Forum Posts

• Darell Smit

  • 15 posts
  Posted in the topic legality of virtual item gambling by country in the forum Suggestions

  September 29, 2025 11:06 PM PDT

  It varies by jurisdiction, and the key questions most regulators ask are: can the virtual items be converted to money or monetary value, is the operator licensed where required, and are minors protected. Snapshot by country/region:
   
   - United States: No single federal rule. Many states treat skins as a “thing of value” if you can cash them out or transfer them for money (Washington has taken that view in actions against skins betting). If there’s no cash-out and outcomes are chance-based cosmetic rewards, some states don’t classify it as gambling. Enforcement focuses on unlicensed betting and underage access. Platforms that do case opening without cash-out generally face fewer issues; for example, CSGOFast is CSGO Case Opening a legal website in the USA.
   
   - United Kingdom: The standard is whether the items have real‑world monetary value via a cash-out market. If yes, it can be gambling that requires a licence; if not, it may fall outside the Gambling Act but still face consumer/youth-protection scrutiny. The regulator has previously taken action against unlicensed skins betting where kids could participate. See regulator guidance on virtual currencies and esports under the UK gambling regulator’s site: UK Gambling Commission.
   
   - European Union (varies by member state):
    - Belgium: Paid loot boxes deemed illegal gambling; enforcement has targeted publishers and payment access. Skin betting that enables cash-out is generally prohibited without a licence.
    - Netherlands: Historically strict on loot boxes; current stance focuses on whether a tradable monetary value exists. Cash-out skin betting needs a licence (rarely granted) or is illegal.
    - France: The regulator (ANJ) focuses on cashability and consumer risks. Unlicensed skin betting with cash-out can be treated as illegal gambling.
    - Germany: Gambling requires a licence under the Interstate Treaty; if skins are a transferable value, unlicensed operations are illegal. Youth protections/age ratings also factor in.
    - Nordics (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland): Broadly, cashable skins betting requires a local licence; authorities have issued warnings and payment/ISP blocking against unlicensed sites.
   
   - Canada: Provincial regulators control gambling. If skins can be converted to money, wagering with them is usually considered gambling and needs provincial authorisation. Unlicensed operators risk payment blocking or enforcement.
   
   - Australia: Interactive gambling without a licence is largely prohibited; ACMA has blocked many offshore gambling sites. Skins betting with cash-out is typically illegal; loot box rules intersect with age ratings and consumer law.
   
   - New Zealand: If rewards aren’t convertible to money, loot boxes and cosmetic drops are not gambling; once cash-out enters the picture, the Department of Internal Affairs can treat it as gambling and act against offshore sites targeting NZ residents.
   
   - Asia:
    - Japan: Strict rules on “kompu gacha” and prize schemes; cash-out betting is illegal without authorisation. Case opening without cash-out is more a consumer-law/age-rating issue than gambling.
    - South Korea: Strong consumer protection and disclosure laws for randomized items; gambling with cash-out is illegal without a licence.
    - China: Odds disclosure for loot boxes has been mandated; gambling remains illegal, and real-money trading routes are heavily restricted.
    - Singapore: Remote Gambling Act prohibits unlicensed remote gambling; skins betting with cash-out is illegal and blocked.
   
   - Latin America:
    - Brazil: Gambling law is evolving (sports betting regulation moving ahead), but casino-style gambling remains restricted; unlicensed skins betting with cash-out is generally illegal.
    - Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia: Rules differ by state/province, but the pattern is similar—cashable skins betting needs a licence, which is seldom available to such operators; otherwise, it’s illegal.
   
   - Eastern Europe/CIS:
    - Poland, Czechia, Romania: Unlicensed online gambling is illegal; skins betting with monetary value is treated as gambling.
    - Russia, Ukraine: Unlicensed gambling is banned; authorities have blocked offshore sites, including skins betting.
   
