Casinos: Online, Regular Gambling Can Co-Exist

Representatives from leading casino operators such as MGM and Las Vegas Sands expressed optimism about the industry's future during the annual Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas this week.

Online poker can co-exist

Legalization of online poker will allow the industry to grow in the US again, International Game Technology CEO Patti Hart said during a panel on the gaming industry, reflecting the views of her fellow speakers. Hart said she sees online gaming not as a threat to traditional casinos, but rather as a challenge.

Las Vegas Sands president Michael Leven agreed with his fellow panellists that the industry must use technology more effectively to capture the next generation of gamblers. He said online poker would not hurt Las Vegas, although he explained that it might have a negative impact on smaller markets.

Las Vegas to boom

Most speakers expressed optimism about the traditional gambling venues, with MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren saying he expects 2012 to be better than last year for Las Vegas. He said expectations for 2013 were strong, thanks to double digit increases in convention bookings, and argued that the trend would continue in 2014.

Leven was cautiously optimistic, explaining that the casino industry's future was very much tied to disposable income. He said the industry would do well if the global economy grows, but added that a second recession would really hurt casino operators.