The age old question, to gamble or not to gamble, is one that is discussed on various levels from religious views to economic value. Across the United States, there are several gambling options available from casinos to lottery and now even online gaming. Online gaming is in the early stages, with only three states offering such options and the argument continues as to whether or not the option should even be legal. A recent article at The Hill, by Former Representative Michael Oxley of Ohio, sheds light on why online gaming should not be banned in the United States.
Oxley starts his piece by stating that there has been talk of a congressional ban for online gaming in America. As a former Chairman of the House of Financial Services Committee, Oxley had to deal with this on a regular basis and he wrote the article to shed light on why banning is the wrong policy.
Oxley points out that millions of people participate in online gaming and that the overseas black markets are earning billions in revenues. As Oxley states, we should not be questioning whether Americans are participating in online gaming but will a congressional ban of online gaming make consumers safer or less safe online.
Oxley feels as though families in American, including children, would not be safe if a ban were passed. According to Oxley there would be an increase in risk of identity theft, fraud and money laundering with unregulated overseas black market gambling. Oxley states that ignoring the black market instead of addressing the issue only further creates safety issues.
The former representative also points out that as former FBI, his experience has shown that a ban of online gaming will not stop players from using the black market sites. Oxley points out these sites are usually operated by those who are engaging in serious criminal activity as reported by the Justice Department. Prohibition did not work with alcohol, so Oxley believes it will not work with online activity as well.
The report further points out that Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey are all offering online gaming with consumer protections in place to provide fair gaming and prohibit minors from participating. Oxley states that Congress cannot reverse time or take away the internet so the focus needs to shift to protecting families, businesses and consumers with online activities by utilizing technology instead of blocking use.
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