How confident are you about the future of online gaming now versus a year ago?

[MichaelCorfman]

The past year has been a year of turmoil for the world economy. Turmoil often leads to a loss of overall confidence in the future.

If you look back to how confident you were about the future of online gaming now versus a year ago, how has your view changed? Are you more or less confident in the future of our industry than you were a year ago?

And be sure to share with what has boosted your confidence in the future and what has shaken it. One thing I can say is that we are fortunate the online gaming world has not been hit as hard as the land-based gaming industry or any number of other industries such as the auto industry.

Michael

[Dominique]

As far as the legal outlook, I am very confident.

However, until such changes actually happen, and until we know just how all that will play out, I have a lot of reservations.

All the recent breaches of contract by supposedly trusted and reputable programs are worrisome to say the least.

I don't want to work in a sleezy, chaotic and dodgy environment.

So, I think the immediate future is pretty scary based on this.

I felt a lot better about everything a year ago, before so many trusted partners let me down.

[lots0]

If I didn't think there was a future in this business.. I wouldn't be in it.

I agree with Dom about these so called trusted programs.

A lot of the 'trusted' programs seem to be morphing into 'rogue' programs as economy tanks.
My opinion is the programs that are morphing into Rogues are just showing their true colors under pressure. They were always crooks.. it was just that before the crash they could afford to look honest.

I only hope that when the dust clears, the good guys will be left standing...
(yes I am on some heavy drugs right now and no I am not thinking clearly...
I keep seeing a dead UGIEA, blue skys and over flowing bank accounts. )

[TheGooner]

I have the same confidence as before - but I must also state that it is a very high confidence in online gambling's future (99%).

The future of the world is in information, and the online sharing and access to it. Online workers will generate more cash than manual workers. Wealth will be generated online, spent online, and so online gambling will continue to grow.

The crumbling economies of the West mean that previously hypocritical governmental stances will be altered to embrace the huge potential tax dollars availble in the gambling industry by legislation and registration.

And there will always be good partners to work with, who deliver a quality product and understand the value of a solid contract - and bringing gambling out of a gray area into mainstream will be positive for these programs - and for players and affiliate generally.

OF course - something like a meteor smacking into the planet could all plunge us into the next ice age (hence the 1% doubt) - but baring something like that - the online future looks very rosy - and gambling will be a part of it.

[edinburghrr]

Initially I was quite pessimistic about the future when the economic slump hit late last year, and is still continuing here in the UK.

I thought revenue from advertisers would fall, but quite the opposite has happened, it's increased. Which is just as well because trying to earn money from affiliate commission has always been disappointing (and I've been an affiliate for various sites for 4 years, and still am).

But having companies willing to pay to advertise on my site has been a lifesaver.

Regards
Horse Betting Systems

[slotplayer]

When I compare this fubar industry to other non-gambling industries it makes me sick. I have zero trust. It is like night and day.

[LiveCasinoPartners]

I am confident that this is a solid business in the future. I am excited for the potential change in the legal climate as well. I still see growth in many different areas.

[Skinski]

Somewhat. Before Oct. 06 I was able to supplement the old income each and every month with pretty much a consistent sum of money. Since then it's been nothing of the sort, and the last few months have been next to nothing for me.....so all I can do is hope .

[ironman2000]

I am always a very optimistic, forward looking person and I just hope that all the legal issues can be solved for the benefit of all.

We have a wonderful Industry here and for the few bad apples amongst us, we should root them out and banish them from our world.


Keep Positive & never Negative no matter what the other party or parties may do.


Always keep a copy of "The Secret" handy……..This puts me back on track.

The weekend is almost upon us..........enjoy it.

[Anthony]

I'm somewhat more confident. We are weathering the economic storm and I see the industry moving in a more positive direction. Of course we have to deal with the terms and conditions issues. Looking at the industry as a whole, I am more optimistic than last year.

[Ziggy]

Indeed, I as well am confident that the future for online gaming will improve.

The influx of sudden "new" casinos, etc., and their ubiquitous spam tell me there are many trying to make a fast buck in a downturned economy. (They actually beg for you to advertise for them).

I honestly believe things will change worldwide in general and specifically in the U.S.

I think its been a very tough year for all concerned - but look forward to a bright future.

[DylanBaxendale]

I am very optimistic about the online gaming industries future. It has weathered the financial downturn somewhat and does not seem to be showing to many signs of slowing down. Of course there will always be areas that need attention (legal issues etc) but definately has a positve outlook for the future.

[AmCan]

I'm sure the online gambling industry will do fine. But if/when US legalizes and regulates, it will likely lead to a big consolidation.

I'm much more pessimistic with the affiliate side of the business. Anyone who's watched Amazon's program over the year can see how they're continually narrowed both the sorts of transactions and amount of commissions they allow. As a result only extremely large affiliates can do well. I see that happening already with these "high roller" policies and attempts to reduce residual payments to those not sending new depositors.

[abscident]

I'm as confident as I was last year. I'm sure the industry will continue to grow.

However, the competition is getting tougher with more and more operators and affiliates alike.

[topboss]

I am finding it's certainly a lot tougher now to maintain the same sort of revenues that we were making a few years ago, and I put this down to many factors - The UIGEA, the economy, more affiliates - more competition, more and more sharks surfacing - and I said "sharks" - meaning some sharky affiliate programs - not "whales" which of course we would all love to have!!!.
In fact, talking about whales - I haven't seen many of these for a while.
There is certainly more sharks than whales out there at the moment!!

However, I am an optimist and I still remain positive for the future. Gambling has been around for years and will be around forever, its just the whole industry tightening up and the banks and tax men jumping on the band wagon which makes life a bit more difficult.