Gamblingdungeon

A firm specializing in studying international gambling patterns reported that the worldwide take for online gambling passed $20 billion for the first time in 2008. Research from Global Betting and Gaming Consultants shows that entertainment choices are evolving due to economic pressure, leading to more people deciding to stay home and look to computers for leisure activity.

While regional casinos are roughly static, and destination gambling resorts are seeing earnings plummet, online casinos are continuing to grow at an impressive pace. Global Betting says Internet gambling offers convenience, variety, and budget value desired by modern consumers.
The next year promises to be as good or better for Internet casinos, as several legal changes should boost available markets. France has bent to pressure from the European Commission to open its doors to competition in online gambling. Other European nations will have to respond to EC demands to follow agreements in trade in services and permit Internet casinos to do business.
Biggest of all is the anticipated repeal of the UIGEA by the US Congress, and the official reopening of the US market. Even though there is currently the payment ban in place against online casinos, US patrons still account for half of all Internet gambling revenue.

With increased familiarity with the installation and operation of online gambling sites, and the security of impending US regulation to protect consumers, the numbers of online gamblers should only grow, perhaps creating a permanent shift in tastes toward Internet gaming over land-based venues that may last beyond economic recovery.