Brief: Internet gaming called opportunity, not threat

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Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1999 | 11:51 a.m.

Richard Iamunno, speaking at last month's American Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Summit in Las Vegas, is president and chief executive of Atlantic International Entertainment Inc., an Internet gaming company with operations primarily in Australia.

While most in the gaming industry have seen the Internet as a potential threat, they should begin looking at it as a way to keep their customers engaged involved in gambling when they are away from the casino, said Iamunno.

"In other words, take the opportunity to extend the walls ... of the casino and keep them in contact with it," said Iamunno.

The Internet will never truly affect a destination resort like Las Vegas, he said. People don't come here just to gamble, they come for the overall experience.

The Internet is a way to keep them engaged with their favorite gambling establishments and, hopefully, a way to interest them in returning, said Iamunno.