Internet sports betting has grown to be quite popular all and bettors around 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 on the net, the wide range of sportsbooks plus the excitement and thrill of the game ensures that sports betting has arrived to stay.
The element of sports gambling that worries most gamblers is not surprisingly the legality of it all. Sports gambling activities are believed to be illegal practically in most states of the US save one or two like Nevada and Montana. Therefore it is vital 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 between states.
Track record of illegal betting in the US reveals that there were plenty of scandals and money-laundering etc which may have led to prohibition and regulation of 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 devastation of the illegal bookmakers market and finally minimize the corruption in sporting events.
Sports betting is really illegal in most regions of the earth but there have been exceptions. It is difficult to tackle and generalize sports betting laws and also the legality of sports betting. Legal articles in America 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 except for the few states in the US including the state of Nevada.
Sports fans consider sports betting as a hobby in Europe, that helps to promote the leagues, games and players. Therefore the Europeans regard sports betting as useful to a certain degree instead of criminal or illegal. In other words, 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 otherwise, online sports wagering will continue to be one of the most popular ways of placing bets. Sports enthusiasts will likely 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. Apart from 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 no different from thousands of avid gamblers who battle against the problems of betting laws etc in the US. It is advisable to note that gambling does have a darker side which is addiction and threatening the integrity of particular sports activities. It’s because of such repercussions that opponents of sports betting oppose the legality of sports gambling.