The Gambling Recession?

**Doolally** · 5 October 2008, 10:14 am

With many countries worldwide, including the UK and US, seemingly heading for a full blown recession, what is everyones take on how it will affect the gambling industry and affiliates in particular?

In previous recessions, it's said that gambling isn't affected in the way that a lot of other businesses are, however, we've never had a full blown recession in the world of online gambling.

It seems to me that the 'man on the street' probably accounts for a much greater percentage of gambling related activities that he did in the past, again especially with regards to online gambling. Does this mean that the industry will feel the full force of the slowing of the economy or will it be spared?

Does the current banking situation help or hinder us? Does the average gambler with some money in the bank spend more or less online due to banks going bust?

One thing I'm sure of is that the average Joe Public has less money to spend with rising fuel and food costs and this must have some impact on the industry.

I'd love to hear what others thoughts are on the current financial climate. Maybe time for some lively debate as I'm sure there will be contradictory feelings on the subject?

Feel free to post your thoughts.

**universal4** · 5 October 2008, 1:21 pm

I think if we would in fact see a full scale recession then we would surely feel the pinch throughout our industry. I think we have already seen some pull back due to a weak economy worldwide.

Now I'm not gonna be foolish and say the weak economy is the fault of the gambling restrictions, BUT, in addition to all the other problems the US economy was headed for....for the US Governemnt to pass the bill that they did which removed a few billion dollars in commerce from the economy....

....IMO, they should rescind the bill and allow that money to start changing hands again....

Rick
Universal4

**LiveCasinoPartners** · 5 October 2008, 5:07 pm

Doolally,
That's a great question Doolally. I don't know, but I suspect that we are going to get affected. I'd say if your facing the US you would be more affected, but it's hard to say for sure.

I got some "Economy" banners from best casino partners, and found the idea interesting that due to the downturn there could be room for more playing.. a little counter intuitive, but interesting none the less.

I do think that the online gambling business is still strong regardless of possible recession, due to the heavily expanding marketplace.

My strategy is simple, keep my head down and work hard.. lol

**villa10** · 5 October 2008, 7:17 pm

Impossible for the whole aff business (not only casinos) to be out of this global crisis.

We'll see bitting the dust 1000's of businesses developed around this financial bubble, and course we'll be affected in some way.
My guess is that in gambling and another industries, the demand is enough strong to resist the coming years.

**bradz21** · 5 October 2008, 11:40 pm

Yeah I agree with you villa10. With so much demand in our industry, I don't believe it will be affected that much. Since the football season has started we have seen a increase in the last month or two.

- Brad

**The Buzz** · 6 October 2008, 6:29 am

Interesting story in the Financial Times about this today. The focus of the story is on the effect of the recession on brick and mortar gambling, but according to sources in the story, that's having a positive impact on the online industry.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ae3f0ede-9...0779fd18c.html

**Decker** · 6 October 2008, 8:04 am

I cant help to think that there will be a certain change for the worse but i don't think it will be so noticeable cause even during the great depression back in the day there were
2 fields that remained almost unharmed: Gambling and certain aspects of showbiz

**Skinski** · 6 October 2008, 11:00 am

There's two things that some folk just will not give up if they can help it...and that's drinking and gambling. lol

I do think the industry it will be affected though , but with the shorter days of winter coming we might not notice it too much for the time being . Hopefully by the time spring rolls around again we'll see the beginnings of a brighter future.

**CasinoDN.com** · 6 October 2008, 6:17 pm

Article link:

Recession Creates a Perfect Storm for Internet Gambling

The current economic downturn with high energy costs, cheap broadband internet connection and a smoking ban in all licensed premises in most countries of the world is creating a perfect storm for internet gambling.

"People are leaving their cars in the garage, playing online bingo or watching a match on TV and placing a bet from the comfort of an armchair," said Bartlett. "The land based businesses are going to find it hard to compete with the value on the internet

**Kelly - Bet365** · 7 October 2008, 4:58 am

Originally Posted by universal4

Now I'm not gonna be foolish and say the weak economy is the fault of the gambling restrictions, BUT, in addition to all the other problems the US economy was headed for....for the US Governemnt to pass the bill that they did which removed a few billion dollars in commerce from the economy....

