The Lady Luck Casino and Hotel closed its doors Saturday night for a major renovation project. It's the largest renovation project the Lady Luck has undergone in more than 20 years.

A GMB report, to be published tomorrow (Saturday 11th February 2006) at the Labour Party Spring Conference in Blackpool, identifies 13 towns and cities with schemes in the pipeline to secure approval for the 17 new casino licenses to be issued under the Gambling Act 2005. The reports also identify the would-be developers for each scheme and their casino partners.

Union bosses have called on the government to create hundreds of new jobs by allowing more super casinos to be built. Under the Gambling Act passed last year, only one large super casino will be created in Britain. Research by the GMB union has identified that 19 proposals for the super casino have been drawn up in 13 areas, including strong bids in Manchester and Salford.

Alliance Gaming hopes a trip down memory lane will give the slot machine manufacturer a fresh start. The Las Vegas-based company said Monday it would ask its shareholders to approve a name change to Bally Technologies, which would reflect the growing systems segment of the company.

Three towns are locked in a race to be the "casino capital" of Merseyside and North Cheshire - offering gamblers a Las Vegas-style 150 slot machines. Southport, Warrington and St Helens have all told the Government they are interested in securing one of a limited number of money-spinning licences for a so-called "large" casino.

Las Vegas - MGM MIRAGE today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the design and budget for Project CityCenter, the Company's previously announced urban development project at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Project CityCenter will feature approximately 2.3 million square feet of residential space; a 4,000-room luxury hotel and casino; two 400-room, non-gaming boutique hotels; and over 470,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space. The approved design will further enhance the overall significance and profitability of Project CityCenter, which is expected to provide owners and visitors alike a truly unique experience.

More than 6,000 people in Washwood Heath and Saltley have signed a petition objecting to plans for a super-casino at the proposed Birmingham City FC stadium. The protest, organised by Saltley Traders Association, urges Birmingham City Council to reject the casino because of the impact on crime and the environment.

Successful start into the new year of MERKUR GAMING entertainment innovations at ATEI in London from January 24 to 26, 2006

Swanwick property developer Waystone is hoping to become one of the first in the country to build a super casino. The gambling centre would be part of a hotel complex that would enable Waystone to build a new stadium for the Castleford Tigers rugby team.

Singapore Tourism Board Shares Evaluation Criteria for IR at Marina Bay. The Singapore Government has released more details on the Request for Proposals (RFP) evaluation criteria for the Integrated Resort (IR) at Marina Bay.

Betfair made a low-key legalised debut matching wagers out of Australia yesterday while bookmaking rivals renewed calls for race-day access to internet betting.

Backed by out-of-state gambling interests, a new group hopes to coax legislators to ask voters to legalize casinos in Texas as soon as next year. The Texas Gaming Association, led by a Dallas businessman with casino roots, sports the slogan "Tax Us," purposely contrasting with various industries’ resistance to higher taxes.