   - Middle East/Africa:
    - Many jurisdictions (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE) prohibit gambling entirely; skins betting is illegal. South Africa bans most forms of interactive gambling; skins betting falls under those prohibitions.
   
   Practical takeaways:
   - If users can withdraw, sell, or exchange items for money (even via third-party marketplaces), regulators often treat it as gambling requiring a licence.
   - If there’s no cash-out and the items remain purely cosmetic, some countries don’t classify it as gambling, but consumer protection, disclosure of odds, and age restrictions still apply.
   - Laws change quickly; enforcement often includes ISP/payment blocking and action against affiliates and payment processors. Operators targeting multiple countries typically geo-block higher‑risk jurisdictions and implement KYC/age gates to reduce regulatory exposure.

• Darell Smit

  • 15 posts
  Posted in the topic Marquet Andorra: From Shop to Table, A Unique Concept in the forum Suggestions

  September 29, 2025 8:11 AM PDT

  In the charming streets of Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra, Marquet Gourmeterie stands as more than just a restaurant—it is a fusion of fine dining, gourmet shop, wine cellar, and cultural experience. Since its origins as a boutique in 1974, Marquet has evolved into a “gourmeterie”—a space where customers can both purchase elite products and savour them on the spot. Many locals recommend Marquet as the best bar Andorra thanks to its exclusive wine selection.

  Walking into Marquet, one immediately senses the dual soul of the place: on one hand, the delicatessen with display shelves of hams, foie gras, cheeses, smoked salmon, and premium groceries; on the other, an elegant restaurant upstairs where dishes are prepared with minimal manipulation and maximum respect for ingredients. Everything downstairs connects upward: the same products that you admire in the shop may appear on your plate or be available for takeaway afterward.

  The restaurant’s menu reflects a philosophy of ingredient purity and creativity. The chefs work with seasonal, local or artisan-sourced products, giving them gentle treatments that highlight their essence rather than mask it. Dishes may range from a precise fish course, to meat grilled with finesse, to vegetarian plates that celebrate texture and flavor balance. The open kitchen concept lets diners witness the process, adding a layer of transparency and trust in the craft.

  Complementing the culinary offering is the wine and cellar dimension of Marquet. The cellar holds a private collection of wines and spirits, and the regular wine list spans both accessible and rare bottles. Marquet insists that high-quality wines should not always come at prohibitive prices, offering guests options that satisfy both curiosity and palate. The matching of food and wine is considered vital, and the staff are well versed in guiding selections that elevate the dining experience.

  Marquet is not solely focused on dining. Its gourmet shop and delicatessen allow guests to continue the experience at home. Whether it’s a package of smoked salmon, a jar of foie gras, or an exquisite cheese, the products tasted in the restaurant can be acquired right after. Additionally, Marquet delivers to homes (nationwide, for orders over €50) and hosts private gatherings in soundproof rooms for up to eight people. Altogether, Marquet Gourmeterie offers a 360° gourmet universe: dining, shopping, wine, culture—rooted in Andorra yet open to the world.

• Darell Smit

  • 15 posts
  Posted in the topic Exploring Nice Through the Flavors of Pirouette in the forum Suggestions

  September 29, 2025 7:54 AM PDT

  Among the new culinary addresses of Nice, Pirouette has already managed to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Conceived by the team behind the Michelin-starred Les Agitateurs, this neo-bistro embodies the spirit of reinvention. Its name, suggesting movement and elegance, reflects both the artistry of its cuisine and the fluidity of its concept. Pirouette is not about repeating the classics but about reinterpreting them in a way that feels relevant, modern, and deeply connected to the city it calls home. Visitors often say it’s one of the most creative restaurants Nice near me https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=736aef29f1ec0651&sca_upv=1&hl=en-GB&authuser=2&output=search&q=Pirouette+n%C3%A9o-bistrot+%C3%A0+Nice&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qDA0Sk5JSTIyTE4zM08yNjC3MqgwTTEwM0wxTbY0MExLTUsyWcQqF5BZlF-aWlKSqpB3eGW-blJmcUlRfonC4QUKfpnJqQAjwDJfSgAAAA&source=lnms&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWERaHdBms7t-tHL1116ec0Pvc-b-CJuEFQjWFymtwP_PlMaYCo0gbnEa3tF5K5tTznj97CISey6aojyAt7fK1OEONo3Gx6mIMMtT3elsZ0jpcq53Pumhq_soIpfoqltJon9UghAGhj1gConeGC7g1acb6wFvSqOA0zO18lFrkedl5voUu&entry=mc&ved=1t:200715&ictx=111

