"The neon lights are no longer flashing; the roulette wheels have spun their last turn. Casinos across Russia closed their doors on Wednesday as a sweeping ban on gambling came into effect, less than a week after a similar ban hit neighboring Ukraine. Lawmakers in both countries say the bans were necessary to bring under control spiraling addiction and a notoriously shady business. But critics say the moves will leave hundreds of thousands out of work and force the industry underground." (Time)