Macau Daily Times – Macau-based Melco International Development Ltd. and the administration of Russia’s Primorye (maritime) Territory have signed an investment deal worth USD700 million to build a new casino resort in Russia’s Far East. Lawrence Ho, Chairman of the board of Melco, told Russian media that he “is very optimistic regarding the potential of the company in the Russian Far East.” The intention of creating a new gambling resort in Russia had been announced in July. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, expectations for the new development are set quite high, with the new integrated resort expected…

There has been a raid of a Pattaya Bar suspected of showing Australian horse racing. Those in attendance were allowed to place bets on the races with the bar owner. The raid was a joint operation involving local police and the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch. That raid was carried out at 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon at The Members Lounge off Soi Baukao, owned by Khun Gaewjai aged 52 and her Australian husband Mr. Robert Steven Younger aged 58. At the rear of the bar was a separate room containing a 50 inch TV which was showing live…

Bloomberg – Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) and MGM Resorts International (MGM) are scouting sites for casinos in Japan as Tokyo’s selection to host the 2020 Olympics boosts confidence a law legalizing gambling resorts in the capital will pass. The International Olympic Committee’s decision fueled speculation Japan will approve casino gambling since the development would add hotel capacity and entertainment venues that could be used during the games. Casinos would also add jobs and draw about $10 billion in sales to bolster the economy. Tokyo’s potential as a gambling market is also drawing the interest of Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR)…

The News Service of Florida – Even as lawmakers wade into a major debate about the direction of gambling in Florida, regulators said Friday they will start rewriting rules that play a critical role in the operations of racetracks and jai-alai frontons. “In their current form, the laws regulating the industry are unclear and do not define many standards necessary to ensure the continued integrity of pari-mutuel wagering,” the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation said in a news release. “The draft rules are designed to clarify terms and maintain traditional pari-mutuel standards.” The announcement came as state lawmakers…

iGaming Business – French horse racing giant PMU has extended its partnership with the Swiss operator Loterie Romande through the signing of a deal that will see it supply its horse racing betting products to Swisslos, the German-speaking lottery that operates across six ‘cantons’ in the country. PMU will offer its horse racing tote offers throughout the 40 sales points operated by Swisslos, the odds and range will be identical as those offered by Loterie Romande, a mixture of domestic racing and international meetings streamed live by the French company’s Equidia Pro service. The agreement went live last week and…

The Chronicle – Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson say the council should have an open mind on putting a casino in Maroochydore, saying it will benefit tourism. The council yesterday unveiled plans for the redevelopment of Horton Park Golf Course to create a new heart for the Sunshine Coast. The unfunded plans include an international hotel, exhibition and convention centre. Speaking on the ABC, Mr Jamieson said the council should consider the arguments for and against a casino in Maroochydore. “Certainly if we want to appeal to the Asia-Pacific, particularly the Chinese market, casinos are seen by them as being…