....IMO, they should rescind the bill and allow that money to start changing hands again....

Rick
Universal4

I have been thinking the same thing

**Vrindavan** · 8 October 2008, 8:55 pm

The recession is hitting hard on my saving for sure.

No choice, but to work harder, whether the business will be affected or not.

**thepichi** · 9 October 2008, 1:01 am

Originally Posted by CasinoDN.com

Article link:

Recession Creates a Perfect Storm for Internet Gambling

Very interesting article, it makes sense to me. Internet Gambling is by far a cheaper way to gamble. Cheaper for everybody, gamblers, casino owners.

That is the exact reason why the US banned online gambling, land casinos could not afford to loose all that money.

Anyways, I think is going to be hard, and we should expect serious decrease in revenus for some time, people doesn't want to waste their money.

**I.R. Winnar** · 9 October 2008, 9:57 am

it should be boom time for internet gambling. people gamble more in a recession, they are more desperate to 'win it big'. especially when other sources of capital have dried up.

some types of business do really well in a recession, gambling is one of them.

people stay at home more too, so they spend their money on entertainment at home, so online gambling should be doing really good business.

i know the site i work on has seen a big increase in visitors over the last few months.

**bets@betsfreebets.co** · 9 October 2008, 11:41 am

It has indeed affected negatively in terms of total number of bets, new customers, and allotments...at least in my reports y-o-y it has....

**Stowen** · 10 October 2008, 8:50 am

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inor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> We should all remain optimistic, but the fact consumer spending is falling rapidly and consumer confidence is at a real low are all serious factors that we should take into account.

I would advise, in the current economic climate, that all Gambling webmasters consider the potential consequences on industry, including ours and as such ask themselves the following questions

“what decisions do you plan to make to ensure you survive the worst potential situation for your business”

instead of

“what decisions do you wish you had made - Usually asked by business owners once who suffered the consequences fo poor planning
<o

> </o

>
I would advise all webmasters to ask the question so as to not underestimate the impact of the financial situation in our industry. We should prepare for the worst, so should that situation occur, we are adequately prepared to deal with it

**mattvines** · 10 October 2008, 1:07 pm

Hi,

Wouldn't you think that land-based gambling will take a direct hit? but these gamblers may chose the comfort of their own home to have a flutter, thus saving on taxis, drinks, food, and those of you decent black jack players out there, you'll save a fortune not tipping the dealer for bj's.

I personally think lotteries will benefit, how do I get out of this recession? I have to win the lottery, you have to ibe n it to win it !!!!!

**I.R. Winnar** · 10 October 2008, 2:26 pm

Originally Posted by mattvines

I personally think lotteries will benefit, how do I get out of this recession? I have to win the lottery, you have to ibe n it to win it !!!!!

any type of gambling benefits from that mindset during a recession. recessions aren't bad for everyone.

like i said before, it should be a particularly good thing for online gambling. it's only the problems with the us market holding us back, the recession should be a major plus for us

when credit gets tight pawn brokers, bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls, lotteries (and all other types of gambling), as well as discount shops & loan sharks are good businesses to be in.

**thepokerkeep** · 10 October 2008, 5:40 pm

This will be a new experience for the online gambling industry as a whole. We haven't suffered from a major downturn since our industry was conceived so we're all in the same boat.

I think we'll weather the storm better than most land based businesses but I'm taking a pro-active approach and diversifying my portfolio.

I decided to use this as an excuse to build another site... something I had not even thought about doing in the near future. Now I've already registered the domain and begun building the site.

I'm also negotiating the purchase of an existing domain. Between the fiasco in Kentucky and the economy, I felt this was a good time to expand. Don't want all my eggs in one basket!

**GamTrak** · 10 October 2008, 5:59 pm

Good advice thepokerkeep!

This is the time to work with the most reputable programs that are also affiliate friendly. Don't rely on one software or brand to pull you thru.

I'm brushing up on my website/CSS and design skills in case I have to do some freelance work or something.

**samsbay** · 13 October 2008, 5:46 am

I think webmasters should be wary of thinking people will simply stay at home and gamble. I agree with the previous posts about diversification and that webmasters should be making a plan now as Household balance sheets are in a very poor state, consumer spending is falling and consumer confidence is low.

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