Government targets sports betting
Ben Phillips, '11 | Staff Reporter
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Sports
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The government has been trying to ban online gaming in America through whatever means it can. In 2006 an anti-gambling bill or 'Internet Gaming Probation' was included in the 'American Values Agenda.' This agenda also included topics such as 'Protecting the Pledge of Allegiance,' 'Gay Marriage,' and 'Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act.'
This 'American Values Agenda' was a political tool used by Republicans to get American voters to go out and vote during the mid-term elections. "Unfortunately, this gambling bill was passed because it was lumped in with all that other nonsense," said Robert Ferringo, a sports information specialist. "Republicans have made this out to be a moral issue. If they really think that gambling is immoral, then they should have the stance that ALL gambling is immoral."
The bill passed in 2006 completely ignored things like horse racing and state lotteries. It was limited to online gambling and was focused on sports betting. So which is it: should gambling be considered immoral and wrong, or is just SOME gambling considered immoral and wrong in part of a political stunt?
There are two points of view. Point one: the government is not against all gambling, just against sports gambling, or gambling where the public has an actual chance of winning. Point two: the government (Republicans) is against the restrictions of personal freedom and how we should spend our money.
Gambling is a form of entertainment for most people. Think about all the different forms of gambling. How many people are involved in fantasy leagues such as football or basketball? Think about March Madness pools and the amount of money spent on brackets with friends. Think about the Super Bowl. According to the American Gaming Association, in 2009 approximately $92 million was wagered on the Super Bowl. Of that $92 million, only $1.5 million was wagered legally in the state of Nevada.
According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC), sports betting wagers in 2008 were estimated around $380 billion. While that number is so high, the NGISC also reported that only $2.58 million was legally wagered in Nevada's sports books. So where was the rest wagered? Online?
By creating this anti-gambling law, the government is just creating more criminals. Gamblers will find a way; they always have. If you can't gamble online, people will just find a bookie.
You have to start to wonder why the government doesn't just regulate sports betting. With the current state of our economy, the government is passing over an opportunity for a multi-billion-dollar revenue stream. If the government would regulate this industry, it could literally bring billions of dollars that could be used for schools, lowering taxes and even for the national defense system.
Take a closer look at state-run lotteries. Why do they exist? It is easy money. The odds are about 98 percent in the house's favor. To see how much gambling has affected a location, you don't have to look far. Vernon Downs Casino and Racetrack has contributed over $40 million to New York State education over the past three years.
Need more proof? Indian reservations have created and benefited from casinos for over 25 years. Turning Stone Casino created more than 5,000 jobs for the tri-county area. So would the city of Oneida do as well if the casino was not there?
"Trying to stop gambling is like trying to stop drinking," Ferringo says. "Gamblers are going to find a way, and the industry will adjust to the changes. The government can either get on board and benefit with the millions of dollars in revenue, or they can keep trying to put up road blocks."
"I would love it if I could bet on sports in New York," says Matt Harrington, a casino management student. "I play [gamble] at Turning Stone all the time. If I'm going to lose my money anyway, why wouldn't I try betting on sports?"