[BigBollocks]

I've got my own leaning on this, but would be curious what others' instincts/reading behind the lines tells them. Feedback particularly appreciated from those with some knowledge of the inner workings in Washington and so on, as well as anyone who is simply well thought out in general. Cheers....

[ShamsWoof10]

I would say there is a very good likelyhood that it will happen by then... It will be interesting to see what others think...

[isetcap]

Absolutely not.

[isetcap]

The lobbies against licensed sportsbetting in this country are diverse, well-established, well-funded, and multi-industrial.

Vegas doesn't want it for financial reasons. The sports leagues don't want it for image reasons. Conservative non-profits don't want it for political reasons. Religious groups don't want it for spiritual reasons. The majority of the population doesn't want it because they can only understand that which the media processes for them.

It will not happen, and anybody who places bets for a living in this country should be hoping it doesn't happen.

[Razz]

It will not happen, and anybody who places bets for a living in this country should be hoping it doesn't happen.

Totally agree with the first part, but can you elaborate on the second part?

[betplom]

The lobbies against licensed sportsbetting in this country are diverse, well-established, well-funded, and multi-industrial.

Vegas doesn't want it for financial reasons. The sports leagues don't want it for image reasons. Conservative non-profits don't want it for political reasons. Religious groups don't want it for spiritual reasons. The majority of the population doesn't want it because they can only understand that which the media processes for them.

It will not happen, and anybody who places bets for a living in this country should be hoping it doesn't happen.

You must be psychic! Those were my thoughts exactly! Although I can't seem to convert my thoughts to the written word as well as others here at SBR.

[jjgold]

No

You will see a few states have legal betting by then though

Maybe Deleware

[MBENZ]

No

You will see a few states have legal betting by then though

Maybe Deleware

You do read
Delaware will have it in 08...no doubt about it.The people of Delaware have seen the results of slots.Better tracks,schools,roads,etc. without seeing a pinch in their wallets.

[Willie Bee]

2010 is too soon for it to happen the way Congress drags their feet and goes about doing business.

[RageWizard]

I don't think that there will be online gambling for the U.S., but hopefully the state of Delaware will have the sports betting by then.

[chano]

USA is to stupid to do such a smart thing.

[rob]

Absolutely no way.
An NBA ref getting busted for betting on games he officiated only adds to the downfall of licensed sports betting.

[DaveRabbit]

What's going on in Delaware?

[tacomax]

Totally agree with the first part, but can you elaborate on the second part?

Since he hasn't done it then, even though I'm not a US citizen, I'll have a go.

Vegas doesn't want it for financial reasons

It will impact on their profits. If every state had legalised gambling, it would hurt them.

The sports leagues don't want it for image reasons.

Although they know that a lot of their viewers are there for illegal gambling (be if off-shore or locals) they are sure as shit not wanting to admit it publicaly.

Conservative non-profits don't want it for political reasons.

They get paid off by the "legal" American books a lot more than they get paid off by the "illegal" offshore books. And money going offshore for gambling purposes is bad, right?

Religious groups don't want it for spiritual reasons.

I think that speaks for itself.

The majority of the population doesn't want it because they can only understand that which the media processes for them.

The media demonises everything which isn't deemed to be "good" by the government. Have you watched CNN for the last few weeks? Every "deficient" good coming from China is always said to be from "Communist China". Like communism is something to be scared of. It was a few decades ago when that was the big thing, but nothing happened from that - funny that. Now it's the Al Queda effect. Just let the government pump you full of whatever crap they want and the media and in turn the citizens will demonise them as well.

[isetcap]

Totally agree with the first part, but can you elaborate on the second part?

I apologize for not responding in a more timely manner to your question, but I put it aside for a moment and like so many things in life forgot about it. Thankfully, Taco brought it up again.

The first part of my original post is simply a response the the reality of the situation as I see it from my perspective here inside the beltway. You agree with me and I'm happy to see it since you are one of the few whose opinion I respect.

The second part (I believe about which you are questioning), has more to do with personal philosophy. Some people like to say IMO, which I find to be the second most annoying acronym directly behind ASAP.

From a broad perspective, I love pure markets and the simplicity and elegance of operating within that framework. I hate the idea of needing to penetrate a government created layer of bureaucracy.

From a more specific standpoint, I firmly believe that if our government does somehow decide that it is imperative to regulate the sportsbetting industry, it will create an environment where fees and taxation will intentionally make overhead so high that chances of finding value will be significantly diminished. The available product would be so watered down that it could only be a social pariah; virtually useless to anyone who knows what they're doing. This would in turn allow the government to effectively monopolize the industry and shut us out from the offshore options which are much more favorable for reasons which I don't need to describe to you in detail.

Simply put, I just don't want the government involved anymore than they already are. Why should anybody want it?

[tacomax]

The second part (I believe about which you are questioning), has more to do with personal philosophy. Some people like to say IMO, which I find to be the second most annoying acronym directly behind ASAP.

LOL!!!!1111111111

[isetcap]

LOL!!!!1111111111

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDsL88XlFn8

[ShamsWoof10]

The media demonises everything which isn't deemed to be "good" by the government. Have you watched CNN for the last few weeks? Every "deficient" good coming from China is always said to be from "Communist China". Like communism is something to be scared of. It was a few decades ago when that was the big thing, but nothing happened from that - funny that. Now it's the Al Queda effect. Just let the government pump you full of whatever crap they want and the media and in turn the citizens will demonise them as well.

Ummmm so why isn't this a conspiracy theory..?

Oooh I forgot it deals with sports... nevermind...

[isetcap]

You should only be scared of communism if you live under a communist regime.