Operators are also held to account when it comes to verifying the age of their customers, and the source of their funds, as part of strict anti-money laundering rules set by the Gambling Commission the industry regulator.
Online gambling is a significant driver of the gambling industry, bringing in around one-third of total revenue making it the largest individual gambling sector. And the reason is clear online games are more advanced than ever before. The games are compatible with a range of devices, meaning UK gamblers can play online casino games anytime and anywhere they like which begs the question, why don't the US follow in their footsteps?
Online gambling's problems
Of course, online gambling is far from perfect. Something that has gained significant press attention in recent months is the permeation of sports betting in media and sport itself.
In a recent study it was found that over half of all Premier League clubs are sponsored by betting companies with that figure increasing significantly in the division below. All replica jerseys sold to minors are not allowed by law to feature the sponsorship of betting companies, however that does not protect children from the influence of gambling.
On average 1 in 3 advertisements shown during live sporting events in the UK feature online betting in one form or another. These advertisements are currently shown all throughout the day, when children could well be watching. In 2018 bookmakers agreed on a blanket ban of betting advertisements before nine PM.
When can we expect online gambling to be legalized in the US?
The next six months could be pivotal in the push for online legalization as the famously anti-online gambling state of Kentucky looks to be moving closer towards giving it the green light. A coalition of Senators in the state are proposing a change in the State law, and if that gets passed, experts believe it could lead to a domino effect across the country.
Whatever happens in Kentucky, the fact is this: the illegal gaming industry is estimated to be worth $400 billion in the US and the US public is currently seeing no return. Time will tell whether the government will choose to reap the huge economic benefits and start pulling in revenue it can reinvest into the country. As always, the state of gambling continues to be in flux, with the industry sensitive to any development that suggests the pendulum will swing one way or another.
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