Police and data watchdogs in the UK have launched an investigation after thousands of bookmaker customer records were offered for sale to a newspaper.

Global compliance standards are converging due to the increased influence of major international gambling companies and the standardisation of regulatory requirements.

While the gambling industry is highly regulated it is also vulnerable to criminal and socially unacceptable behaviour. A high spending customer base makes it highly valued by marketing organizations, but it also attracts the attention of public and private bodies anxious to identify potentially addictive behaviour, creating unusual data management dilemmas for the industry.

Gambling firms risk falling foul of the Data Protection Act because they radically underestimate their responsibilities when they use CCTV security systems, according to a leading UK technology law expert.

In the wake of the ECJ's Bwin Liga decision, Advocate General Bot recently released his opinion on cases involving the challenges to Dutch sports betting restrictions launched by the UK’s Betfair and Ladbrokes.

The Mescalero face serious economic challenges following the Las Vegas-influenced transformation of their Inn of the Mountain Gods resort, with the tribe frequently reporting net operating losses since the 2005 makeover. This is an unfamiliar position for the Mescalero, who have enjoyed lucrative results from their various commercial enterprises in the past. The tribe remain optimistic that their operations will rebound, however, and are currently exploring refinancing options.

Although gambling remains illegal for the Bahamas’ local population, politicians have called for a referendum on whether to expand gambling across the country. In the meantime, the Our Lucaya casino has found a new owner following Isle of Capri’s decision to close down its operations in The Bahamas.

The Saginaw’s Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort is one of Michigan’s most popular destinations.  The casino is well situated in Michigan and attracts hordes of visitors from Chicago, Detroit and even Canada.  Due to its high volumes of traffic and popularity in Michigan, the casino more than holds its own against the three major Detroit casinos, including the MGM Grand Detroit.

Following Russia's banishing of casinos to four remote regions in July 2009, Belarus has decided to promote itself as suitable alternative location for Moscow operators, so far one casino has taken up the offer.

The UK’s online gambling sector could face far more wide-reaching regulatory attention in connection with its data protection policies over the next 12 months, according to a leading lawyer in the area.