The word is out that Harrah’s Entertainment is beginning to place more focus on potential internet operations, in particular the WSOP brand, owned by Harrah’s. While Harrah’s is not necessarily confirming these reports, they did recently hire Mitch Garber, former CEO of PartyGaming, to head up the internet arm of their business. This is one of the first dynamic moves of a land based casino to enter the online gaming scene.

Many believe that the timing of Harrah’s decision was sparked by the changing political climate in the USA regarding online gaming. With ferocious efforts being made to legalize online gaming in the US by implementing regulatory and licensing policies, there is much anticipation in the online gaming industry that the US Online Poker market will once again become viable. Some are anticipating that online poker will be among the first venues to become legal, and are excitedly preparing to jump on board.

While legislative movement in the US may have sparked Harrah’s interest in online poker, they are not limiting themselves to the US market. This is a wise decision with such an unpredictable outcome before us. Harrah’s entertainment also has sights set on the European and Caribbean online gaming markets. Another contributing factor in their decision may have been the fact that during the current economic situation in the US, many more players are turning to online gaming rather than face the exorbitant travel expenses associated with a vacation to Vegas. It is no secret that the land based gaming industry has been hit economically, and the competition of online gaming is partially responsible.

We may still have to wait for all the juicy details, but one thing we do know is that Harrah’s is a top rate, premiere casino that is exceptional in taking care of their customers. When they do decide to make their move, we can expect to find an exhilarating, cutting edge, and sophisticatedly innovative online gaming experience that is every bit as impressive as what you see out there now. Needless to say, we will be waiting on the edge our seat for Harrah’s to make their explosion into the online gaming scene.