Casino operators nationwide are set to re-invest millions into their surveillance departments in order to replace aging analog recording devices with new digital technology. While the upgrades might mean some will lose their jobs, it could also revolutionize the role surveillance technicians play in the overall operation of casinos, industry experts say.

Singapore (Reuters) - Leisure group Genting Bhd said on Tuesday its Malaysian resort is set for a record year in terms of revenues, thanks to rising regional tourism. Genting Chairman Lim Kok Thay told reporters that its Malaysian operations would not be affected if it won the bid to build and operate Singapore's second casino resort. "The pie is growing. Asians love to game. The Chinese and Indian markets are expected to grow substantially," he added.

A downturn in the number of gambling addicts seeking help has led the Ministry of Health to review 12 problem gambling services throughout New Zealand. However, the ministry is not rushing into shutting down the services just yet, because no one knows why the numbers of problem gamblers looking for help are apparently dropping. Nor does the ministry know how long the downturn will last, deputy director-general for mental health Dr Janice Wilson said.

Casino proponents and foes have something to be thankful for this holiday season. After Election Day, gambling foes declared victory because voters in three states and Guam rejected the use of slot machines in their jurisdictions. But casino executives still had plenty to cheer about at this year's Global Gaming Expo, where bosses ticked off at least five other states where gambling is expanding.

Las Vegas - When it comes to gambling in Las Vegas, nothing is guaranteed. Except for this: a new video poker machine ensures a certain amount of playing time, no matter how bad your luck. The video poker slot machine is called "Guaranteed Play." It was conceived not in the back room of a casino or at a slot machine laboratory, but at inventor Jay Walker's office in Stamford, Conn. The device, which is expected to be offered in Las Vegas casinos within six months, allows players to buy a certain number of video poker hands up front for a set price.

Las Vegas firm Eighth Wonder is hoping football legend Pele can help it score Singapore's second casino licence. A 5,000-seat multi-purpose stadium named after the Brazilian will be part of the "Harry's Island" gaming and leisure resort if Eighth Wonder beats out two other contenders for the Sentosa island development, Eight Wonder's chairman and chief executive Mark Advent said Monday.

Macau gambling tycoon Stanley Ho has sold a AUD 170 million stake in James Packer's Hong Kong-based casino partner, Melco. Stanley Ho announced over the weekend that he had sold more than 50 million shares in Melco, cutting his stake in the company run by his son, Lawrence Ho, from 12.75 per cent to 8.45 per cent. The move to further reduce Stanley Ho's ties with his son's company comes as the joint venture between Melco and Mr Packer's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd, awaits news on a bid for Singapore's next hotel/casino complex.

Laughlin -- When Nevada's first American Indian-run casino opened here in 1995, it didn't draw much attention. The Fort Mohave Tribal Council built the Avi for just USD 47 million and its 25,000-square-foot casino wasn't considered competition to the corporate-owned properties near the Colorado River gaming community. But 11 years later, Laughlin casino operators are noticing.

At least six developers and operators have joined the race to bring Las Vegas-style gaming to Yarmouth seafront, it emerged last night. It has been revealed that casino schemes being considered for the site of the resort's ageing Marina Centre would be on the staggering scale of up to GBP 50m. And the proposals being brought forward include everything from four-star hotels and 1000-seat conference halls to quality restaurants and even an outdoor swimming pool.

The gaudy, glittering complex of the Shangri La casino, less than a mile from the Kremlin, boasts on three distinctively themed gaming floors about 40 playing tables, nearly 200 slot machines and an invitation-only restaurant called Exotika with three international chefs. "Closest to Vegas, without leaving Moscow," promises the casino, which has a kaleidoscopic lotus flower towering above the sidewalk out front.

Casino operators, including Liverpool-based Stanley Leisure, were yesterday celebrating after hearing that their applications had cleared the first hurdle. The Gambling Commission said it has so far dealt with 29 applications for new venues and approved all 29 of them. The casino operators now face the second test for their applications - gaining approval from local authorities, which will often refuse a licence if the casino owners cannot prove there is local demand.

Ainsworth Game Technology will use the 2007 ICE Expo, as the platform for the European launch of their new SLIMLINE cabinet. Delivering all the famed Ambassador features (including the 26 inch LCD screen, 3D graphics and enhanced player interactivity to name just a few) condensed into a super slim cabinet, this new EGM will allow venues to capitalize on floor space with a greatly reduced machine footprint.