Future of Casino Gambling
Gambling History
Lottery Games And Strategies
State Lotteries and Legalized Gambling
The Web of Online Gambling
History of Gambling Sites
The Business of Online Wagering
Addressing Internet Gambling
Places for Online Betting



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Gambling Sites

As previously discussed, gambling has become so much a part of American life that gambling opportunities can be found on land, over water, in the air, and even in cyberspace (Gambling Sites). While the millions wagered electronically in 1998 pale in comparison to the billions legally wagered in casinos, lotteries, and parimutuel venues, it appears to be the wave of the future ( Crist, 1998). In fact, over 600 gaming-related sites may be found on the Internet. These gambling sites, including simulated casinos, informational pages (i.e., injury reports, latest fine, etc.), and gaming advertisements, are expected to increase exponentially in the near future. Currently, sites may be grouped into five distinct categories: (1) downloading, in which comers play independently by buying only the right to purchase casino-type software (some of these sites require interactivetype play); (2) interactive, in which promissory notes and methods of payment are exchanged for "real-time" casino action; (3) propagandized, in which Internet and nonelectronic gaming venues are advertised and excursions planned; (4) educational, in which site operators promote "guaranteed" programs or mechanisms for winning; and finally, (5) informational, in which interested parties can solicit knowledge on gambling opportunities from sports betting to local lotteries. It is perhaps the latest of these that is the most common and the most significant.

The proliferation of informational sites on the Web mirrors the increasing interest of the American public in gaming venues and periphery activities. Surfers interested in lotteries, for example, may check multistate results or find avenues for wagering on international lotteries. What makes these sites so unique is their sheer abundance and absolute legitimacy. It appears that many sites are taking their cue from mainstream news organizations that have long supported gambling interests by publishing information ranging from latest numbers to handicapping advertisements. Although much of this information may only be used in illegitimate avenues (sports betting is only legal in Nevada), it has traditionally received scant attention from anti-gambling activists. Such is not the case with other categories of Internet sites.

REGULATING THE WEB
With the increase in electronic casino simulation, unlikely bedfellows have emerged--each with his own highly territorialized agendas. Opponents of Internet gaming have included the American Gaming Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Football League (NFL), and not surprisingly, the Christian Coalition. Citing potential fraud and dishonesty on the part of site operators, the AGA has questioned the "integrity" of cybergames, whereas the Christian Coalition warns of the rapid decline of morality amidst increasing temptations ( Crist, 1998). Proponents, on the other hand, include civil libertarians, bookmakers, Internet providers, and gamblers. They argue that legislation regulating or limiting Internet gambling sites is inherently selfserving and egocentric. They argue that attempts by lawmakers are a further example of America's heavy-handedness and gestapolike approach to international commerce ( Crist, 1998). They also suggest that the movement to prohibition is an attempt by lawmakers to protect their own interests while limiting private opportunities--pointing out that legislators from states that support other forms of legalized gambling are often the first to cry foul on privately owned online gambling sites.

Arguments notwithstanding, the federal government is taking note. As a consequence, the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act (1992) forbade states from passing laws to legalize sports gambling. Though the constitutionality of such a mandate has yet to be tested, the act has been largely ineffectual as it lacks specificity of criminal violations and punishments. Thus, legislators and other opponents must use ammunition gathered in three statutes that are grossly outdated and only superficially applicable to cybergaming. These statutes, originally created to limit organized crime infiltration of legitimate venues, are also intended to contain legalized gambling within state boundaries. The application of such legislation, however, has not yet been tested.