You've Got Poker: AOL Expands Gambling Content

" Online services can offer unique entertainment programming, and we are constantly introducing new live events, ranging from trivia contests to cross-country games of Blackjack ."

-- America Online Inc. co-founder Steve Case, September 1990

While some of the Internet's earliest champions were still ruminating on its ability to bridge cultural divides and educate the children of the world, the folks at America Online were already envisioning less lofty offerings for its members.

Last week, nearly 16 years later, America Online announced creation of a dedicated blackjack "channel" where enthusiasts can glean tips from the pros, play a game at any hour and watch behind-the-scenes clips of "The World Series of Blackjack."

So, uh, what took so long?

Internet gambling, now a multibillion-dollar business, has largely passed by the once-dominant content provider.

In an effort to catch up, the company added a "Compete for Cash," section to its gaming portal last year. And in November, AOL struck a deal with executives behind the hit television show "World Series of Poker" to draw users to its poker channel. It even created an "AOL Vegas" site in an attempt to bring the spirit of Sin City to the computer screens of its users.

The company has always had blackjack games available, said John Angelo, an AOL spokesman, "we just decided to take it a step further."

-- Ellen McCarthy