Is starting a portal worth it? or is it too late?

People used to ask me years ago if I thought they should try to do what I do. Back then I’d say “no point – no money in it – market is crowded – move along, nothing to see here.”

In short, I didn’t want them to take a slice of my pie.

If they asked me the same question now, I’d give almost the same advice but this time I’d be telling the truth.

The only way I can answer your question is: would *I* personally enter this game if I wasn’t already in it? Answer: not a chance. Unless you already have established sites with ongoing traffic and a solid base of existing players, I personally wouldn’t recommend it. Too much catching up.

I’m expanding into other non-gambling sectors as fast as my fingers can manage. I suggest you do the same.

There is no good answer to that. It will take a year or 2 in this industry, to get real organic results. No one has a clear picture oof what this industry will look like in a year or 5 years. Heck in 5 years who knows what the internet will look like…

I belive it is harder now then ever before. There are a lot of good and established sites. The future of the industry is unclear, but is looking to be decided in the next few years.

The worlds billionaires don’t like to see new billionaires, and they will do their best to stop them (Bill Gates spent/spends a lot of time in court). Can you imagine what they think of the likes of Calvin Ayre and Ruth Parasol.

I can’t understand why the big companies are still investing in this industry.
Perhaps they have inside info about the future in Europe,Asia and Latin America.

Looking at these mergers and acquisitions , some times I’m tempted to build a new site for some of the above related markets.

I guess I am an optimist; certainly less experienced than most here.

However, online gaming has created its on inertia that like a speeding locomotive cannot be stopped. It may have some twists and turns to get through, but it travels on its on inertia – full speed ahead.

I sense we are all in for a most interesting ride.

Hi,

don’t mean to sound un-optimistic but lets put it this way .. for me … I’m like Fiction. …. I think my time is better spent finding other avenues.

I say that because of experience. I’ve learned that what you build up has staying power ….. if you aren’t attempting to stay in a market that at any time can be yanked out from under you.

which brings me to my concerns about overseas markets.

What I think inevitably will happen is two things … either they’re all going to have embrace a world wide market in gambling .. or they’re going to shut everything off at the borders and keep that money at home.

personally I think the US would prosper to enter into a world wide situation because of the rigid gambling regulations the US provides … probably more rigid than any other country which speaks to its credibility which gives them an advantage over the other country based OG casinos.

But I also thing its unlikely our gov will see the big picture based on its history. If OG is ever embraced by US … its going to be an in coutry situation.

That will lead to other countries following suit. Germany and China have already followed or begun the steps to follow an “in country” approach. Also I beleive it was the dutch who recently adopted Cryptologic as their country’s software for their online casino.

Yes there will a number of those not; but I think their numbers will be few enough and because of that fact the doors opening for fraud/cheating casino will increase. This is no basis for a partnership program. To end up with some place like Cpays for a partner …. is far from ideal especially under the above circumstances.

all that said: I hope I’m very wrong. I have a lot invested in this industry and want more than anything to see it take a route that leaves room for me to exist.

But would I enter into this after all I know and was just starting? probably not. Surely not if I lived in the states.

Now before I sign off I’m not stating there’s no chance it would be profitable. No denying this is probably the most “potentially” profitable online aff eandeavor existing today. So there you have it. both IMHO the pros .. the cons of this path.

I hope it rather than gives you a yes or a no …… but rather a more informed outlook to make your own decision.

one last thing. I don’t believe in a market too saturated. Mostly a saturated market means there’s money to be made. But for instance when I attempted the re-emergence into the adult side of things … it quickly became apparent to me that I’d been gone so long that it had slipped into a much more ….. well again just my opinion …. but a more sleazy approach than when I left it.

Sites I used to promote for membership now have what I consider a trick where if get someone to sign up … once you get in you’re faced with what they term “an upgrade to full services” …. that’s completely mis-leading to my thinking … but apparently is very accepted way of operating now days.

I cannot abide by this yet once discovered at one place … I quickly learned it happens very often at many places I once considered to be most reputable.

that turned me off the adult side. I don’t mind people looking at dirty pictures. I think its healthy in a sort. The human body is beautiful. Why should the truly beautiful ones only be exclusive to view to those who date women/men who look like that? Lets face it, some of us aren’t ever going to have that situation.

I also think it cuts back on perverts rather than increases them because once you’ve seen a few beautifuly bodies …. well you can stop wondering because you know. I actually think it at least in some cases makes one appreciate the imperfectness of others. if that makes sense on some level to you. But what I can’t abide is lying or misleading. And the way they have it set up is they get your money invested and then force you to either pay more …. to get what you paid for in the first place … or be cheated. that ain’t right.

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If I’m right about the gambling scenario happening that way … will there be room for affs? Yes, but only a few will truly see numbers seen currently.

I don’t say this to be a gloomy gus …. rather you asked my opinion and that’s how i feel. Perhaps now you can make a more informed decision for yourself.

I am in a different situation than most, as I started my site in October 2006, just as US players were being banned from Playtech, Crypto, 32 Red, and others. The combination of limited options as a US player and my GF leaving the country was what gave me the extra time needed to begin the site. In spite of the Neteller fiasco and other USA issues, my site income has grown each month. After just 4 months, I now make more with the affiliate site than I do with my 9 to 5 (senior dig design engineer with multiple grad degrees from Stanford).

I believe there is still plenty of room for quality sites. And there are still plenty of desired features & content not available, as well as markets that have been ignored for the most part. If it’s something you enjoy, I’d recommend giving it a try.