In markets across the globe, betting activity has been ramping up. Digital advances have given the betting industry a huge boost, providing people that are legally allowed to gamble in their area with more platforms with greater accessibility and outreach. The modern-day betting platform comes in mobile app form, as well as the standard desktop version, with features such as live odds adding another dimension to sports viewing. But while markets like the United Kingdom have an established attitude and regulated industry for betting, the situation is less advanced in other markets.
The U.S is a particularly interesting case study on the development of betting within the country with gambling in general only permitted in certain states. The concept of federalism allows individual states to set the rules and regulations that govern the people living within those boundaries. When it comes to a topic such as betting, states across the country are divided in their opinions on whether to legalize the activity or not.
Currently, there are seven states where betting is legal. Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia have all provided legal frameworks for betting activity to thrive in. For these seven states in particular, the financial gains provided by the injection of gambling activity are proving beneficial for each state and is a reason many other states are considering following suit.
California is a state that is known for a lot of things. Amongst the things to see and do in the state include the Golden Gate Bridge, a visit to the iconic Hollywood sign, or a trip to Disneyland. However, when it comes to new-age digital entertainment, the lucrativeness of the increasingly popular online betting industry is not yet tempting lawmakers within the state to push through a bill legalizing online betting. In fact, California remains one of the few states in the country that has resisted the urge to regulate online betting, with many residents residing in California holding the same opinion.
Do the benefits outweigh the dangers?
The overriding question for lawmakers in California that are posed with the online betting dilemma is whether it is worth legalizing it. While the tide is generally turning in favor of online betting around the rest of the world, with markets such as Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, and Germany emerging as big players, there is a lot to consider and balance out for lawmakers. There are plenty of upsides to online betting, aided by the ability to export a product to worldwide audiences due to the outreach provided by the internet and the portability and connectivity of digital devices.
There are plenty of American options at the Daily Star to back this up that are even becoming increasingly popular with players in the UK for example, who are currently subject to restrictions being placed on online gambling on the island. But while the revenue numbers posted by American States that have legalized online betting are certainly appealing, the biggest drawback for lawmakers is the danger gambling possesses.
The rise of online gambling has brought the subject of gambling addiction into the spotlight, with the UK taking the lead in introducing new regulations to limit the amount players are spending on online gambling operators and games such as online slots in particular. The danger of addiction is perhaps the one reason lawmakers in California are reluctant to pass a bill on betting.
Although the industry is growing rapidly and is proving an enormous success in many markets, betting is still in its infancy, which therefore gives lawmakers more time to consider any potential action on legalization of popular online entertainment forms such as online casinos and online sports betting. Or perhaps they are waiting for other dominos in the U.S to fall to learn from any of their ventures. Betting enthusiasts might have to wait another year for any bill to be proposed, with rumors of more discussion taking place by decision-makers in 2026.