Russia rejects casino regulation
As reported by RIA Novosti: "The State Duma has voted down a bill on state regulation of the gambling and betting industry. Characteristically, the Russian parliament's lower house buried the bill in its second reading, long after its pivotal concept of reducing the number of casinos to enlarge the surviving ones found official approval.
"The bill's doom does not mean gamblers and casino proprietors have several more years to enjoy the absence of related legislation, some happily drawing super-profits, others squandering their money, as before.
"The fate of the Russian gambling business is sealed, bill or no bill. Debates on the issue have been raging for years, with numerous arguments for and against.
"…President Putin's draft bill is expected to come into force before the year's end. If it does, the surviving gambling dens are certain to remain close to Moscow…"