Of the four gambling zones designated by the Russian government, the Krasnodor/Rostov area is the most advanced, with Casino Oracul already operating in Azov City. Since the imposition of gambling prohibition outside the zones in July last year there have been few investors willing to take the plunge and commit money to the remote regions, and the problem of lack of infrastructure has yet to be addressed. Somewhat of a vicious circle ensues as authorities are slow to use scarce funds to improve infrastructure without substantial investment forthcoming for casino projects, and until all the necessary utilities and transport links are arranged the investors stay away.

A RIA Novosti report today suggests that the Russian government actually may be considering moving the Azov City site, which has certainly put the cat among the pigeons and caused consternation among the few investors who have sunk funds into that gambling zone. It is rumoured that the Krasnodor governor has requested that Russian President Aleksander Tkachyov consider moving the site to the resort city of Anapa on the Black Sea, which has good links with the rest of Russia, and that the President has instructed the government to study the proposal.

Amendments to the gaming law bill have already been passed by the Duma Economic Policy Committee, which would remove Rostov as a gambling zone. Some politicians argue that in the time since the four zones law came into force it has become apparent that there is little interest from investors. Those few that had decided to take a chance are said to be in shock after learning of the possible relocation and say they have heard nothing official. Another proposed amendment would suspend the gambling ban for ten years. If an alternative gambling zone were created, the matter of compensation for the present investors would need to be taken into account. (E-08.12.10)

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