TheU.K.'s biggest bookmaker Ladbrokessaidthis week it expects 2008 earnings to fall within the range ofanalysts' forecasts. Shares in Ladbrokes rose 4 percent, and PaddyPower's shares rose even higher, at 8.5 percent. Increased taxes inIreland may impact earnings for both firms, next year, however, expertssaid.

A study by West Virginia Universityindicates The Greenbrier resort hotel may reapmore than $6 million inprofitsa year and $34 million may be infused into the local economy.What's more, up to 76 jobs may be created by table games being offeredas an amenity at the four-star resort.

Churchill Downs Inc.President Bob Evanssaid he is poised to pursue expanded gambling next year in Kentucky,citing the approval of voters of slot machines in Maryland, anotherhorse racing state.

A number of trends are converging which areexpected to push total annualwagers via mobile phonesto more than$27.5 billion by 2013, according to a new report from Juniper Research.

Casino stocks soared this week as theMGMMiragereported new funding for its CityCenter project. Investors arejumping back into the niche as the Federal Reserve slashed a keyinterest rate by half a point.

The National Basketball Association'sgoverning body yesterday voted to allow the Palms Casino Resort inLasVegas to accept bets on league games.