The United States has always been known for its innovative nature. This nation has given birth to many of the technologies that we have come to rely on. It exerts a powerful influence over the international community, and many countries have used its government as an example of how to rule. However, America is lagging behind in one important sector. This involves the online casino industry.
Imagine for a moment that you happen to be a fan of the latest fast-paced virtual slots games. If you happen to live in California, Georgia, or Illinois, you are simply out of luck. Online gambling is forbidden in these states, so you will have to look elsewhere for at-home entertainment.
Thankfully, things are slowly changing for the better. It is nonetheless important to understand why America has taken so long to adopt a pro-casino stance, and to examine some of the reasons why implementing new legislation is actually more difficult than it may initially appear. We can then predict what the future may have in store for the average American.
A Principle that Can be Traced Back for Centuries
One of the reasons why America decided to break away from Great Britain involved the type of government at the time. Americans were essentially ruled by a monarchy headquartered thousands of miles away. They wanted to create a system that was much less centralised, and that provided more autonomy to the states. This is when the concept of states’ rights was born.
The theory here is that while the federal (central) government was still in control of many regulations, states had a certain level of autonomy when making decisions that could affect their constituents. Although a great idea, it nonetheless opened up the door for legislative battles. Furthermore, states could choose to veto specific propositions. This ultimately resulted in certain acts being legal in one state, while prohibited in another. Similar debates over state-level regulations continue to appear in other digital industries whenever federal lawmakers consider replacing dozens of local rules with a single national framework.
If we now fast-forward to modern times, an example will help to clarify the points highlighted above. Rumours have been circulating that Colorado may soon begin to legalise online casinos. The fact that spñorts betting is already permitted clearly indicates a move in the favour of virtual gaming in general. However, the same cannot be said for California. This can confuse players; especially those who are rather new to the virtual casino ecosystem. It also presents a headache for legislators hoping to pass new regulations. So, why are we beginning to experience what can only be called a change of heart?
The Pragmatic Side of the Equation
There are several reasons why the rise of online casinos throughout the United States represents nothing less than an (eventual) foregone conclusion. The first involves simple demand. Virtual gaming has become extremely popular across the United States, and more Americans than ever before are enjoying what these platforms have in store. This movement is being fueled by other factors, such as increased access to 5G wireless Internet, and a growing reliance on gaming-friendly mobile devices.
Secondly, it is no secret that a casino blacklisted in a certain area due to regional restrictions can be accessed with the help of a virtual private network (VPN). It is now relatively easy for players to circumvent firewalls without being detected. In other words, legislative efforts to block online casinos are no longer as effective as they once were.
The third point could very well be the most relevant here. We need to remember that online gaming in general represents an excellent way to generate additional revenue for the state in question. For example, the winning derived from casino games, or sports betting, could be subject to capital gains tax (income tax in the United States). These funds may then be channelled into different public, and private, projects. The end result here is that a region can leverage a powerful revenue stream, and in many cases, this represents a much-needed financial windfall. A dose of pragmatism comes into play here, and government officials have begun to appreciate the big picture.
A National Law?
Might the United States adopt a federal law permitting online casinos in all 50 states? This is far from certain, at least at the moment. Although it is true that the tide is indeed turning, more conservative regions may not be as receptive to such a move. Another possible issue involves the regulations that may need to be put into place, as these would essentially supersede state borders. Furthermore, would players be taxed on both a state, and a national level? These questions are challenging to answer for now.
However, it cannot be denied that online casinos have taken the global gaming community by storm. This momentum is expected to increase, and this form of gaming already appeals to countless Americans. We will simply have to wait and see.
