Legalizing online gambling in the United States | IXGAMES

The possibility of legalizing online gambling in the United States will be researched and reported to the U.S. Congress if a bill introduced by a Nevada representative makes headway. Representative Shelly Berkley (D-Nev.) recently submitted legislation which would mandate that the National Academy of Sciences examine the federal governments current prohibition of Internet gambling. Currently, only online horseracing wagers, made by bettors who reside in states where account wagering is legal, may place bets via the Internet. Rep. Berkleys bill does not call for the legalization of Internet gambling, but could build a foundation for it in the future. The bill mandates that the Academy provide, among many other things, ‘an analysis of the potential tax revenue that could be generated by a legal, licensed, regulated Internet gambling industry in the United States.’ It also discusses a World Trade Organization ruling which found the United States to be in violation of international trade agreements as they relate to Internet Gambling. That dispute is not yet settled, but may have an impact on horse race account wagering being done online now. The bill also makes reference to the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 – which is the basis for all interstate wagering on horse races. Legalization of other forms of Internet wagering and an examination of the Interstate Horse Racing Act might have a negative impact on wagers now being made legally on races in the United States.