(Newswire.net — February 9, 2017) — Trump’s presidency has meant a lot of things to a lot of people. It has signaled great joy for some, and unadulterated anger for others. However you feel about it, there is one thing that we all need to agree upon: there are some big changes ahead. The United States has undergone a great number of changes over the last couple decades. It has taken a hard-line on terrorism, it has relaxed its views on cannabis and it has introduced a nationwide healthcare scheme the likes of which we have never seen before.
This could just be the tip of the iceberg when the next few years are taken into perspective, and one of the things that could change the most is the legal status of online gambling.
Gambling in the US
Gambling has thrived in Las Vegas, known as the Gambling Capital of the World. It has also played a major part in shaping cities like Reno and Atlantic City, while bringing plenty of tourist dollars to countless other regions nationwide. But despite that, the US has some of the toughest gambling laws in the world.
This has made life very difficult for citizens who enjoy an occasional bet. Sports book betting is very hard to come by and while casinos exist in Indian reservations up and down the country, there are many states without any form of legal gambling.
This is even more of a problem online. There was a time when loopholes allowed the online gambling industry to flourish in the United States, but this has gradually been stamped out, first with the restrictions placed on Party Poker and then with the indictments against sites like Ultimate Poker and PokerStars.
Poker is one of the last few “legal” ways to gamble, but even that has faced many restrictions both online and offline, driving the country’s best players north of the border.
But all of those issues may be resigned to history, because while there is a Republican president in control of the White House, it’s fair to say that he is a Republican like no other.
Trump and Gambling
Trump has played the conservative card throughout his campaign and he continues to appeal to the family-oriented, right-leaning public. But presidential duties aside, he is a man who has made his fortune in the hospitality industry, a man who has relied on the gambling dollar to get to where he is today. Trump understands as well as anyone that gambling is a hugely lucrative industry, one that can generate massive profits from commercial enterprises, while also keeping the government coffers overflowing.
Trump Entertainment Resorts formed a large part of Atlantic City, the biggest gambling destination on the east coast, and while this hasn’t proven to be a very successful venture, it does prove that Trump is firmly invested in the gambling industry.
Of course, he has made a point of distancing himself from his business ventures and is not going to effect such a major law change just to earn some extra money for his businesses. But he may make such a change for his country. After all, he has a wall to build, and all that labor doesn’t come cheap.
Will Trump Legalize Gambling?
Prior to Trump’s victory waves were being made and the tide was turning. Many leading public figures had thrown their hats into the ring in the support of legalizing sports betting, while economists had had their say on the matter.
It has been estimated that $150 billion is wagered on illegal bets every year. By legalizing sports betting you would be taking this money out of the pockets of criminals and putting it directly in the hands of multinationals, who in turn would feed the government a steady supply of cash. Not only will this increase tax revenue, but each new casino, sports betting venue or online gambling company would also create a slew of new jobs.
Of course, there are downsides. Gambling is illegal because there are concerns with regards to public safety. Problem gambling can have a hugely detrimental effect on society and may also lead to an increase in crime. But when you weigh the positives against the negatives, it’s clear which one comes on top. Trump will know this better than anyone, and it will surely be a matter of time before he makes a move.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of turning your hand to professional gambling, your chance may be just around the corner.