Altai territory in Siberia is one of the four zones selected by the Russian government for future gaming development. Bordering the area and also in Siberia is the autonomous region of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, part of the Russian Federation. Yesterday a law bill was introduced and passed for a second reading by the Legislative Assembly.

The bill proposes imposing a total ban on gambling in the territory. The industry is presently estimated to produce annual profits of US$25 million from existing casinos and US$3.5 million from bookmakers. The Krasnoyarsk Gambling Association has already appealed against the bill, as has the gambling trade union. The bill was passed without discussion as no amendments had been tabled.

The cold Krasnoyarsk Territory has nearly 3 million inhabitants and temperatures range from -36°C in the Arctic north in winter to 20°C in the south in summer. On the plus side it is acknowledged to be the cleanest region in Russia and possibly the world, with thousands of lakes and rivers. Some residents in the territory have urged their government to impose gambling restrictions rather than a total ban. Tomorrow amendments to the bill and the appeals by the Gambling Association and trade union are expected to be considered. (E-02.13.07)

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