I'll limit my discussion to sports betting which is illegal in every jurisdiction in the US unless licensed (nevada). It is also a federal crime if done interstate under the Wire Act. I believe that sports betting is also illegal in every Canadian province unless licensed (sports lottery). The US chooses to construe the Wire Act (rightly or wrongly) as applying to internet gambling regardless of its origin. Canada has no wire act and apparently ignores the notion that internet gambling violates national and/or provincial law. I note, however, that Canadian Bodog does not accept Canadian customers for some reason. (Too many Canadian sharps like Nittany Lion/Betting Prophets?)
Antigua, on the other hand, has legalized sports gambling and wants to export it to the US over the internet. Is this really any different than Antigua legalizing cocaine and then shipping it to the US through internet orders? I say no even though there is an actual product involved in cocaine distribution that illegally enters the US. (The US gov't has pursued Italian drug dealers who never entered the US.) A difference without a distinction IMO. Both are banned under current US law and the interpretation thereof. In gambling, the product is money which is legal in other contexts.
Will this change any time soon? I don't think so. The mob and the bible thumpers will join forces to continue the status quo. Professional gamblers are insufficient in number to warrant a change.  |