It might only be early days but the gambling industry has already started in earnest in 2011 as we gear up for yet another year when big things are likely to be happening. You’ve already read our wealth of predictions for the upcoming year, including the views and opinions of Calvin Ayre himself.
eGaming Review, meanwhile, have waited until the second week of January to start projecting what might happen in the next year or so, the first part of which has been published on their website today.
After giving a recap of what’s happened over the past year, they identify regulation as both the biggest opportunity for the gaming industry this year but at the same time the biggest threat. It again illustrates the point that if regulation is done in the right way then it can be very successful for all involved, for example the model used by the UK.
It also makes the point that to go forward the French should be looking at making changes to their system, which has been openly criticized by one of the France’s own companies.
Dr Wulf Hambach, founding partner of law firm Hambach and Hambach is quoted as saying “complete freedom to trade and mass harmonization won’t happen across Europe.” This supports the view that the balkanization of the European market is here to stay, meaning any attempts to form Europe-wide rules will be very difficult.
eGR’s article finished off looking at where the US poker regulations will go next, with conflicting opinions on what’s likely to happen. Ivor Jones analyst at Numis says “If I had to place all my savings on one positive development happening in 2011 it would be US poker regulations finally making it through.”
Former chairman at Sportingbet, Mark Blandford, looks at it differently, noting that caution should be taken in case the Republicans come in and cause the plans to be abolished.
The last word is left to Martin Lerby, head of OnGame network, who like the rest of us is intrigued to see what reception PokerStars and Full Tilt when the market is US poker market is regulated. This is something we wait for with more than a passing interest to see what their next move will be should they be shut out of the US market.
