As Gambling Goes Mainstream, Deals Mount By Deena Beasley LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The planned purchase of the storied Golden Nugget casino in Las Vegas by Landry's Restaurants Inc. (LNY.N: Quote , Profile , Research ) is further evidence of how gambling has become mainstream entertainment, analysts say. Outside businesses are looking favorably on the casino industry, which is known for generally strong cash flows. "Gaming has become more acceptable as an entertainment source similar to going to the movies or out to dinner," said Marc Falcone, a stock analyst at Deutsche Bank. Today, gaming revenue accounts for just over half of a casino operator's bottom line, compared with 70 percent 10 years ago, said Frank Fahrenkopf, chief executive of the American Gaming Association. "The dynamic has changed," he said, noting that more money is now made on hotel rooms, food, and things like golf course fees. The business is certainly booming, as publicly-traded casino operators report record earnings and casinos run by Indian tribes continue to multiply. Last year, 26 percent of U.S. adults gambled at a casino, up from 20 percent five years ago, according to study commissioned by casino operator Harrah's Entertainment Inc. (HET.N: Quote , Profile , Research ) . Houston-based Landry's, operator of chains like Rainforest Cafe and Joe's Crab Shack, agreed to pay $295 million in cash and debt for the Golden Nugget, considered the premier property in downtown Los Vegas. INVESTORS BUYING UP CASINOS "This is definitely showing that private investors continue to pay-up for gaming assets," said Larry Klatzkin, a stock analyst at Jefferies & Co. Another non-gaming company, real estate investment trust Colony Capital, has been picking up casino properties -- mainly those spun off from the upcoming merger of gaming giants Harrah's and Caesars Entertainment Inc. (CZR.N: Quote , Profile , Research ) .     Continued ... Quelle "As Gambling Goes Mainstream, Deals Mount" : reuters.com Main page for "As Gambling Goes Mainstream, Deals Mount"