WMS Gaming to enter online casino market

The legislative battles surrounding the legalisation of online gambling in the US have been ignited once after the issue made headlines yet again. A US based firm, WMS Gaming, has revealed plans to make its mark on the online casino market with the UK as its first port of call. WMS is responsible for manufacturing slot machines and the new move will see the company start its long awaited plans for expansion. WMS has subsequent plans to break into France, Spain and Italy with negotiations already underway for the European market.

European companies are sitting up and taking notice as the US online casino market starts to gather momentum. Commenting on the decision, Brian Morgan, WMS executive director, said "we are the leaders in casino innovation". The new move with see the company "leverage that insight online". Noting the legal difficulties surrounding such plans, he added" We will only trade in market where egaming is expressly legal but there is plenty on our radar."

Many are citing the move as yet another step towards US entry into the online gambling arena. US companies are using their time wisely in a bid to accumulate experience in the field with the expectation that US laws are set to loosen imminently. Harrah's Entertainment is currently operating its very own Internet gaming division with many other high profile brands following suit. The company claims that their scheme is set to operate exclusively in Europe though it is clear that such ventures look ahead to greater legislative freedom. In the meantime, WMS gaming looks set to take the UK and Europe by storm.