Freedom versus Online Gambling Legislation in the US

December 18, 2010 | Article Category: Gaming Law

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The United States has many who are fighting for online gambling legislation, although it is unclear whether they will win these fights or not. The online gambling world is certainly hoping for online gambling legislation, however, there are those who argue that it is the wrong way to go.

For those who say that online gambling should simply be banned, they are simply imposing their own personal beliefs on those who expect to make their own choices, and to be given the freedom to do so. While there is nothing wrong with voicing an opinion that you believe that online gambling should be banned, or that it is in some way evil, or a negative thing to do, it is simply inappropriate, and incorrect to try and impose this belief on others in a country where there is meant to be freedom according to the Constitution.

While freedom does not mean anarchy, with everyone making their own decisions, it is quite obvious, even to those who would prefer online gambling to be banned, that those who choose to gamble online are obviously a very far cry from allowing murderers and rapists to roam the streets. For those who have no problem with online gambling, it is also obviously clear that those who wish to gamble online should be given the freedom to do so.

The real question, however, is should those in the online gambling world be fighting for freedom, or should they be fighting for legislation for online gambling?

While it certainly sounds tempting to simply have total freedom as far as online gambling is concerned, it is not likely to be in the best interests of the online casino players, and for those who play other forms of online gambling too.

It is certainly important that there is some kind of regulation of online casinos, and some kind of authority to which online casinos are answerable. This helps players to be able to play in a safe and protected environment, and gives rogue online casinos very little chance of being able to attract players if it is well publicized as to which online casinos are safe, secure and regulated.

What seems to be the trend, however, is that not only are there those who wish to take away the freedom to have online casinos, but also the freedom to have much choice if/when online casinos are legalized in the United States. Part of a free market is that there should be competition and choice, and that the government should not hand pick which online casinos can be in the market, and which cannot.

Having said all this, online casino regulation and legalization in the United States would be most welcome at this time, even if it comes with a number of unasked for restrictions.