This thread's title says "casinos" and I'd have to say yes, they are going to die out. When you can bet on the net, on a televised live roulette spin at the Bellagio, you're not going to bet on a computer simulated wheel offshore.
Offshore sports and horses, however, may get stronger than ever, especially with the security of brick-and-mortar backed English outs.
Reno--I always wondered why Mexico hasn't stepped up and owned the US internet sportsbetting action. In case anyone doubts the longterm cost of monopolies and corruption, just witness the failure of Mexico to make the money now going elsewhere. And it isn't just the net betting they've blown. Even SoCal bettors don't often bother betting in TJ because the prices and offers aren't competitive. Which is inexusable.
I have a friend who worked for the man in Mexico City, and then Juarez, for about a year, this was maybe two years ago. He said he couldn't believe how poorly run the whole thing was, and what's more, how determined to stay that way it was. He said it's a whole different and extremely counterproductive corporate culture, wherein if you pointed out ways to improve things, you were seen as a threat and insult to your superiors. The bureaucratic game there was to be grateful for your overpaid/underworked job and at all costs, don't rock the boat.
Considering how much opportunity for corruption exists in the casino industry, and how ingrained is the culture of corruption in Mexico, I wonder how wise it would be of any American gaming corporation to get involved down there.
I can see it now: Americans vacationing at a Mexican resort, seeing that there seem to be extra 5s in the blackjack decks, complain to the management, and get met only with the coldest who-gives-a-fck stare in the world.
And don't nobody jump up and call me racista, por que mi esposa, mi corazon, es Mexicana. And besides, I don't know any Mexicans who'd dispute what I said above. Who do you think I learned it from? Why do you think so many come here?  |