Let’s hit on the regulation of online betting in the United States. As you may or may not know, it’s illegal to bet on sporting events on U.S.-based sites. Most gamblers use offshore hosts where online betting on sporting events and casino-based games are legalized.
However, the laws are loosening in the state of Illinois. Three separate companies are reported to be in competition for a license to allow legal online gambling of horse races in the state. Most recently, bars in Illinois have been given permission to put video gambling machines in and horse racetracks may be going in a similar direction.
As is the case with other states, the Illinois Racing Board is debating the issue and contemplating the resulting financial benefits in a poor economy. In the current situation, unregulated operators have been receiving bets online without any contribution to the state or racetracks. With the proposed legislation, you can play online but a percentage of the operator’s income would go to Illinois. It may not bother you as a gambler but it does bother operators.
Some European countries want to keep the olds laws and are arguing against the legislation but American states keep speaking out since the Internet is the future of business. Illinois is getting people talking and other states could soon follow for free access and the legalization to online gambling in the U.S. It sure beats trying to find a parking spot at the track.