Global Gaming Expo Brings Hope For Legalized Casino Gambling
The online gaming industry has been relatively quiet in the United States since the government has tried to put a stop to online gambling, but optimism for legalization is growing.
Two major gaming companies, Harrah's Entertainment and MGM Mirage, both had executives hinting at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, that they are prepared when the U.S. legalizes online gaming.
Executives from the two companies both see online poker being legalized in the next couple of years, but their idea are far apart when it comes to other online casino gambling.
Terry Lanni, MGM Mirage's chairman, believes that it will not be long after poker is legalized for the rest of online casino games to follow.
Gary Loveman, Harrah's Entertainment CEO and Chairman, believes that online casinos are eight to ten years away, a theory that comes from what he perceives as a lack of support for gaming beyond poker.
Lanni believes that once online gaming is legalized, that land based casino operators will have an advantage over some of the online companies that already exist, but are lesser known to the public, "The issue is people want some form of comfort. If you know its a Harrah's or a major brand, they can feel more comfortable", he said.
One thing is for sure, the Global Gaming Expo has given insight into the direction of some high profile gambling companies, and it appears their focus is shifting towards the online gambling market.
