Biden’s Take on Online Gaming Industry
Each new president has their own views on major topics, like medicine, law enforcement, gun control — and gambling. The recently elected Joe Biden mostly avoided questions on legal gambling in the USA. Instead, he talked a lot about COVID-19, the economy, and a list of other issues. But now, almost a year after the election, it is time for the president’s administration to express its position on gambling among Americans.
Right now the administration is enforcing sports betting regulations and tighter control over online casinos. They call for a more responsible approach to player eligibility. This can be implemented in the form of a requirement to provide documents that prove a player’s age. An inventive solution is offered during GW Casino 265 login, where you have to confirm your age with a captcha before registering an account.
Go on reading to find out about other changes in the US gambling world.
Online Gambling in the US
Gambling became a part of American culture long ago, starting with the colonization times. Back in the 17th century, over 13 colonies had roulette clubs. For most players, it was not about fun, but more about earning money to support their community. However, when the USA became an independent state, it restricted gambling.
Currently, the legality of gambling is defined by each state separately. In 2021, it is legal in 49 states — in one form or another. Most of the states legalized gambling when facing economic crises (like Nevada in 1931) or to attract more tourists and investors into the state (like New Jersey in 1977).
Online gambling is a bit harder to explain from a legal standpoint. Online casinos spread all over the world the moment the Internet was launched, and the industry only grew with time. This drastic change was a challenge for the US legislative system, which didn’t approve online gambling in any form. However, since 2010, states have legalized this activity one by one. Currently, you can gamble in online casinos in such states: Michigan, Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
Online gambling is a profitable business. Globally, it produces over $40 billion in revenue per year. The US online gambling market was worth $2 million in 2020. Further growth of this market is predicted to occur in the next several years.
Sports Betting Legislation
With its 2018 ruling, the US Supreme Court canceled the federal law that banned sports betting. Since then, every state has had a right to legalize sports betting.
In 2021, sports betting, to a different extent, is legal in 28 states. In three states, it has been approved, but the legislation has not taken effect yet. In nine states, the issue is under consideration. And in states like Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, the legislation is a long shot.
In places where sports betting is legal, you still have to follow some rules.
The first one is to play at sportsbooks that have a license. It means that a betting center went through several checks and is safe to play in.
The second rule — you need to be at least 18 years old to bet. To prove your age, you will be asked to show your ID card, driving license, or any other document.
Biden’s Opinion on Gambling
Biden proves to be a supporter of the gambling industry, both land-based and online. There are several facts that prove it:
- The Federal Wire Act, which controls the online gambling sphere, was introduced in 2011 during Barack Obama’s rule. At the same time, Joe Biden was Vice President. Taking into account his position, there is no chance that this act would be approved without his support.
- Where Trump’s support was mostly directed at casino owners, Biden supports ordinary casino workers. He has plans to increase the health policy for casino employees, as well as the conditions of their work. It may look like an attack on land-based casinos. However, it is more like thinking from a long-term perspective to support this industry.
Still, it is too early to make any conclusions. Even now, Biden almost doesn’t talk about gambling, only when asked directly. All we can do is wait for his official position to be announced to the public, as well as his plans on what to do with the gambling industry.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, there are several things to know about the gambling industry in USA and Biden’s influence on it:
- Gambling, both online and land-based, are profitable spheres of business. By legalizing them, local governments found new sources of revenue.
- Currently, there are fewer restrictions on this industry than 20 years ago. For example, sports betting, which was previously completely banned, is now widely legalized.
- Joe Biden presented himself as the full opposite to Donald Trump. He canceled Trump’s restrictions on the online gambling industry.
It is impossible to overestimate the influence of Biden on gambling. His decisions and words can determine the whole future of an entire billion-dollar industry. Unfortunately, Biden doesn’t talk about it often, but we hope that we will hear more about it from him in the near future. Till then, enjoy online gambling and stay tuned for more articles on this topic.