots join an online casino catalog that now contains over 100 real-money slots, table games and video poker variants in Pennsylvania. In addition to fan-favorite casino slots, BetRivers.com and PlaySugarHouse.com feature online exclusive slots as well as progressive jackpot slots.
You can read more at Yogo Net.
Most major casinos have been shut down as the world battles the Coronavirus. However, as more and more states lose gambling revenue, there is an increasing interest for online casinos, poker and sports betting! Links to gambling news stories, games reviews and special offers below.
Some casinos in America are starting to re-think this whole online gambling thing. Many have resisted the move, usually based on scare tactics implemented by multi-billionaire casino moguls (think Sheldon Adelson). But as the times change and pandemics change our world, even the biggest opponents may soon be faced with a serious economic choice.
In states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Delaware online United States casino, poker or some combination of all three can be played from the relative safety of a living room via computer or mobile device,is legal and regulated. Any impacts from the Coronavirus shutdowns could be mitigated if they drag on for months. Even if casinos open sooner rather than later, consumer unease could continue to keep people home… especially if new cases pop up.
Online wagering wouldn’t completely offset the economic damage, said gaming industry Alan Woinski, but it could provide a firebreak to the spread of a disease and a firewall for gaming operators when customers are ill-advised or told not to gather. Ader agreed that the growing U.S. market doesn’t yet brandish the proper liquidity to offset land-based losses.
“Online gambling can help, obviously, cushion the blow a little bit,” Woinski said. “But you’re talking about $40 million a month for the online casinos in New Jersey versus $200 million they make in the casino, plus all the non-gaming revenue that can be able to replace the hotel revenue, the food and beverage.
El Casino Gran Madrid acogerá el Torneo de Campeón de Campeones del European Poker Tour a partir del 13 de mayo. Este será el primer torneo de poker de esta modalidad, que reunirá en una mesa freeroll a todos los campeones del EPT desde la primera edición disputada en 2004.
También participarán los últimos ganadores del EPT, incluidos los de Snowfest EPT, celebrados en Madrid, Berlin o San Remo. Este evento acogerá a un total de más de 70 campeones, de todos los tiempos y ganadores de los diferentes torneos de poker principales, con la finalidad de coronar al AS de ASES. Este torneo exclusivo tendrá jugadores profesionales invitados de la talla de Patrick Antonius, Liv Boeree o Boeree, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier, entre otros.
Respecto al torneo Campeón-Campeones de Madrid, los cuatro primeros jugadores clasificados recibirán paquetes por valor de 50.000€, 25.000€, 15.000€ y 10.000€, lo que les permitirá jugar al Evento Principal de la próxima temporada.
Al hilo de los últimos acontecimientos con el poker online y el FBI, podemos decir que tanto los casinos españoles como el poker que se juega en ellos, están perfectamente dentro de las leyes del juego en España. Por lo tanto los jugadores y participantes no tendrán ningún problema legal para jugar en el evento de Madrid, a no ser que el FBI acuse a España.
No obstante, aquellos que deseen jugar al poker en línea desde España, solo lo podrán hacer en sitios internacionales donde no hayan sido acusados por Estados Unidos. Los sitios de poker españoles nada tienen que ver con las historias del FBI. Sin embargo hay que tener presente que las leyes españolas sobre los juegos de azar en línea, están a punto de ser cambiadas en base a poner fin a la especulación y el fraude. La nueva Ley del juego y las apuestas acogerá a los operadores extranjeros en el mercado español, compitiendo legalmente en igualdad de condiciones.
