Internet sports gambling has grown to be very popular all and bettors around the world are asking “should sports gambling be legalized or otherwise?” The ease and convenience with which one can place bets on any sporting event over the internet, the wide range of sportsbooks plus the excitement and thrill of the game signifies that sports betting has arrived to stay.
The aspect of sports gambling that worries most gamblers is of course the legality of it all. Sports gambling activities are believed to be against the law in most states of the US save one or two like Nevada and Montana. So it is imperative to figure out all gambling laws in your state and jurisdiction before placing your bets online in order that you wont be on the wrong side of the law. The gambling laws differ from nation to nation and between states.
Track record of illegal betting in America reveals that there were plenty of scandals and money-laundering etc which may have led to prohibition and regulating gambling. It is thought that if sport fanatick betting over a teams wins or losses on the particular game is made legal, while all other bets on outcomes like point spreads etc were banned, would result in the devastation of the illegal bookmakers market and ultimately minimize the corruption in sporting events.
Sports betting is actually illegal in most regions of the world but there have always been exceptions. It’s tricky to tackle and generalize sports betting laws and the legality of sports betting. Legal articles in the US state that the first law to be followed is definitely the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1994. This law actually stipulates that operation of gambling in whatever form is illegal aside from the few states in America including the state of Nevada.
Sports fans consider sports betting to be a hobby in Europe, which also really helps to promote the leagues, games and players. Therefore the Europeans regard sports betting as useful to a certain degree and not criminal or illegal. In other words, they support its regulation and restrictions at the same time don’t think or label it as “illegal”.
Whether sports gambling is regarded illegal or not, online sports wagering will continue to be one of the most popular methods of placing bets. Sports enthusiasts will likely not refrain from placing bets through offshore sportsbooks. Laws do sanction malpractices in betting and a few legitimate betting websites do exist for the entertainment of people who enjoy the game. Other than this, sports enthusiasts especially basketball, football, baseball fans etc consider sports gambling a wonderful way to make a lot of money.
If you are wondering “should sports gambling be legalized?” then you’re no different from many avid gamblers who battle against the issues of betting laws etc in the US. It is prudent to remember that gambling has a darker side which is addiction and threatening the integrity of particular sporting events. It’s because of such repercussions that opponents of sports betting oppose the legality of sports gambling.