News from Asia -- A number of educational groups in Hong Kong are in opposition to the government's plan to sanction betting on soccer games, the Associated Press reported toady. Hong Kong lawmakers believe legal soccer betting could put an extra $192.3 million per year in the SAR's coffers. Additionally, it would deprive illegal bookmakers from gambling revenue. Those against the plan, however, say that another betting avenue in Hong Kong will create more problem gamers and introduce unsavory elements such as violence, bankruptcies and decline in work ethic. Tam Ping-yuen, a representative from a school counselors group said the extra tax revenue is not worth the social price. "Don't ignore the damage done to the development of our youth for the sake of a superficial economic gain," Tam said.
New Stuff -- MGM Mirage is purchasing 25 percent of Metro Casinos Ltd. , a British company that plans to develop casinos in Bristol when United Kingdom relaxes its betting laws. As the Las Vegas Sun reported today, the investment is the first by a Las Vegas company in a British casino group. Park Place Entertainment Corp. and Mandalay Resort Group are also said to be interested in U.K. developments. Metro Casinos plans to open a facility in Bristol by the end of the year.
UK Tidbit -- The National Lottery Commission is taking away Camelot's ability to reject companies from bidding on the contract to operate the U.K.'s lottery. The move is an attempt to breathe new life into the lottery, which has seen sinking sales and revenues in the last few years.