In light of the legalization of online gambling, a number of questions arise. How will it affect Native American tribes? Will it encourage more people to gamble? And what about the potential harms of online gambling? The answer depends on how the gambling industry is regulated. Research and policy must be changed to help prevent the occurrence of gambling disorders.
Legalization of online gambling
While some scholars have called for a complete ban on online gambling, others argue that it should be regulated. While outlawing gambling has not had much success in China and the United States, it is clear that regulation is necessary to provide a safe environment and protect consumers from devious operators. A recent poll reveals that nearly half of consumers strongly disagree with legalizing online gambling.
Several states have gotten on board with legalized online gambling. In the US, the first states to legalize online gambling were Michigan and Connecticut. However, these states had not yet made a billion dollars in turnover. This is possibly because the size of the industry accounted for a relatively limited effect on the legalization process.
Impact of legalizing online gambling on harms
The impact of legalizing online gambling on harms is a complicated question. Legalization will not address the issue of gambling addiction, but it may reduce the stigma attached to the activity. In addition, legalizing online gambling may open the door for more responsible conversations about gambling and addiction. However, there are unique rehabilitation challenges for those involved in sports betting. Sports betting may lead to problem gambling, especially among newcomers. This can negatively impact relationships and vocational pursuits.
Research on problem gambling on the internet has found that internet gamblers report higher rates of alcohol and drug use than non-gamblers. In fact, a survey of 1119 problem gamblers revealed that they were more likely to smoke, drink, and self-harm. In addition, the prevalence of illicit drug use was significantly higher in internet problem gamblers.
Legalization of sports betting
Since sports betting’s popularity has risen, several states are considering regulating it. In recent years, states have argued about whether sports betting laws violate the rights of states. In fact, the NBA, MLB, and PGA Tour have all lobbied for sports betting to become legal.
In New Jersey, the state legislature passed Assembly Bill 4111, legalizing sports betting in New Jersey. The bill was signed by Governor Phil Murphy in early June and took effect June 14. The state’s first sports books opened at the Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport and the MGM-operated Borgata Race & Sports Book in Atlantic City on that date. Governor Murphy placed his first bet on June 14.
Impact of legalizing online gambling on Native American tribes
There are a number of concerns with legalizing online gambling on Native American tribes. These communities often face enormous obstacles in translating gaming profits into better community life and poverty reduction. While it is possible that casino gambling could be lucrative, Native communities must also be aware of the risk.
In California, for example, tribes have been able to avoid paying taxes for decades. They once contributed $330 million to the general fund, but a judge ruled that the payments were a tax on the state. Now, tribal casinos pay less than one-tenth of the state income tax.
