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It was bound to happen. Great Las Vegas has begun
recruiting employees from the online casino industry. The natural progression
has, unfortunately, been hindered by politicians. A vital port security act
received an amendment curbing some forms of online gambling and online casino
activity.
Representatives from Nevada protested the law during the
final Congressional session, but with no success. On a positive note, Nevada
Senator Harry Reid is running the senate. That means online casinos will be
welcoming Las Vegas in the near future, perhaps this year.
Before that takes place, a number of shifts must happen in
the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Las Vegas is pushing for online
poker being exempt from the law, it happens to be the most likely scenario. In
addition, language in the law regarding banking institutions will need to be
relaxed.
The US is being accused of protectionism by both the World
Trade Organization and the European Union. Under these conditions it is
unlikely that a new law will only permit licensed Nevada-based companies, such
as MGM, to legally accept bets from the US. It is equally doubtful that Las
Vegas, or anyone else, will be investing in online sports betting. Online
casino poker seems the most reasonable.
Online casino poker rooms, luckily, have already been on
the look out for the Vegas invasion. Some of the big online casino poker
companies – PokerStar, PartyPoker, or Full Tilt – may find themselves bought out
by Vegas. These companies will be able to provide stiff competition for MGM and
Harrah, similar to the way that Bet365 and Paddy Power take on the top dogs of
online casinos like Ladbrokes. The key to a great online casino experience is
variety. Oft times large companies spread themselves thin and offers become
bland.
Industry experts poorly predicted consolidation in the
online casino market, more than a year ago. The consolidation that did take
place resulted in a disastrous bust for the parties involved.
Overseas online casino operators, also known as “offshores”,
can compete with the sleeping giant, Las Vegas. It will take strategy, hard
work, and just a touch of luck. They have the benefit of operating under a
lower overhead than Las Vegas.
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