What Happens to Affiliates if the US Regulates?

As a writer and a non-webmaster, my opinion matters little, but I'm not above offering it anyways...

I think adaptation will be the key.

Here's an example from when I was in Las Vegas. I'm a part-time poker player with a limited bankroll, thus, I have to search out the tournaments I want to play in. There are literally hundreds and even though Vegas is flooded with magazines and tourist guides, none of them do a great job of pointing us small times or specific interest players in the right direction.

I would have loved to pick up a weekly guide that pointed me to the tournaments I was looking for...also, I searched the Internet to find a listing of Vegas tournaments, but none of them were current. The cost of putting out a paper guide would be too substantial I'm sure, but having a quick, yet current Web site with up to date listing and bonus offers...now that would have been awesome.

I think the same thing could happen online.

Niche Web masters could still make a living by offering this type of information. Although Harrahs and the like will have the name thing going for them, they won't be opposed to adverts and bonus offers, which is where the web masters could take advatage.

Plus, major land casinos like Foxwoods still advert. on TV and radio right? So they will still NEED affiliates, just maybe in a different way.

Also, content like up-to-date player statistics and best-deal tournament offerings would also draw in players like me.

If the market was regulated and I could put my money in anywhere, it would be easier to be picky, but harder to research ALL the sites...thus I'd want affiliate sites that could point me in the right direction for my specific needs.

Not the major affiliate market that exist today...but still, I think smart flexible web masters who understand their customers will survive and thrive.

I think the big question is how many get involved in the industry. The more competition, the better it is for the players and would lead to better days for affiliates. If 5 major companies are competing for players, they may turn to affiliates (and bigger bonuses for players). But if it is just one or two big names for the first year or two, there may be less incentives, meaning the offshore guys need to step it up. Niches may exist, but the big US casinos could employ a large staff to replace the info that we currently provide for the offshore casinos.

So, I will retract my doom and gloom sentiment from before. A lot just depends on how things shake out. One thing I am fairly certain cannot happen is regulation plus legislation to make offshore books illegal simultaneously.

Ya that would suck, but it won't happen...