That was the message gaming consultant Eugene Christiansen gave the Nevada Gaming Commission at its Internet Informational Seminar yesterday. Gene told the regulators that the world has changed, gambling is a fact of life, and prohibition will not slow its growth. He said the policy question is not whether people will gamble on the Internet.
"They do, and they will, in increasing numbers," he said, adding that the important question for regulators is "Who will provide Internet gambling, and how will it be operated, regulated and taxed?"
The seminar drew former Nevada's Governor Robert List, the entire Gaming Control Board and some 120 other observers in a standing-room only session.
Christiansen said there was increased consumer confidence in online operations because of recognized names such as William Hill and Ladbroke, and he warned the regulators, "At some point, these competitors will begin eating Nevada's lunch."