Sudden closure of online casinos shocks players

The online gaming industry represents one of the toughest climates and has been responsible for the rise and fall of many powerful enterprises. British Columbia recently made headlines after the site was forced to shut down within hours of its launch. Although now back on its feet, the plight of the company reflects the capricious nature of a fierce industry which has claimed many more victims since.

The latest online venture to make the news is the Sega Online Casino which is preparing to cease online operations. Launched earlier this year, the site created an online casino venue packed with slots and other popular titles. The original idea was to draw upon the company's earlier successes as developers of such gaming phenomena as the Nintendo and Playstation. Although the company had some initial success in the aftermath of its immediate launch, figures dwindled to an all time low forcing the company to prepare for closure.

Many customers responded with great anger at the closure which came with little warning. Although existing players were asked to withdraw funds by 15th May, many felt that they were kept in the dark about the status of the casino. An affiliate spokesperson attributed the closure to restrictions imposed on online casinos. Others have suggested that the site was simply ill equipped to compete with other more established online ventures in an increasingly crowded market. Casino operators will certainly be anxious to avoid following in the footsteps of such a high profile company. The future of Sega Casino and the company at large remains to be seen.