yes its true (possibly) that vegas won’t seek to own the serps (though they do have the money to accomplish this task save a perhaps a few really good SEOers and those willing to go after the very obscure phrases) but what I think many fail to realize is the advertising factor in the mix.
you won’t be able to turn on a tv show, drive down a highway (billboards) or read a magazine without having the vegas online casino branding pounded into your heads at all times.
we’ve had this discussion before but I stand by my logic that when major players such as Harrahs constantly bombard US players with ads like “we’re US regulated, have payout ratios regulated and proven by US third-party respected institutions who are also gov regulated to be providing accurate info, have guaranteed payments on cash-outs .. again by US regulation … (and probably more on this angle but for now that’s enough to prove my point) … why would you ever consider playing somewhere else?”
You’re missing a major point.
I agree that all the land based casinos WILL (if they have any sense) try to muscle in on the online business.
But contrary to you – I see this as a good thing because it will bring increased competition.
Let’s say that we get Caesars, The Venetian, and a handful of real big brands competing for players …. that’s not a nice friendly co-operative collective … that’s competition.
They want online players, they all bombard the public (generating interest) but the online public want to know which places are best to play at …
So the public go to online portals – where we (affiliates) tell them. People know the major gamblnig brands – but they don’t know which is best suited for them.
No one believes advertising is honest – certainly not comparative – so they go to portal sites to get the REAL story. It’s our job to sort out the good from the bad – and to direct players to the best places to play – and we will do that.
If some casinos do not use affiliates – then they’ll be missing a trick – and they will lose market share compared to their more savvy competitors. Affiliates are a viable stream just as TV, Radio, newspapaer and magazines are.
The special interst portal is here to stay in ALL MARKETs – and if the US legitimise gambling then that market will explode with opportunities ….
I believe that regulation and legislation is a huge benefit …
And I’m looking forward to it.
:cheers: