Rays of recovery hope in US gaming sectors
Posted by Gavin Smith on 07 May 2009 at 10:05
The online gambling sector, particularly in America, could be set for a recovery period and resurgence, commentators have claimed.
Despite the global slowdown, some online casinos and sports books could be seeing a recovery soon as more customers appear, according to Ogpaper.com.
Branded by some as recession-proof a while ago, casinos and gambling halls enjoyed a boom period in many regions before the global credit crisis.
But more sober balance sheets from some of the world's gambling companies and online sites appear to have showed that gaming over the internet is just as vulnerable to a slowdown as those operating on land.
Last year saw a turning of the tide, according to the site, with many people made redundant worldwide in the industry.
But Ogpaper.com's report says "conversations with various online casinos and sportsbooks" indicate players are increasing and the amount spent on gaming online is still lower than before but is improving.
The site says it expected "disappointing interest" in the Kentucky Derby but was surprised to find betting interest in the event ended up being better than last year.
However, the commentator warns against assuming the better numbers at online casinos and sportsbooks are an indicator of economic recovery.
But industry experts have seen the online gaming industry slide at the same time as the American economy, prompting the site to say it is confident the worst may now be over.
As spend increases, both in on-land casinos and in internet venues, there is "good enough trend" to show recovery as any other, the site concludes.
