Despite rumors to the contrary, venerable casino operator London Clubs International plc (LCI) appears to be intent on keeping its distance from the Internet gambling industry. Perhaps in light of the company's ownership interest in the soon-to-open Aladdin property on the Las Vegas Strip, Chairman Alan Goodenough said this week that he was unwilling to "compromise LCI's long-established international reputation" and endanger the company's licensed status in various nations by precipitously launching an Internet betting site.
Internet gaming is definitely included in the company's long-term plans, Goodenough said, but only when the legal situation in nations such as the U.S. and Australia are clarified. He added that, if and when LCI launches an online gaming service, the company will want to capitalize on its reputation and present a top-notch site. He referred to many of the sites available now as "rubbish."
For now, the company maintains an online presence via its website at www.clublci.com, which offers free-play games. "It is our intention to work with the authorities in order to provide a credible and professional, branded Internet offering when and where possible," Goodenough said. "Our long-term aim is a fully integrated gaming portal exploiting the LCI Brand, our 'bricks' businesses and the company's market database."
Goodenough also indicated that Internet gambling was unlikely to detract from the company's land-based business because he sees the audiences as being dissimilar. He acknowledged, however, that an Internet gaming site would serve as an excellent addition to the company's offering.