(Bloomberg) -- Britain's new gambling law comes into force at midnight, legalizing U.K. advertising campaigns for the first time and licensing online casinos that can accept bets from gamblers worldwide including the U.S. William Hill Plc, Gala Group Ltd., and 13 other companies find out tonight if their virtual casino licenses have been approved to start accepting bets immediately, a spokesman for the Gambling Commission, the U.K.'s new regulator, said today.

The fight has been long and hard as jurisdictions around the world have sought to get the United States to ease up on restrictions against Internet gaming going as far as to suggest that what that country is doing must be illegal as far as consumer protection is concerned. This, of course, is mostly from the perspective of those within the United Sates who have become used to a certain freedom when it comes to wagering.

The Regional director for UNI Americas Gaming Global Union has invited local gaming industry advocate Cindy Gibbs-Nicholas to attend its Gaming Global Seminar in Argentina between September 4 to 6. A statement yesterday stated Gibbs-Nicholas will spearhead talks with leaders from the region’s gaming sector trade union organisations and will highlight problems employees in the TT gaming sector currently face.

The Missouri Gaming Commission Wednesday handed out fines totaling USD 150,000 to five casinos for rules infractions. The infractions ranged from underpaying an advertised slot jackpot to serving alcohol to minors. State casino regulators also settled three pending cases for a combined USD 13,500. Casinos have 30 days to accept the fine or notify the commission it will challenge the disciplinary action at a public hearing.

Spain will give back more than a half million euros in taxes to gaming companies, after the Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional in 1996 the complementary fee of the fiscal tax that was in force since 1990. The government has approved the incorporation of 505,547.53 euros to the Eventuality Funds for this concept. The Constitutional Court understood that the statement was against the legal security principle, which originated the presentation of resources that asked for the return of the payments carried out...

Antigua and Barbuda’s claims against the US are likely to reach as high as USD 7 billion as the Internet gambling dispute continues. Antigua and Barbuda’s attorney at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mark Mendel has warned the US to expect billions more in sanctions. Meanwhile, the country prepares to file its claim in respect of America’s decision to withdraw from its General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) commitment to international market access in the areas of gambling and betting services.

The British government’s gambling policy has come under attack again, this time from the tax haven of Gibraltar. Conservative MEP Neil Parish believes the UK government’s handling of their new gambling policy has led to inconsistencies and Gibraltar’s licencing regime is not deserving of any criticism. "The Conservative Party wants to ensure gambling regulation in the UK is consistent while providing protection for minors.

Novomatic assisted to Peru Gaming Show recently held in Lima. Eduardo Armenbianchi, Corporate Administrative Manager of Admiral Group, representative of Novomatic in Perú, commented about the products showcased and the expectations of the firm for the local market.

The general background for the casino project located in Calama was handed in to the Local Council by Alan Céspedes Medina, General Manager of the operating company Latin Gaming. The Plaza Sol del Loa casino to open in March 2009. The exhibition counted with the presence of Jorge Orellana, geologist and project manager. Casino de Calama will be named “Plaza Sol del Loa” and will operate in the place occupied by former Finca San Juan.

A deal to allow Las Vegas-style gambling on tribal lands in Florida could face a major obstacle: the state Legislature. Governor Charlie Crist said he would likely submit any agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to lawmakers for approval, although there are “mixed interpretations” about whether he must.

Investors wiped more than AUD 100 million off the value of major gaming companies Tabcorp Holdings Ltd and Tattersall's Ltd on Monday, after the pair warned earnings could be impacted by a horse racing industry shut down. Smaller rival, online betting firm Centrebet International Ltd also lost value after weekend thoroughbred and harness race meetings were cancelled in a bid to contain an outbreak of highly infectious equine influenza that has rattled the industry.

James Packer's Publishing & Broadcasting has told analysts that mass-market gambling at its newly opened Macau Crown casino is trading below expectations, prompting it to increase its focus on wealthier gamblers. The six-star casino had a strong start with VIP gamblers, with chip turnover rising significantly from last month, PBL executives reportedly said at a market briefing in Sydney yesterday. Crown Macau is the first of three casinos PBL and its partner Melco are developing in the former Portuguese colony. It has only been fully open for business for about three weeks.