Internet sports betting has grown to be very popular all and bettors all over the world are asking “should sports gambling be legalized or otherwise?” The ease and convenience with which one can possibly place bets on any sporting event over the internet, the wide choice of sportsbooks plus the excitement and thrill of the game ensures that sports betting is here to stay.
The element of sports gambling that worries most gamblers is of course the legality of it all. Sports gambling activities are considered against the law practically in most states of the US save a few like Nevada and Montana. Therefore it is imperative to find out all gambling laws in your state and jurisdiction before placing your bets on the internet in order that you will not be on the wrong side of the law. The gambling laws differ from nation to nation and from state to state.
Past history of illegal gambling in the US reveals that there were plenty of scandals and money-laundering etc which may have led to prohibition and regulating gambling. It is actually believed that if betting over a teams wins or losses on the particular game was made legal, while all other bets on outcomes like point spreads etc were banned, would result in the destruction of the illegal bookmakers market and finally cut down the corruption in sporting events.
Sports betting is actually illegal in most regions of the world but there have been exceptions. It’s tricky to tackle and generalize sports betting laws and the legality of sports betting. Legal articles in the US declare that the 1st law that must be followed is 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 that includes the state of Nevada.
Sports fans consider sports betting as a hobby in Europe, which also helps to promote the leagues, games and players. Therefore the Europeans regard sports betting as beneficial to some degree and not criminal or illegal. To put it differently, they support its regulation and restrictions at the same time do not think or label it as being “illegal”.
Whether sports gambling is regarded illegal or not, online sports wagering will continue to be one of the most popular ways of placing bets. Sports enthusiasts will not refrain from placing bets through offshore sportsbooks. Laws do sanction malpractices in betting and some legitimate betting websites can be found for the entertainment of those who enjoy the game. Other than this, sports enthusiasts especially basketball, football, baseball fans etc consider sports gambling a terrific way to make a lot of money.
If you are wondering “should sports gambling be legalized?” then you are the same as thousands of avid gamblers who struggle with the issues of betting laws etc in the US. It is prudent to remember that gambling does have a darker side which is addiction and threatening the integrity of particular sports activities. It is because of such repercussions that opponents of sports betting oppose the legality of sports gambling.
