The Winds of Online Casino Change in the U.S.

The news that more and more online casino companies are holding off on allowing bets from the United States could come as a welcome sign for online casino opponents, but it could also prove to be advantageous for the online casino industry itself. By falling in line with current U.S. policy, these online casinos could be trying to win over U.S. legislators or show that they are willing to follow U.S. laws and thus more than able to work with federal authorities.

For a lot of people, it has seemed a bit unfair that online casino companies can call upon Washington to change its views toward online gambling while so cavalierly flouting U.S. policies regarding online casino gambling. The 1961 Wire Act did not specifically ban online casino gambling, because the internet wasn't around then. However, the Wire Act has been interpreted to apply to modern technologies such as the internet, meaning that while there might not be an official law on the books banning online casino gambling, the Justice Department still has a legal basis to work with.

The combination of the arrest of Bet on Sports CEO David Carruthers in the United States some weeks ago, combined with the passage of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, points for many to a sign that America is clamping down on online casino gambling for good. This might be the case, but it could also be that the U.S. government is seeking to restore some balance and uphold its own policies regarding online casino gambling. Where will it all lead to? You can likely bet on it at online casinos or sports books - just not if you live in the U.S.

2006-08-19