Phil Ruffin is a billionaire.  That alone implies that he must know something that I do not.  Okay, maybe being a billionaire does not make him an authority on all topics.  However he does carry some clout when it comes to the gambling industry because, after all, he does own Treasure Island in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ruffin feels very secure about the future of Las Vegas despite all of the danger signs that the brick and mortar casino industry may be limping on its last leg.  The most dangerous threat most people feel are online casinos.  Particularly during this current recession, many players, initially seeking a way to save money, discovered how fulfilling a gambling experience online casinos can provide.  In the mean time brick and mortar casinos struggled to keep their doors open due to their extremely high overhead.

Ruffin does not consider online casinos to be a threat to brick and mortar gambling at all.  In fact he is excited about regulated online casinos in the United States and believe that it is only a matter of time before online casinos are indeed legal because the United States government could never turn down the very enticing tax revenue that the industry will be sure to produce.

“I don't think Internet gambling will hurt the casino industry,” said Ruffin.

“You can't go to our shows on the Internet.” 

Ironically Ruffin believes the very same thing that some analysts feel is causing brick and mortar casinos all of these financial hardships is what will eventually save them from being devoured by online casinos: the shows, the shopping, and the restaurants.