by Edward Rogers, News Staff Writer

August 14, 2009

The high up's in Atlantic City and Las Vegas have got to be wondering if their resistance to regulate online casino gambling in the United States had been a bad move. No doubt it's been a costly moves, for just as steadily as the revenue continues to dwindle month by month in Vegas and A.C., certain U.S. facing online casinos are doing better than ever before.

Atlantic City casinos are especially facing tough times right now. A July report shows that monthly revenue was down a staggering 13% compared to the same time period in 2008. Granted much of this loss can be attributed to a sluggish economy and the opening of several casinos in neighboring Pennsylvania. However, the allure of online casinos cannot be denied. Pennsylvania and Connecticut casinos, such as Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, are also seeing a big drop in revenue.

Even with a reversal on anti-smoking laws late in 2008, more gamblers are staying clear of brick 'n mortar casinos. I mean, if you can't draw gamblers in with something as addictive as nicotine, then you know Atlantic City casinos are in serious trouble.

Quite frankly, these players are smoking in their living rooms, in front of a computer screen. It really is a no-brainer when you stop to think about it. Said one Atlantic City. insider in a recent news article, "...when gamblers realize how much they can save in transportation and rooming, not to mention the fact they can get better odds online, it's no wonder they are hitting up the online casinos."

Adding to the problem is the fact that Atlantic City casinos are turning decrepit. The Tropicana Casino recently lost it's licenses over maintenance problems, while the Trump Marina was recently cited as using pots and pans to solve leaky roof problems.

At least Las Vegas has something to offer in terms of vacationing and resort style getaway's. Atlantic City, on the other hand, should take a close look at Coney Island and do something quick. And if that means supporting online gambling regulation so as to get their branded names out in the virtual world, then so be it.

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