2008 May 02 Gambling News, Events and Happenings

MACAU - After touring Hong Kong without disruptions, the Olympic torch on Saturday was in Macau-the Chinese territory that has surpassed the Las Vegas Strip as the world”s top gambling center.

HARTFORD About two hours before the state Senate approved a bill that would lead to a ban on smoking at the two Indian casinos in southeastern Connecticut, a decision late Friday by majority Democrats in the House of Representatives had appeared to kill the measure.

Despite opposition from the state’s two federally recognized tribes, the legislature is moving ahead with a bill that bans smoking in their casinos.

The Senate debated into the night Friday whether to approve a proposal to ban smoking at the state’s two tribal casinos. But all the talk about workers’ health, potential legal challenges and tribal sovereignty is expected to have little effect on cigarettes and gambling.

Gaming in Ohio could become a reality, but it has to be approved by voters first. Supporters say a proposed casino and resort off I-71 near Cincinnati would generate an estimated $21 million in revenue for Northwest Ohio alone.

Bingo operators expressed cautious optimism that the government is about to announce a series of measures aimed at halting the number of club closures.

Nevada sportsbooks are expecting big betting this weekend. In addition to the NBA Playoffs, we’ve got the 134th Running for the Roses at Churchill Downs.

Pennsylvania has finally hit the jackpot on taxes. The gambling revenue that Governor Rendell promised would bring relief to Pennsylvania homeowners is finally arriving.

Since Favorites, an off-track horse betting parlor, opened in a shopping center here six months ago, June and Hank Raub have been fixtures in its plush chairs.