UK Might Be The New US for Online Gambling Companies
As a result of the recent passage of the Unlawful Internet Enforcement (UIGEA) in the US on October 13, 2006, which clamps down on Internet Gambling, American operators are now turning to the UK. Currently, American operators believe that Britain is the new gambling capital when it comes to online gaming. Indeed, Britain is opening its doors, without any restrictions, to U.S. based companies that are looking for a place to relocate.
Though much of it is still in the early stages, the signs show that the UK is going to offer more to companies out there, compared to other European countries, and is pushing new laws to that objective. One of the first companies in the US that has taken advantage of this new opportunity is the well-known casino, Las Vegas Sands. Their deal with Cantor Gaming would make a casino and poker website in Britain in the meantime, before bringing it to other European Countries. Nonetheless, the company will no longer accept US based players; it will only accept British and other European based players.
The launch of the website will probably be in the second quarter of 2007 and will offer the major casino games, like poker, roulette and blackjack. This silent invasion by US Casino and Gaming Corporations could be just the boost the gaming industry desperately needs after the ban. However, some concerns regarding capital and profits can be discussed by the launch of backgammon, the "new poker".
In the past weeks, the phenomenal rise of Backgammon as an alternative to poker has become crucial. You only have to look around to see that new online companies are popping up everyday. Some of these sites are just affiliates of sites that have recently closed their main US casino and poker operations because of the legislation.
12/18/2006 12:42 PM
Adam Hughes
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