Poll: Are egaming firms betting too much on the US?

With two of the eight New Jersey casino licensees yet to announce their online partners. the rumour mill is still working overtime in the US with any European egaming firm without a partner linked to a potential deal.

With the state regulator’s proposed November launch date fast approaching Gamesys, Betfair, bwin.party, 888 are among the firms already lining up to take a shot at the first major regulated market in the US. And as share prices rise amid hopes of a new gold rush, it’s understandable for the rest to not want to miss out. But just how big is the opportunity?

With fresh rumours Senator Harry Reid is mulling over some form of online gambling prohibition legislation and yet more delays in California, is the egaming sector betting too heavily on the resurgence of the one-time dominant market? Or will New Jersey defy the doubters and become one of the most important markets in online gambling?

A truly regulated and open US market would be a huge source of revenue for anyone allowed to operate within it, but with the market currently restricted to Nevada and New Jersey there is a chance the European firms are going to have to speculate to accumulate. There has been a significant investment into the US from the likes of 888 and investors will want to see some form of return sooner rather than later.

For now the feeling remains that this is all about a long-term play, with no operator wanting to miss out on the first-mover advantage. The ability to build a relationship with the US regulators, consumers and land-based operators will be vital for any future success. But how long will they have to wait to cash in on the investment?

And will the US ever become a major source of revenues for the European sector? Cast your vote on the right hand side of the page.