Why the United States Could Very Well Legalise Online Sports Betting in the Near Future

At the time that this article was written, no fewer than 26 American states have legalised online sports betting. This only stands to reason when we consider the sheer popularity of virtual wagering in general. It is nonetheless a fact that nearly half of the entire country has yet to recognise sports betting as a legal pastime. The good news is that things might be about to change.

However, we also need to ask exactly why sports betting and gambling are not allowed in certain regions while they are welcomed by others with open arms. It will then be easier to appreciate why these hobbies will benefit the nation as a whole.

What is States' Rights?

States' rights is a legal term that dates back to the early days of the United States. Fearing that too much centralised power could lead to a monarchy, the government stipulated many differences between state and federal laws. In other words, some regulations could be decided on a state-wide level while others (such as the speed limit) were to be determined by the federal government. Online sports betting happens to fall within state jurisdictions.

For example, sports betting in Pennsylvania is legal while it is not currently permitted in other locations such as Florida and California. So, why might these states soon begin to change their views?

All About the Economy

From a fiscal standpoint, online sports betting has already proven to be a valuable source of revenue for countless states (in the form of income tax). These funds can then be channeled back into various government projects. Another point to mention that that online wagering portals in general can provide individuals with additional employment opportunities; another very real concern in some locations.

It is likewise crucial to mention the practical side of online wagering and gambling. Thanks to the rise of virtual private networks (VPNs), it is how extremely easy for a user to mask his or her IP address. This allows customers to access online casinos and betting establishments that would otherwise be prohibited in specific regions. It is also very difficult for the government to keep track of these infractions. Many experts feel that it simply makes sense to legalise sports betting on a nationwide level.

A final point to highlight involves the sheer scale of the global sports betting market. Currently estimated to be worth in excess of $86.35 billion dollars, the United States would love to leverage future economic growth. The only possible issue could involve protests from more traditional states that still turn a wary eye towards gambling in general.

However, the benefits mentioned above are impossible to deny. As even more consumers turn towards the Internet as a form of entertainment, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that sports betting will continue to grow in popularity. Legislative officials already realise this observation and although it could still take a bit of time, there is little doubt that online gaming and wagering are here to stay.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes