Fredericton - New Brunswick is wagering that a casino will revive its faltering tourism industry, which has seen the number of visitors decline by 25 per cent over the past five years. The province issued a request for proposals Thursday for a single casino — New Brunswick's first — to be in operation by 2010. Finance Minister Victor Boudreau concedes a casino may not directly boost the number of tourists, but he believes it will have an effect.

Detroit -- In the race to open Detroit's first permanent casino, hotel and entertainment complex, the locally owned MotorCity Casino seems to have gained the edge over its closest competitor, MGM Grand Detroit. MotorCity Casino, owned by Marian Ilitch, will swing the doors open on its enlarged gaming space June 7. MotorCity also has moved up the date on the ribbon-cutting for its 400-room deluxe hotel to September from late in the year.