Baccarat Trends, News and Offline Observations

Connery Returns as James Bond

Sean Connery will reach a whole new generation thanks to game giant, Electronic Arts (EA). This fall, EA will release a video game adaptation of From Russia with Love, using the likeness of Sean Connery as the venerable Bond character, Agent 00110011007. The likeness of Sean Connery will date back to his appearance in the original film rather than using a likeness of his appearance today. Sean Connery will provide the voiceover for the production, lending more authenticity to the game.

As for the Casino Royale film production, tentatively scheduled for a 2006 release date, lips are sealed regarding any prospective cast member, and rumors are flying. One thing's for sure: Casino Royale will weave baccarat into its plot line or die trying.

Baccarat Flying High in Macau

VIP gambling tops the action in this tiny Chinese territory. Under China's two policy system, Macau operates autonomously, and gambling plays a big role in the island's economy, with baccarat accounting for $7.2 billion Hong Kong dollars last year. Public baccarat revenues accounted for 72 per cent of the total gambling revenues. With the opening of the posh Sands Macau last year, public baccarat revenues increased 80% this year, and there's no end in sight. The Chinese appetite for baccarat remains as voracious as ever.

World Trade Organization Rules in Favor of Online Gambling

Who would have thought that the World Trade Organization (WTO) would preserve Americans' rights to gamble wherever they please online, but that's exactly what happened. WTO edicts trump state, local and federal laws. In April 2005, the WTO upheld a ruling that allows Americans to gamble at offshore online gaming establishments. With offshore gambling rights preserved, Americans will retain access to more versions of baccarat than they would if confined to American-owned casinos.

Of course, the WTO threw in a few restrictions that were 'necessary to protect public morals or maintain public order,' whatever that means. At least for now Americans are free to gamble where and when they please without invoking the ire of big brother.