The Isle of Man-based payment processor Neteller this week confirmed that it would expand its activities within Taiwan.

While little has decisively changed in the Canadian legislative picture, some major players can’t seem to leave the country fast enough.

The recent opening of two mega casino resorts in Singapore may impact the revenues of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, according to its CEO. This comes in a year where gaming profits are at an all-time high, contributing more than HK$15bn in tax revenues.

Plans to extend the Hong Kong racing season by five extra meetings come belatedly as the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) looks to survive in an increasingly competitive regional marketplace, according to HKJC officials and local observers.

Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), operator of the Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses and host of the equestrian events at this month’s Olympics, has complained that it has one hand tied behind its back when it comes to competing with illegal operators in Asia. But it still managed its largest contribution to the Hong Kong Government’s coffers for 10 years.

The opening day of a new season of racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club this weekend saw record attendances and announcements of new deals under discussion with racing’s governing bodies over international bet pooling. However, business in nearby Macau, bustling from the recent opening of the Venetian, was even more brisk.

Payment processor Neteller said it has taken “significant steps” in weaning its business away from online gambling transactions and their attendant regulatory uncertainties, but the sector still provided over 80 percent of the company’s first-half revenues of $36m.

With the two founders of the payment processing firm Neteller facing charges of conspiracy and money laundering, the costs of doing business are set to rise for all operators across the industry.

Payments are the river that the online gambling industry swims in, and despite talk of new advertising supported gaming models, and of subscription fee-based services, a majority of recreational players, and almost all committed punters, want to bet with money and be paid out when they win.

Macau posted record revenues for May 2010. With gaming table caps introduced and a reform law in draft form, Macau continues to refine its regulatory framework since a new ceo has taken the helm of this special administrative region of China and regional competition has increased with the opening of resort casinos in Singapore.