The United States recovered from the great depression.  Granted it took a second world war to pull us out of it, but we got out of it.  So, logic follows that this recession, like other recessions before it, will come to an end.  Many companies, especially brick and mortar casinos, suffered greatly to stay alive during this time of economic hardship.  Those that manage to pull all the way through will emerge more streamlined and efficient than ever before.

Some believe that this recession may be the death knell for brick and mortar casinos and the real births of online casinos.  Online casinos have done quite well and even grown during this recession.  It is likely that in the next few months online casinos will even be regulated in the United States.  If that happen the online gambling business will explode with riches and possibility.

Still not every one is ready to give up on brick and mortar casinos.  Phil Ruffin, a billionaire who owns Treasure Island and co-owner of Trump International Tower feels like it is only a matter of time before Las Vegas is experiencing another upswing.  He feels so confident about the future of Las Vegas that like a true gambler he put a wager on it.  Ruffin bet $3 billion dollars that by 2020, roughly ten years from now, Las Vegas will be booming once again. 

According to Ruffin that by the time the year 2020 rolls around 45 million to 50 million people will be crowding the hotels on the Las Vegas strip once again.  As far as Ruffin is concerned, despite these current rough times, Las Vegas has not lost its international appeal.