Party Gaming predicts its future as one of the five major online poker sites

January 2009 In the future there will be only five major online poker sites due to industry, according to Jim Ryan Party Gaming CEO.

According to his prediction only five major online poker sites on the Net will occur in hard times and he intends to ensure that Party Poker is one of them.

Speaking to the UK newspaper The Financial Times, Ryan said:

''We need to retake the hill and position ourselves to be that leader again.''

''Our job, frankly speaking, is to take share back''

Yet he admits, that the increased competition in Europe may make it more expensive for his group to achieve its aim as current industry high-rollers like Poker Stars and Full Tilt up the ante when it come to media buys and teaming up with marketing affiliates.

Ryan is finding it frustrating that Poker Stars and Full Tilt continue to take the risk of operating in the United States market, reports the FT.

This is something Party Gaming ceased to do following the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006. This is something that created a significantly competitive disadvantage for Party Poker.

None the less Ryan was preparing the online poker site for the day when it might be able to legally re-enter the US market in the event of a change in the legislative landscape. He hopes for a successful ''clean slate'' deal with the US Department of Justice.