Why online gambling should be legal
As the debate in Washington wages on in the final hours before the implementation of the UIGEA, here’s my two cents worth about why you should support online gambling (okay, I know, I’m probably already preaching to the converted!).
One: There are a host of financial incentives on offer in the online industry that you couldn’t dream of in a land based casino. For example, you’ll find lower table minimums, better odds, higher payout percentages and more lucrative bonuses simply because the operators have lower overheads to bear. All of this on top of the fact that you don’t have to cover your travel and accommodation expenses to visit a state with land based casinos.
Two: Unless online gambling is strictly regulated by government bodies and watch dogs, there is great risk of fraud, scams and dodgy business practices. Regulation rather than prohibition is the only safe solution for consumers.
Three: Everyone has an inherent right to choose how they spend their money (provided it is not harming others of course) and how they want to be entertained. The UIGEA flies in the face of this right.
Four: The potential revenue from taxing online gaming operators is simply immense and can revitalize our economy following the global financial crises and provide thousands of new jobs.
Five: Is there a conspiracy theory perhaps? Maybe this is just the first step in governments cracking down on which internet sites you are allowed to view and we are heading down a road of censorship? Well, its food for thought at least, right?
