Media speculation is rife as to the future of the US gambling and gaming market. In April, the US Department of Justice acted to shut down a number of major online poker sites including Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars and Absolute Poker, reinvigorating the argument to push through legislation to legalize online gambling.
Whatever the outcome, the gambling and gaming industry is preparing for change. Those already active in the market have a head start, but should the law be changed, the door will be opened to foreign organizations with extensive experience, and established land operators could move into the space also. It’s currently estimated that 2m Californians are wagering a startling $13bn a year in online poker, so the potential rewards are abundant.
Pearlfinders has spoke to some of the players in this notoriously closely-guarded industry, for perspectives on the potential opportunities and challenges that may arise in the coming months and years.