Will Online-gambling Laws Change with Democrats in the White House?

Currently, it is illegal for computer users in the US to gamble using the Internet. This is unfortunate for a lot of gamers who would like to play casino games or online Texas holdem poker and have the ability to gamble from their own homes. But because gambling has always been a touchy issue state to state in the US , the federal government made it illegal for anyone to transfer money via a US based Internet connection if the money being sent was for betting purposes. With no money trading hands, it is a bare market for people who want to gamble on online games like poker and such. But that law was given its teeth by the republicans who have been in power for the last several years. And with the Democrats poised to assume power, the law could change.


Shift in Sentiment

Change is definitely in the air in Washington DC , and as Barack Obama and the Democrats prepare to take power in the capital, online gambling laws could be among one of the things lawmakers see fit to do away with in their quest to try and reverse a lot of the policies enacted by their republican predecessors. But while the sentiment is all about change in reaction to Republicans, Democrats may not be the best party to turn to for support when it comes to Internet gambling. Just like many Democrats support limiting what can be said on TV or the Internet for the sake of children, many will likely support the continued law against Internet gambling


Economic Factors

One consequence of economic downturn is that everyone, including state and federal governments, feel the pinch, and they look for any means available to increase revenue. Historically, gambling has offered people the hope of some quick cash. Either in the form of tax revenue from gambling or from the little guy’s hope of winning it big, gambling offers another opportunity for government to collect money in an already cash strapped environment. If the federal government allowed Internet gambling to happen, then there would be millions in potential taxes collected from those operations.


Desire for Regulation

One other consequence of the economic downturn and the Democrats’ rise to power is a public desire for more regulation, not less. So in that respect, the laws that forbid Internet gambling in the US may only be kept or even strengthened.


No One Really Knows

There are a whole host of other issues facing the government, and the Democrats may not think that changing the laws governing Internet gambling are worth readdressing. Only time will tell.