Analysts on iGaming

The fact that law makers have gone out in full force on this issue, yet still tossing the idea around for some time, has left the gaming industry on a " put on hold" mode. This subsequently gives underground international businesses the freedom to pursue their operations.

Tony Cabot, a market analyst, had conveyed to the Las Vegas Review Journal his take on the matter, saying, "When you force legitimate businesses to the sidelines, it opens the world to people who operate in gray or black areas."

Michael Tew, a Bear Stearns Co. Inc. market analyst, added that the US Justice Department does not chase after unlawful gaming sites operated by foreign residents, but does indict US citizens for running Internet gaming sites.

Of late , The U.S. House of Representatives approved an Internet Gambling Enforcement Act , that bars one from utilizing credit cards and other online methods of payment for gaming purposes . Though, the Senate has not taken any steps to see the bill through prior to going on holiday. Alan Feldman, a representative from MGM Mirage believes that the suspension by Congress may in fact benefit the industry. He said, "It gives (MGM Mirage) a chance to show regulators that we have developed a system ... by which government can become comfortable with legalized and regulated Internet gambling." Reports have shown that among the around 1,800 e-gaming sites globally operating, 75% of them function under nominal government supervision.