Ambulance Chasing In The Casino World

Those online poker rooms that pulled out of the American market following the new laws may have left a void, but not for very long.

Following US President George Bush's October 13th signing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the Online Casino industry on the other side of the Atlantic went into panic mode. With rumours flying that arrests of top online gambling executives had and would take place, as well as fears of hefty fines and closures, some Online Poker rooms and online casinos began closing shop and selling off their shares. The major companies to do this were those that were publicly traded and had external superiors to report to.

While there were certainly a large number of companies that pulled out of the American market, there were some, who, after receiving legal advice, decided to stick it out. One of these companies, Poker Stars, consulted with their legal team for several days and was advised that the laws did not affect them and that they had no problem in continuing business as usual for the American market, and of course for the rest of the world. Poker Stars regulars heaved a sigh of relief because it had been speculated that they too would withdraw from the market - some players had even pulling their money out of their accounts.

Judging by the weekend tournaments that Poker Stars and other online poker rooms held, it seems that the numbers are booming. Those poker rooms that remained behind are literally picking up the abandoned players from the stormy waters and dragging them in to play at their sites. Millions of regular players were left without a poker room to play at when their favourite sites withdrew from the market, so those that are left behind are raking it in.

Other poker rooms or casino portals that were reliant on the American market are making alternative arrangements to draw in the players. They are translating their sites into languages other than English, such as the European and Asian languages. Some have simply moved offshore and hope that in this way, the laws cannot affect them directly.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is certainly a challenge for the online casino world, but nothing that can't be handled. This resilient and dynamic industry is bouncing back with a vengeance - those sites and casinos that have decided to stick it out are being rewarded for their loyalty by more grateful players signing up every day.