Online Gambling Ban Should Be Opposed By Everyone

February 9, 2008

In a move that surprised and angered many, the United States settled a trade dispute with Canada, Japan and Europe over the UIGEA or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Many thought that this was the perfect time to stick it to the US, and by settling those countries have made it more difficult to get online gambling legalized in the states.

Some are even more angered by the fact that a settlement was reached but the government will not release the details. They feel that they are entitled to that information, as the fine will be paid with US tax dollars. But either way, they have still made it more difficult for everyone else.

The biggest problem with the online gambling ban is that it does not make all online gambling illegal. Because of the support that the government has gotten from the horse racing industry, they are paying them back in spades by allowing their form of online gambling to continue. They are also allowing state lotteries, but they are not allowing the most popular form of online gambling and that is poker playing.

Antigua is another one that has been fighting the US over their online gambling ban; however, the tiny little country has made much bigger strides over it. The WTO has awarded the country $21 million in reparations, and there is literally nothing that the US can do about it.

It seems absurd that not only does the government think that they have the right to decide how the US will spend their money in the privacy of their own homes, but now they are causing other countries to take the money of their citizens because they won’t repeal a law that no one wants anyway.

 

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