As one of the most powerful (some
would say the most powerful) countries of the world, the effects of
new laws transcend our national borders. The gambling industry is
not excluded from this reality. The United Kingdom has been the
polar opposite to the United States in terms of legal perspective on
internet casinos for a number of years. Ironically, the UIGEA was
passed on the day before the UK passed their own law: the UK
Gambling Act.
Whereas American legislators felt the need to ban internet gambling
entirely, the lawmakers of the United Kingdom worked towards
regulating the business for tighter governmental control, but still
permitting citizens to gamble. Their Act protects the gambler, and
simultaneously, is structured for profit to the public good through
revenue and taxes.
The British have been able to recognize the basis of the problem.
Tessa Jowell, the British Culture Secretary, was quoted at the Royal
Ascot as saying that history books proved that prohibition simply
doesn’t work. She encouraged the United States to reconsider the
legislation, and follow the example most nations around the world
are taking: finding a solution to real problems facing internet
gambling, like underage gambling and fraud.
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