Everyone Wants a Piece of the Cake

The rational was that the accessible, 24/7 available and user friendly online form of gambling would keep Americans from visiting these cities and other land based casino. This was a much larger concern due to the fact that the providers were not American companies and often located in countries outside of the US. Hence the online gambling ban. But what explains the recent developments?

In recent weeks there was noticed a new trend in the US, in which land based casinos have lobbied for the legalization of online gambling. Those who were first in calling for the ban are now prepared, in fact interested in their return to the market. The idea, most likely, is that the venues, those world-famous institutions in Las Vegas and elsewhere would be favored, by enjoying a preferable starting position, either due to the markets nature or with the governments involvement, in owning and operating the new Internet industry.

Interestingly, while the sites still operated in the US, none were owned or operated by land based casinos. In the next stage of online gambling, if this indeed manifests itself, will be just such. The positive approach by land based casinos, practically embracing the sites, will assure a positive market develops. Furthermore, trusted operations with world wide reputation will assure gamblers protection and trust. It is unclear as of yet if they will return to the US and if so, will the competition from abroad be blocked or even regulated in any limiting way. It is clear, however, that the demand is high and the industry must act on it.