The US Political Battle That’s Showing No Signs Of Surrender

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If you are a follower of the politics of professional sports in the United States, you will probably know all about the political war that has raged since 2018. Since the White House announced its intention to remove the long-running and well-disputed ban on sports betting, we’ve seen a power battle on all fronts. The world’s leading bookmakers are battling against the cash-rich names from Las Vegas to secure their share of one of the most lucrative fields in business.

With millions of potential customers and billions of dollars in profits on the line, it’s no surprise to see the most famous sportsbooks roll up their sleeves. They know this is a battle worth winning and could change their fortunes for decades. While the giants of betting from the UK and Europe go toe-to-toe with their Vegas counterparts, another war of words is simmering in the background. This time it’s political, and this year’s decisions could share America for a generation.

Should betting be legal across the United States, with all areas from Oklahoma to New York sharing gambling laws and rules? That would make it easier to manage and enforce, but governors in some states continue to drag their heels. They don’t want bookmakers trading within their state lines, and they can do without the rise in taxes that accompanies legalized gambling.

What’s your take? Are you pro or anti-betting? You may require more information before making your mind up and choosing sides. If that’s the case, you have arrived at the right place. This article explains the pros and cons of betting in the US. These arguments are currently being put before officials in office, but why should they have the final say? Let the people decide.

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There’s an obvious desire to bet

For generations, the United States was strictly a no-betting zone. The introduction and growth of online gambling changed things with the outdated rules and regulations struggling to keep a lid on illegal betting.

Suppose Americans were denied an opportunity to bet on football, soccer, basketball, and their other favorite sports. In that case, they’d try to bend the rules by gambling with an offshore or overseas bookie.

Pros of legalized betting

What are the advantages of allowing online sportsbook betting in the US? Below are examples of what betting can bring to a population and its economy.

  • Betting is an exciting way to watch live sports.
  • Major bookmakers invest in sports teams.
  • Officials can set a high tax bracket for sportsbooks.
  • The gambling industry creates many jobs and careers.
  • Legalized gambling is better regulated.
  • Tax profits are reinvested in grassroots sports.
  • Fans can bet at the stadium, at home, or on the app.
  • Teams and athletes can sell advertising to bookies.
  • Legalized bookies help crush underground betting.
  • Taxing bookings help the economy recover from COVID.

Cons of legalized betting

Despite the many benefits of online gambling, opposition remains, and it’s unclear if the US will ever allow gambling nationwide. There are many reasons anti-betting protestors are standing firm. Here are a few of the disadvantages relating to legalized gambling.

  • Gambling can be addictive.
  • Problem gambling causes misery in communities.
  • It’s possible to lose thousands of dollars in one bet.
  • There isn’t currently enough support for problem gamblers.
  • Victims can lose their jobs, homes, and more due to debt.

What to expect next

Several major states have already legalized online sportsbook betting, and that movement shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. The states that are fully signed up for the benefits of betting have either already put the changes to a vote and legalized betting or are in the process of doing that this year.

Anti-betting states require more convincing, while some will never change their stance. This could be due to religious reasons or worries about the dangers of inviting the world’s biggest sportsbooks to town. It’s unlikely we’ll ever see a country united in betting, and that’s a shame for those who bet responsibly.

Is betting legal in your city? If so, you can download a gambling app to your smartphone and place bets. But if betting isn’t yet legal, please make no attempt to wager. Your best option is to visit the nearest state where betting is permitted.

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