Hurricanes Gustav and Ike caused flooding to some Biloxi casinos, including the Beau Rivage and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The Hard Rock had about 30” of water in the ground floor but there was no damage to the casino floor on an upper level.

Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky has deemed online gambling domains “gambling devices” which are illegal in the US state, and was granted an order of seizure for 141 domains.

US Congressman Barney Frank has been lobbying for remedies to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. The latest proposal, the Payments System Protection Act, or HR 6870, passed The House Committee on Financial Services last week.

The Clairvest Group Inc. has announced a $16 million USD investment to purchase 50% ownership in the Plaza Sol de Los Lagos casino that it being built in Osorno, Chile.  The Clairvest investment will make them a partner with Latin Gaming, an expert in Latin American gaming.

Aruze has long been a behind the scenes player in the gambling industry. The Japanese manufacturer of gaming machines now has decided to expand into casino operation. The company was granted a provisional license to build and operate a casino resort in Manila.

Approval has been given to a allow casinos within Brazil.  Regulations would limit the constructing of six casinos in the north, north-east and central-west regions and penalizes companies that allow problem gamblers to play. Revenues are targeted to go to the health sector.

This is the first year for the SkyCity Festival of Poker and the promoters are aiming big with the goal of offering a million dollar prize pool. With the number and caliber of the poker professionals that plan to attend the event, they should be able to reach their goals.

From October 2^nd through October 5th, poker players have the opportunity to see if they have the luck of the Irish at the Irish Poker Festival. The festival events will take place at the Irish National Events Center in Killarney in southwestern Ireland.

One of the online gambling industry's biggest players has had three of its core operations pass the strict Safe and Fair accreditation process offered by eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA).