Russian gambling industry closes shutters

Tens of thousands of casinos, slot-machine parlors and gambling halls across Russia are shutting down, complying with sweeping new restrictions.

The law that went into effect at midnight requires all gambling businesses to relocate to special zones located in four distant regions of Russia.

More than 400,000 people are estimated to be out of work as a result. Russian TV said more than 40,000 are affected in Moscow alone.

Interfax reported that Moscow police were checking gambling halls across the city to make sure they were closing.

The law passed three years ago confines gambling to the four special zones,, most thousands of miles away from Moscow.