The question still remains, mostly because it is far too early to tell, how online casinos will affect the future of brick and mortar casinos.  Most people feel that online casinos will have a tremendous negative impact on brick and mortar casinos.  It is a reasonable assumption, especially after what we have experienced during this current recession.  Online casinos have grown more popular and expanded their customer bases, while brick and mortar casinos have lost money each and every month for over a year now. 

However there are some people that believe online casinos can only help the brick and mortar casino.  Phil Ruffin certainly has a dog in the fight as the owner of Treasure Island in Las Vegas.  He is not threatened by online casinos at all.  In fact he is anxious to have regulated online casinos in the United State because he believes it will be the key to Las Vegas’ financial recovery.

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

“It will probably educate more people about gaming.”

That education provided by online casinos will be the meal ticket that Las Vegas has been looking for.  When the poker became a spectator sport on television, it turned on a whole new demographic of players to the game.  Poker received a boom unlike anything it has experienced in its long history.   

Ruffin believes the wide accessibility to casino style gambling through online casinos will only encourage more players to venture out and try their luck at brick and mortar casinos.