Ten years is a long time - the life of the industry to date, pretty much.
I would say that, all things being equal we will see the big, successful operations of today even more entrenched and prosperous...and I think that ultimately, and within this 10 year span the USA will come to the logical conclusion that regulating online gambling protects more U.S. players and generates more tax than banning it.
If or when that happens we'll see some spectacular and very experienced newcomers in the shape of major land brands that will have a hugely positive impact on the business....and result in a way more competitive field that could see even big companies failing if the management doesn't get customer relations right. That means serious improvements in both service and respect for players.
Regulation will become considerably more effective and meaningful than at present - led by jurisdictions like the UK that are serious about genuine and enforced standards of efficiency and conduct. Savvy players will prefer sites where they have the least chance of hassles, and recourse to a formal system if they do run into trouble.
Generally, that should make for safer gambling imo.
Consolidation will continue apace, and there will be far fewer of the already threatened small budget, unprofessional rats and mice operators around. I think there will be some thinning out among the software providers at the low end, too.
Technology - who would have guessed ten years ago that the technology would develop to the extent that it has, and online gambling and the games available will probably have even more ambience and possibilitities thanks to technological wizardry in the next decade - really something to look forward to.
My list for the future would include Trident, 888.com, Fortune Lounge, Party Gaming, Casino Action, Casino Rewards (yes, their CRM will have to sharpen up) Carmen Media, Empire Online (but they will have to do more to get with the program if they really want to be around) Leisure and Gaming, Jackpot Factory, Gaming Corp, VPL, Golden Palace (I hate to admit it, but they will be among the survivors) Ladbrokes and Will Hill, Kiwi, Palace Group, Sportingbet, Canbet, Main Street, IOG and Doleplex (yes, this group is now very significant in terms of acquisitions and ambitions)
There are plenty of other groups who will make it if they sort themselves out and accept that the player is the key to real success. For instance Grand Prive, which has some distance to go before it would get on to my list for the future.
There are many good and professional groups that are continually improving in all spheres as this industry matures and more experienced and professional managers are developed.
The future looks positive to me.
