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July 2, 2008 -
Oftentimes, the argument that opponents
of online gambling give is that online gambling breeds criminal activity and
gambling addictions. However, when much of this heavy-handed, argumentative
steam is coming from the likes of land-based casino operators and gambling
unions, it begs the question, "Are you really concerned about societal
issues, or, is this more about the money in your pockets?".
Case in point are the comments made by
international gambling union delegates at the UNI Global union meeting in
Switzerland this last week. UNI is the global union for skills and services,
including the casino gambling industry, and has membership of over 15 million
people in 900 unions. In other words, they are the union for unions.
Taking into account that UNI Gaming is
now the fastest growing chapter of UNI Global, union delegate representatives
have been making motions to ensure this continues to be the case. One of their
foremost topics of concern has been online gambling, which quite frankly, is
stealing customers away from brick 'n mortar casinos. However, instead of
finding ways to adapt and change - no doubt tapping into the booming online
industry - union delegates are talking about ways to tackle online gambling.
Me personally, I really can't understand
the mentality of this. Delegates for UNI Gaming have been discussing ways in
which to ensure land-based jobs will not be undermined by the online gambling
industry. Well you know what? That's the internet for you, and it can't be
stopped. How do you think Blockbuster felt when Netflix came about? Sure,
Blockbuster lost a bunch of revenue. However, Blockbuster had the funds to
develop their own internet-based business. If they were smart, they would have
acted immediately to adopt the Netflix business model.
Likewise, all you gambling unions should
do the same. Instead of trying to tackle online gambling, why not support
regulation? Take a look at the UK model, where both online casinos and
land-based casinos are being regulated and doing quite well for themselves I
might add.
Originally published:
June,
2008 | Categories:
Gambling
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