AG from Indiana speaks against legalization of online gambling in the USA on a federal level

Posted under Casino News, US casino news by Online Casino Keeper

Current situation with online gambling in the USA gives rise to absolutely controversial points of view. You already know about the bill UIGEA, which was passed by the Congress in 2006 and has come into force at June 1, 2010. Since 2006 the disputes haven’t settled down as there are too many people who are not satisfied with such a decision. Certainly, the UIGEA doesn’t prohibit online gambling in the USA at all, but makes it rather difficult and lays upon certain restrictions.

The authorities explained why the UIGEA was passed by saying that it was necessary in order to prevent money laundering, first of all, what could become a real blow for American economy. And those who are for this legislative act, have some reasonable explanations as well. They say that online gambling is the fastest way to become addictive, what usually leads to different problems, such as financial and social ones. Moreover, modern US online casinos haven’t enough means to guarantee that underage won’t have an access to casino games.

However, you know, that there are those who are against the bill and they have their own reasons which we have already discussed with you. And you know, perhaps, about Barney Frank’s HR 2267 and Jim McDermott’s HR 4976 which are targeted on legalizing of this industry. Today the future of the bills is actively discussed by the government and there are certain hopes that they will be passed. But these bills and the UIGEA are passed on a federal level, what gives no opportunity for the states to regulate online gambling on a local level

And quite recently we have heard the opinion of the Attorney General of the state Indiana, Greg Zoeller. His point of view is fresh and he said that the bills which seek to legalize online gambling shouldn’t be passed on a federal level. Such step will deprive state authorities from the right to make their own decision. He explained that when the United States Department of Treasury issue a license, then the state won’t be able to do anything to control the operator as such activity will be out of the state law. Zoeller said, “States should be free to decide for themselves whether to endorse online gaming at the state level.”

He also noted that if the bills for legalization of online gambling are passed on a federal level, then the states may lose an opportunity to improve financial situation at a local level. He also pointed at one more problem, which concerns online sports betting. In the USA people are against this industry to be legalized, as it is a direct way to corruption in sport. And Zoeller noted that if online poker and online casinos would become legal, then it would be difficult to keep online betting out of that way. So in general, he is against passing anti-UIGEA bills on a federal level, as it may lead to negative consequences. He offers to leave the decision to each state, so that each one can control online casino and poker room operators.

So his point of view is rather reasonable and interesting. It may surely influence the future of future of gambling industry in the USA and either change it for better or not. But as today there are some preconditions that in certain states online casino may soon become legal, we may hope, that this tendency continues.