If you’re still impressed by the concept of an online casino, then hold onto your seat because Ryanair is taking gambling to a whole new level…literally! Up until last month the small British airline was best known for its cheap fares on short flights around Europe. In an effort to grab a greater market share, the company has been shaking things up by doing away with pre-flight check-ins and related luggage checks and by offering unlimited carry-ons. These changes alone made Ryanair notable for being one of the first flight chains to reduce security measures since the 911 debacle.
Is Ryanair Revolutionary?
Ryanair’s changing a whole lot more than their check-in system though. Forget the corny, over-priced in-flight movies; Ryanair’s got something a lot more entertaining planned for their patrons…Online gambling! Now even cross-country travel won’t keep poker players from competing in the big tournaments. In the past, the only way you could gamble while in-air was to bring scratch and win tickets on your flight. While Ryanair has been mostly mum on the details of this new promotion, their CEO Michael O’Leary is optimistic about bringing online gambling aboard within the next five years.
If you’re gambling news savvy then you know that the airline has made these claims before, in 2005 to be exact, but this is the first time O’Leary has hinted at an actual launch date. What obstacles does the flying casino face? Both logical and legal ones. As the first people to attempt gambling in-air, Ryanair has the impressive task of buying or creating gambling software capable of supporting an establishment with ever-changing coordinates. Some sources are already saying that Jackpotjoy has signed an exclusive contract to provide in-flight gambling via their existing site and software.
The flying casino concept also poses problems on a legal level with gambling laws varying significantly throughout Europe. A spokesperson for the U.K. Gambling Association has already reminded the public that gambling on an aircraft is illegal. O’Leary was quick to state that they don’t anticipate any licensing obstacles which may hint at routes based in international (and thus unregulated) airspace.
Ryanair’s Shady Reputation
Ryanair is no stranger to controversial press; in fact, they seem to relish it. In the past the airline has earned ample criticism for its (now defunct) plans to charge overweight passengers extra. Family groups also took offense at the company’s sexually charged marketing plan which included a racy calendar featuring scantily clad flight attendants and commercials featuring a naughty schoolgirl spokesmodel. Apart from the intentionally provocative promotions and ongoing but yet unrealized in-flight gambling promises, Ryanair has gotten flak for nickel-and-diming patrons by charging them for normally free services like using the restroom.
For Real or For Show?
With all the advancements that have been made in gambling technology (not least of which is the amazing reliability and accessibility of online gambling establishments), in-flight gambling doesn’t seem that far-fetched. With mobile gambling already available on a large-scale level, flying casinos could be next.
That said, is Ryanair really the face of the gambling future? Considering their total lack of experience in the gambling world and their rather poor reputation within their own industry, we have to say no. Like most other airlines Ryanair has felt the impact of the poor world economy. A large percentage of their already modest fleet is currently grounded, and over 100 staff members have been laid off (guess the calendar sales weren’t as good as they’d hoped). Taking these stats into account it seems likely that O’Leary’s recent claims are just a bid for some free publicity, but even by his estimates we won’t know for sure until 2014.
Sources: http://www.gamblingplanet.org/