Today was the inauguration of Donald Trump as the President of The United States. Along with all the promises to make America great, we may also get the right to legally gamble online across the country. Then again, Trump’s nominee for US Attorney General, Sen. Jeff Sessions, publicly said he was “shocked” by the 2011 law passing intrastate online gambling. Should we be nervous?
Sessions faced the Senate committee this week and was questioned regarding his stance on the expansion of online gambling. He was taken aback by the DOJ’s opinion that the 1961 Wire Act restrictions applied to sports betting alone and said he “did oppose [the 2011 opinion] when it happened, and it seemed to me to be unusual.”
While his comments don’t necessarily give Americans a lot of hope, he did say he “would revisit [the 2011 opinion] and I would make a decision about it based on careful study.”
Congress hasn’t been quick to pass anti-online gambling legislation, however, this doesn’t mean good news for us. The DOJ’s Wire Act decision could be thrown out following another review under the new regime. Should that occur, all the work toward implementing regulations at the state, or federal level for that matter, would be over turned.
Out of 50 states, there are currently just 3, Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey, that permit intrastate online gambling. Remaining states have either decided against it, legalized some forms of online betting or have legislation in the works.
Here’s the thing. Sheldon Adelson, the anti-online gambling campaign leader, supported Trump’s campaign financially. Does that mean Trump will bend Adelson’s way? He’s anything but traditional, so it’s anyone’s guess. There’s no doubt it would be a fight that would take place in the court system though, because the states that have legalization in place will not willingly let go.
Source:
‘Trump’s AG nominee “would revisit” online gambling approval’, calvinayre.com, Steven Stradbrooke, January 10, 2017
norman222
7 years ago
Sr. Newbie
I totally agree with Vanenhox and jade. If someone wants to gameble online he will find a way and these regulations which are in place are just making it more complicating for three parties: players, casinos and regulatory bodies. Why not to make it simple for all three instead.
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Vanenhox
7 years ago
Sr. Member
I am surprised that the US does not take advantage of the revenue that could be available to the government through the legalization of a behavior that is, has been and will be taking place anyway, regardless of government approval or not. That is a lot of money the government could use...not to mention with government...
I am surprised that the US does not take advantage of the revenue that could be available to the government through the legalization of a behavior that is, has been and will be taking place anyway, regardless of government approval or not. That is a lot of money the government could use...not to mention with government involvement the interests of the player could also be served by regulating and policing the online gaming providers.
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jade
7 years ago
Super Hero
I have been thinking about online gambling in the USA for a long time now. I voted for Trump for several reasons and one of those reasons was online gambling. I don't think that any amount of campaign funding is going to make President Trump do anything he feels is not in the best interest of making money......... I...
I have been thinking about online gambling in the USA for a long time now. I voted for Trump for several reasons and one of those reasons was online gambling. I don't think that any amount of campaign funding is going to make President Trump do anything he feels is not in the best interest of making money......... I think about the jobs that gambling could create in this country and how it could stimulate the economy. Americans are gambling anyway and except for the few legal gambling states, the rest of us gamble out side the US, sending our money into other countries. Most of that money will never be seen again. In my opinion, continuing with the status quo is like shooting ourselves in the foot and that hurts.............
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Feelin froggy
7 years ago
Superstar Member
Some states have more land-based casinos than others, while some have none at all. So, unfortunately, not everyone has a casino close by. I'm lucky enough to have a lot of options near me but there are people that have reasons why they can't make it to a land-based casino whether it's physical limitations or lack of transportation....
Some states have more land-based casinos than others, while some have none at all. So, unfortunately, not everyone has a casino close by. I'm lucky enough to have a lot of options near me but there are people that have reasons why they can't make it to a land-based casino whether it's physical limitations or lack of transportation. Anyway, that doesn't change the fact that we want to play Microgaming and NetEnt slots online just like you guys :)
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coolsongss
7 years ago
Hero Member
Huh, this news is interesting. I thought that Donald Trump will make America Gambler Again, too. And it is quite surprising that only three states are allowed for intrastate online gambling. I guess that the operators should be registered in one of those three states and accept the play within the state only. But, actually,...
Huh, this news is interesting. I thought that Donald Trump will make America Gambler Again, too. And it is quite surprising that only three states are allowed for intrastate online gambling. I guess that the operators should be registered in one of those three states and accept the play within the state only. But, actually, in US, many states allow land casinos, correct ? Then, why do you want to play online? I would go to land casinos.
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rferry5
7 years ago
Sr. Member
i think trump will legalize online gambling just because i think every casino wants a piece of the action and since Trump has many high friends in the casino world he will cave and what IT will have it made go Trump
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rferry5
7 years ago
Sr. Member
oh wow i hope he does revisit it, this will make my day and so many other usa players. if he legalizes it would be so nice to play games online and not have to feel guilty about playing a stupid game online, feeling like a darn crook, playing with my own money. not fair all the other countries let you have fun without...
oh wow i hope he does revisit it, this will make my day and so many other usa players. if he legalizes it would be so nice to play games online and not have to feel guilty about playing a stupid game online, feeling like a darn crook, playing with my own money. not fair all the other countries let you have fun without feeling guilty about it. hope he does thanks rose
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drtheolen
7 years ago
Moderator
I believe I've read in several articles before that Jeff Sessions is in fact against 2011 Wire Act, also Trump was pro-online gambling and he built his campaign around creating more jobs and reducing regulations. I believe there are some positive signals coming, but its yet hard to predict what's gonna happen'.
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Markotik
7 years ago
Admin
I don't know, I'm not really optimistic. It appears to me that Sheldon Adelson already found the way to Trump's heart, by financially supporting his campaign. This is the time to rely on Trump's unpredictability. (and that sounds so wrong) We had a really interesting editorial about this published a few months ago: Each...
I don't know, I'm not really optimistic. It appears to me that Sheldon Adelson already found the way to Trump's heart, by financially supporting his campaign. This is the time to rely on Trump's unpredictability. (and that sounds so wrong) We had a really interesting editorial about this published a few months ago: Each state has a power to make decision and change the law. But if a piece of legislation gets to the president's desk, there are actually bigger chances that Trump would veto it than Clinton. https://jswqzs.com/news/editorials/if-online-gambling-is-your-primary-concern
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Sylvanas
7 years ago
Admin
I know Trump was pro-online gambling in the past, or at least he insinuated something to that effect, and he was involved in the industry. All that means nothing now that he's the President of the US. Besides, he can and will change his stance whichever way the wind blows, as they all do. Still, I think we can be more hopeful...
I know Trump was pro-online gambling in the past, or at least he insinuated something to that effect, and he was involved in the industry. All that means nothing now that he's the President of the US. Besides, he can and will change his stance whichever way the wind blows, as they all do. Still, I think we can be more hopeful than before, but even if he does plan to push for legalization, it's the last thing on his to-do list. I don't recall him mentioning anything about it in his pre-election speeches.
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