Benefits of Legalizing Poker in the US

Since the beginning of civilization, gambling has always existed in some form or another in spite of the historical backlash against it.  Seeing that poker has been lumped in with all other forms of gambling, the game has definitely experienced its share of a backlash too. This is especially true of online poker which has been heavily criticised and restricted in the United States.

But is poker really deserving of the criticisms and restrictions that it’s received in the US? Some would say yes while others believe that the game is entirely different from all other forms of gambling. No matter what your opinion is on the matter though, there’s no denying that there are some definite benefits to legalizing poker in the US.

Economic and Tax Benefits

Before the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was signed into effect by President Bush in 2006, there were several big US companies that operated websites for online poker. However, once the UIGEA was passed these companies were forced to shut down or move their services out of the country. With this being the case, US residents have been forced to do their gambling at offshore poker rooms which means their money is also going outside of US borders.

But if the US would lift sanctions against the game, then online poker companies would be free to operate in the US again. This would not only help keep some of the money within United States borders, but it would also enable the US government to collect more taxes from the companies operating within its boundaries. States that are really strapped for cash could benefit immensely from the tax money which could be made off those who play poker online.

Consumer Protection

Since poker rooms operate in offshore locations, the US has little room to prosecute these companies in light of something illegal.  And the world of internet poker has already seen a few scandals so there is fear among players. But if the US were to repeal sanctions against poker then they would have more room to protect US citizens against things like cheating and identity theft.  What’s more, players wouldn’t have to be afraid to speak out if they were wronged by a poker room.

An End to the Gray Area

As it stands now, the subject of poker and legality within America is a very murky one. In fact, the UIGEA leaves too many questions and grey areas with regards to whether people can legally play poker within the US. With this being the case, many people are often puzzled as to what their rights are when their bank accounts are frozen by the federal or state governments.  If the US were to repeal the UIGEA though, it would mark an end to the legal battles and court drama that has plagued this subject since the beginning.