Jeff Ifrah shares top three predictions for iGaming in 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Last month the gambling giant MGM Resorts International released the first casino mobile app "myVegas" which offers real comps and rewards, such as free rooms and buffets, allowing gamblers to save the trip to Vegas and go online to indulge in their guilty pleasure instead. Once they make their trip to Nevada, they can benefit from their online winnings: the rewards are redeemable at 11 casinos in Las Vegas, among them the Bellagio and The Mirage. "The mobile launch has exceeded everyone's expectations. We're in the millions of downloads now," said Josh Swissman, vice president of corporate marketing for MGM. The new smartphone app is a result of this year's legalization of some form of online gambling within their borders in three states, namely New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware.

Following the recent development, eGR - eGaming Review North America - took a closer look at the current situation in the egaming world. eGR is the authoritative voice for the U.S. and Canadian online and social gaming industry. Featuring a blend of exclusive news, legislation and regulation updates, CEO insights, and market data and intelligence, eGR North America provides unique, in-depth coverage of the industry's key trends and opportunities. Recognizing that the legalization of internet gaming in three states made 2013 a banner year for egaming, eGR asked two experts, Jeff Ifrah and Sarah Coffey of Ifrah Law, for their assessment of the future development in online gaming. Ifrah Law has been in this business a long time, so while Jeff and Sarah do not claim to be fortunate tellers, they do have three key predictions for 2014.

First they predict the easy money is on multistate poker agreements among Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada in order to share games and players. For players, this will mean more people at the tables, bigger prize pools, and more competitive games. Second, Jeff Ifrah and Sarah Coffey think odds are 50/50 that California might enter the market in the coming year. If that happens, California would easily dethrone New Jersey as the largest state market and would be in a position of immense power in dictating the terms of any compacts with other states. Lastly, while a bit of a Hail Mary, they think the Supreme Court will take on the New Jersey sports betting case NCAA v. Christie and rule in the state's favor. If the Supreme Court permits intrastate sports betting, surely it will not be long before sports betting goes online. This year really got the ball rolling on iGaming and Jeff and Sarah expect it to pick up momentum in 2014.

Jeff Ifrah and his team at Ifrah Law represent many of the largest iGaming companies and industry associations in the world. Clients include the online poker sites Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars and the Interactive Gaming Council. Two characteristics uniquely qualify Ifrah Law to represent iGaming companies: Substantial experience in both criminal defense and civil litigation and knowledge of the iGaming industry and the people who work in it. The attorneys at Ifrah Law share a passion for understanding their clients and their businesses. Through the representation of igaming businesses over a number of years, they have acquired an in-depth understanding of the industry. That understanding is the key to their ability to craft solutions that meet their client's goals. Ifrah Law attorneys also author two noted blogs: www.crimeinthesuites.com, an analysis of current issues in white-collar defense, and www.ftcbeat.com, FTC and State AG News for Ecommerce.