9/27/2001 Gambling industry looks online
The US economy, only now beginning to feel the ripple effects of the recent terrorist attacks, is searching for ways to lessen the blow. The gambling industry is no different. Following a slump in tourism, the gambling industry is looking at the Internet as a way to attract and keep customers.
Says Marc Falcone, a gambling analyst for Bear Stearns, ?Given the significant falloff of business, particularly in Las Vegas, Internet gaming in an environment like this can have significant upside opportunities. If people aren't going out to casinos, they can continue to play at home.?
At the first Interactive Gaming Exposition and Conference this week, casino corporations eligible to apply for Internet gambling licenses planned to meet with software providers and regulators. They are hoping to counter their recent losses by entering a market that is estimated to reach US$6 billion in the next two years.
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