The state Senate yesterday voted to prohibit politicians and their families from having any financial interest in casinos and to prevent state gaming regulators from taking any role in political campaigns.

The changes -- in essence creating a code of ethics for state gaming officials -- amend a provision in the July 2004 slot machine legislation that allowed elected Pennsylvania officials to own up to 1 percent interest in a casino or a company doing business with one of the 14 casino operators coming to Pennsylvania...

Internet casino 888 Holdings gave encouragement to the online gaming sector today as the number of regular players on its tables more than doubled in 12 months.

The number of people who gambled with 888 between July and September was up 118% on the same period last year to 316,553, boosted by a huge increase in poker.

This led to a 56% hike in gaming revenues to $70m (€58m) in the third quarter...

Daniel Craig and Martin Campbell, soon to start work on Casino Royale
Clinched: Martin Campbell seen here at the official announcement of Daniel Craig as the new Bond, is keen to go back to basics for Bond number 21. Photograph: Ian West/PA

Now that the mystery of who will be the next Bond is solved, the search is on for the new Bond love interest...

Gibbs College in Cranston today announced that it will begin offering an Casino Operations concentration to students pursuing an career in the expanding gaming industry. Students will be able to earn an Associate in Science degree in Business Operations with a concentration in Casino Operations in as little as 18 months.

Responding to new job and employment trends, Gibbs College updates and adds programs to meet the career demands of numerous growth industries...

The Massachusetts Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation to establish slot machine gambling at the state's four struggling racetracks yesterday, marking the first time in Beacon Hill history that such a measure has passed either branch of the Legislature.

The 26-9 vote in favor of allowing up to 2,000 slot machines at each facility would be just enough to overcome a threatened veto by Governor Mitt Romney, if the measure ever reaches his desk. But House leaders said yesterday that they are in no hurry to take up the controversial proposal, which critics blast as a give-away to a dying industry that will spawn a host of social ills, such as increased personal bankruptcy and compulsive gambling...

Hollywood is asking its residents to write to Gov. Jeb Bush about slot machines, and the city is paying the postage.

Many residents received letters Monday asking that they ''urge the governor to ensure that Hollywood receives its fair share of revenues.'' With each letter was a postage-paid card addressed to Gov. Jeb Bush with a printed statement asking for his help.

Once out, the Strip District is back in as a possible site for a slot machine casino, at least in the proposed zoning.

City planners have incorporated Strip District property near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and a corresponding patch of land on the North Shore into the latest draft of an ordinance zoning areas near or in Downtown to accommodate a casino.

The Strip District and North Shore parcels, originally had been excluded from the proposed ordinance at the request of the Buncher Co.

`Established in 1997, GoldenPalace.com is one of the pioneers of the online casino industry. Their software offers over 60 classic casino games, as well as the world's leading multi-player poker room.'

The biggest jackpot ever offered on an online casino slot machine is now available at GoldenPalace.com. Their new Five Million Dollar Slot Machine is an opportunity for players to literally become multi-millionaires in just one spin.

'We've received tons of feedback from our players about our new jackpot slot,' said GoldenPalace.com CEO Richard Rowe.

Conrad Hotels, the luxury brand of the Hilton Family, has signed a management agreement with the Bahamas based RAV Bahamas Limited , a subsidiary of The Capo Group, to operate and manage Conrad`s first hotel in the Caribbean, a luxurious 250 room hotel, spa and casino resort, located on the island of Bimini.

Clem Barter, President of Conrad Hotels said, "We are honored to have been selected for this exclusive project in one of the most prestigious locations in the Bahamas. This will be an extraordinary property and it will fit our plan to expand in the Americas, as well as in other strategic parts of the world."

The Reno City Council is considering tightening rules regulating slot machines outside of casinos.

Council members have raised concerns that some taverns may be setting up separate but connected establishments that share the same kitchen so as to skirt a limit of 15 slots per business gambling license.

The focus right now is on the Sierra Gold and Sierra Junction taverns, which share a kitchen, in south Reno.