Over the last decade, the computing world has slowly moved from desktop computers to handheld devices. Microsoft (MSFT, Financial) is the undoubted leader in personal computing software, but even with its gigantic influence on office software, the company has found it difficult to keep up the pace with the rapidly evolving computing world.
Right now, most people have adapted the use of mobile gadgets in the computing activities especially the simple day-to-day stuff that was originally done via desktop computers and laptops.
Even more interestingly, the use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets now seems to be the preferred choice by many as the list of services continues to grow.
Microsoft never saw it coming
About a decade ago, the first smart device come into the computing world with the likes of Apple (AAPL, Financial), Nokia (NOK, Financial) and BlackBerry (BBRY, Financial) leading the marks.
Apple, one of the long-time rivals of Microsoft in the computing software market, went in full force launching both hardware and software to usher in the new mobile computing world and has since been one of the main players in both markets with the iPhone and iPad, and the iOS respectively.
On the other hand, Microsoft is finding it hard to make inroads as it entered the market a little bit late compared to rivals Google (GOOG, Financial) (GOOGL, Financial), Samsung C&T Corp (000830) and Apple. The computing software giant had first opted to enter the market as a software provider in conjunction with Finnish mobile phone giant Nokia, but recently decided to go full force, in the same fashion as Apple.
Nothing has yet materialized to suggest that Microsoft could eventually catch up with the rest of the players in the mobile devices market, yet the world seems to be leaning towards mobility every single day. Therefore, analysts have concluded that Microsoft’s failure to engage in the mobile market early enough may have cost it a massive opportunity to being among the top players in this rapidly growing industry.
Casino Companies should learn from Microsoft
Over the last few years, some large casino companies in the U.S have entered into partnership deals with Europe-based online gambling companies to launch their online gambling businesses. However, some still remain adamant that the online gambling market is no place for them.
MGM Resorts (MGM, Financial) and Boyd Gaming Corporation (BYD, Financial) along with Caesars Entertainment (CZR, Financial) are some of the few that have joined the online gambling industry via partnerships with the likes of 888 Holdings and bwin.party Digital.
However, giants like Las Vegas Sands (LVS, Financial) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN, Financial) are yet to embrace the online gambling industry as they remain focused on their existing lines of businesses. However, with the influx of online gambling companies now taking toll of the U.S market, these giants might find themselves in the shoes of Microsoft with the next few years.
In general, the online gambling industry is growing and analysts already predict that it is primed to become a multi-billion market. Additionally, with the world becoming more mobile, more players continue to shift focus towards mobile gaming, and with time, gamblers are bound to opt for online casinos as well, and this fansite is a testament to the growing interest in this market.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that the internet is changing the course of things and as pointed out in this Forbes article, it might be the right time to pounce on this interesting market before it is too late.
Microsoft knows well the price of failing to act early, as it is now trailing the main players in the smartphone market by miles despite its obvious presence in the computing software industry.
As such, companies like Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands alongside the rest in the casinos and resorts industry should heed Microsoft’s warning of what happens when happens when you hesitate to pounce in a rapidly growing market.
