The online gambling industry could be in for a major shift now that global land-based casino operator, Las Vegas Sands, has signed a deal with Cantor Fitzgerald affiliate, Cantor Gaming, to develop and brand online casinos in the image of Las Vegas Sands' popular gambling brands like the Palazzo, Venetian, Paiza Club and the Sands. The announcement shortly followed the finalization of online gaming enforcement laws and regulations by the UK Gambling Commission.

Aimed at the British market, Las Vegas Sands says the sites should be ready for a full launch before mid-2007. Offering all the gambling amenities of their land-based casinos, the sites will also feature online poker, although no details have been given as to whether these will be full-scale rooms complete with large tournaments, poker is certainly on the menu. Online slots, video poker, roulette and blackjack are in the works as well.

Cantor Gaming, who was initially commissioned by Las Vegas Sands to develop mobile gambling devices (now being tested at The Venetian casino), was more than pleased to continue the fortuitous partnership. Cantor Gaming currently powers their own online casino, FHM Casino, and provides a fixed odds betting platform for Ladbrokes. Although the graphics and realism are not as finely tuned as that of software providers like Cryptologic and Microgaming, Cantor will surely give other UK focused online gaming providers a run for their money.

In terms of how this may affect the structure of the online casino gaming industry, if other big-name operators follow suit, the internet could essentially see a virtual landscape of Las Vegas. Granted, the United Kingdom is the only viable market at the current time. However, if the U.S. were to overturn its recent ban, online gamblers can rest assured that brick 'n mortar casinos would jump the gun to get online. While this may do well for more competitive odds and promotions, monopolistic companies would very likely put plenty of current operations out of business.

It is certain that an entrance in the UK market is just a beginning - a testing ground, if you will - for Las Vegas Sands. Chief Operating Officer and President, Bill Weidner, said that by having a presence on the internet, as the online casino gaming industry evolves and more opportunities develop, Las Vegas Sands will be in a strong position to evaluate those opportunities and proceed with sound footing.