Talk of expanding sports lottery games on Hainan Island near Guangdong Province is just one indication of the creeping liberalisation in China’s gambling policy, according to experts at last week’s AiG conference in Manila.

The final Productivity Commission report with recommendations was presented to the federal government on February 26, 2010. While not yet public, it is set to suggest a new approach to gambling regulation in Australia.

New Zealand's harm minimisation approach to gambling regulation is unique in that economic development and tourism do not form part of its policy objectives. A new anti-money laundering law is also set to impose additional compliance requirements on casinos.

Russian authorities are increasing the scope of the gambling prohibition to counter the surrogate gambling activities that have thrived in the post-ban landscape. The viability of the four remote gaming zones remains questionable even after the opening of the first casino in January.

Contemplating EU accession and declining state revenues, Croatia has introduced a new gaming law together with a new tax regime, which the government believes will help close the gap in public finances and ensure compliance under EU law.

Despite recommendations by the Productivity Commission to implement a levy based on gross revenue, Queensland is seeking to protect the funding of racing through a 'race fields' fee on betting turnover. It is also trialling pre-commitment cards in a number of venues with gaming machines.

While many European governments are introducing local licensing regimes for online gambling, the government of Alderney has been eager to transform its licensing framework to adapt to these changes. As such new regulations took effect on January 1, 2010.

Following the recent announcement by the UK government that it was going to introduce a new licensing regime for offshore online gambling operators, Antigua and Barbuda is yet to assess the impact such change will have on the country.

The incredible popularity of football in Uganda has fuelled the growth of a burgeoning sports betting sector in the East African nation. Despite the infrastructure limitations in the country, operators have found opportunities in the rapidly growing mobile phone industry.

Malaysia has a policy of issuing no further gaming licences, despite having the landmark integrated resort in the Genting Highlands and various number forecast operators that have been given greater scope to operate by the government in an effort to curb illegal gambling.