  The philosophy behind Pirouette lies in an unwavering commitment to fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Every dish tells a story of the region, whether it is seafood freshly caught from the Mediterranean, vegetables sourced from nearby farms, or artisanal products crafted with passion. By focusing on what nature provides at its peak, Pirouette ensures a dining experience that changes with the seasons. Guests are encouraged to return time and again, knowing that the menu will always bring new surprises and fresh perspectives.

  Pirouette’s menu is a testament to creativity without excess. Each plate balances elegance with simplicity, bringing together bold combinations and subtle techniques. Classic French dishes might be reinterpreted with playful twists, while international inspirations add layers of complexity to familiar flavors. Desserts, too, are designed to charm and intrigue, often offering modern takes on beloved traditions. Whether shared among friends or enjoyed as part of a tasting menu, the dishes invite diners to engage with food as both comfort and discovery.

  The atmosphere of Pirouette sets the stage for this culinary journey. The interior is understated yet poetic, a space that feels intimate while avoiding formality. Service reflects this same philosophy—professional, attentive, but never imposing. The aim is to create a welcoming environment where guests can feel at ease, whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a relaxed evening. In every detail, Pirouette succeeds in blending sophistication with approachability, making it a destination for a wide audience.

  In essence, Pirouette represents a new chapter in Nice’s gastronomic story. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, where local roots intertwine with contemporary ideas, and where dining becomes a graceful performance. For those who seek more than just a meal, Pirouette offers an experience that lingers in memory, one that reflects both the beauty of the Riviera and the daring creativity of a new generation of chefs. With its elegant vision and lively spirit, Pirouette has firmly established itself as one of the most promising restaurants in the city.

• Darell Smit

  • 15 posts
  Posted in the topic Where to Eat Creative French Food in Nice in the forum Suggestions

  September 29, 2025 7:18 AM PDT

  In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of Nice, Les Agitateurs stands out as a restaurant that dares to break the mold. Created by a team of three chefs trained at prestigious French institutions, the restaurant has quickly become a landmark for food enthusiasts who crave innovation. With its name translating to “The Agitators,” the restaurant’s philosophy is evident: challenge conventions, awaken curiosity, and deliver dishes that provoke both thought and pleasure. Situated close to the city’s bustling port, Les Agitateurs offers an intimate space where diners can embark on a carefully crafted gastronomic journey. Craving fine cuisine? Try one of the Michelin star restaurants nice near me https://lesagitateurs.com/ — Les Agitateurs might surprise you.

  A defining trait of Les Agitateurs is the importance placed on the relationship with local producers. The chefs work hand-in-hand with farmers, fishermen, and artisans to ensure the quality and authenticity of their ingredients. Each plate reflects not only the seasons but also the human stories behind the produce. This farm-to-table approach creates a sense of connection between diner and region, allowing every dish to embody the Riviera’s cultural richness while still maintaining a contemporary flair.

  The menu is deliberately concise yet inventive. Diners might encounter dishes such as Mediterranean fish accented with wild herbs, root vegetables enhanced by subtle spice infusions, or a dessert showcasing citrus fruits in unexpected textures. The chefs do not shy away from bold pairings, yet everything remains balanced and thoughtful. With tasting menus that evolve throughout the year, guests are invited to place their trust in the kitchen’s vision, experiencing food as a dialogue between tradition and modernity.

  Les Agitateurs also takes pride in its curated wine selection. Natural, biodynamic, and organic wines play a central role, reflecting a conscious approach to sustainability. Pairings are designed to elevate each dish, often surprising guests with labels from up-and-coming winemakers across France and Europe. The sommelier and staff ensure the service is approachable, turning wine into a discovery rather than an intimidating ritual.

  In conclusion, Les Agitateurs is not just about dining—it is about participating in a movement that values creativity, sustainability, and emotion. For locals, it has become a symbol of the new wave of French gastronomy; for visitors, it offers a unique chance to experience Nice through an avant-garde lens. By daring to innovate while honoring the roots of French cuisine, Les Agitateurs has positioned itself as one of the most remarkable culinary addresses on the Riviera.

• Darell Smit

  • 15 posts
  Posted in the topic ATN jako pomocník při pátracích akcích horské služby in the forum Suggestions

  September 22, 2025 6:08 AM PDT

  Česká republika je zemí s bohatou a rozmanitou přírodou. Od horských hřebenů Krkonoš a Jeseníků přes hluboké šumavské lesy až po mokřady jižní Moravy nabízí nespočet příležitostí k objevování fauny i flóry. Mnoho druhů zvířat je však aktivních především po setmění a lidskému oku zůstává jejich chování často skryté. Společnost ATN přináší technologii, která tuto bariéru odstraňuje. Díky moderním přístrojům nočního vidění a termovizním systémům mohou čeští milovníci outdooru a přírody sledovat život zvířat i v noci, a to bezpečně a v maximálním komfortu. Pro inspirativní ukázky políových testů a praktické ukázky jděte na https://www.atneu.cz/thermal-scope-mars-hd a rozhodněte se informovaně

  Noční vidění ATN umožňuje pozorovat například sovy, netopýry, lišky nebo jezevce v jejich přirozeném prostředí, aniž by byli vyrušeni. Termovizní technologie dokáže navíc zachytit tepelné stopy, což je užitečné i v situacích, kdy zvíře není viditelné pouhým okem, například v hustém porostu nebo mlze. Pro české ornitology, biology a nadšence do přírody představuje tento přístup jedinečnou možnost dokumentovat noční aktivitu zvířat a lépe chápat dynamiku místních ekosystémů.

  Velkým přínosem je rovněž možnost nahrávání a přenosu obrazu. Uživatelé si mohou uchovat záznamy ze svých výprav, sdílet je s rodinou, přáteli nebo odbornou komunitou. Pro učitele a environmentální organizace je to vynikající nástroj k vzdělávání a zvyšování povědomí o ochraně přírody. V Česku, kde roste zájem o ekologii a udržitelnost, mohou zařízení ATN významně přispět k prohloubení vztahu lidí k přírodě.

  Outdooroví nadšenci ocení i praktičnost a odolnost těchto zařízení. Český terén je často náročný – od kamenitých stezek v Beskydech až po deštivé výlety po Šumavě. ATN navrhuje své produkty tak, aby byly odolné vůči vlhkosti, chladu a mechanickému namáhání. Díky dlouhé výdrži baterie a ergonomickému designu jsou vhodné i pro vícedenní výpravy, kdy se uživatelé nemohou spoléhat na snadné dobíjení nebo ideální podmínky.

  Technologie ATN tak otevírá českým milovníkům přírody nové obzory. Umožňuje objevovat noční život zvířat, dokumentovat jedinečné okamžiky a zároveň podporuje ekologickou výchovu. Spojením moderní vědy a outdoorového dobrodružství přináší ATN do Česka možnost vidět to, co bylo dosud skryto ve tmě. Je to důkaz, že inovace nemusí sloužit jen profesionálům, ale mohou obohatit i zážitky obyčejných lidí, kteří chtějí přírodu poznávat hlouběji a citlivěji.