Internet gambling charges settled

KATC.com

Charges were dropped against online gambling company Sportingbet PLC and its chairman. The company operates out of England where online gambling is legal, but was prosecuted for violating anti online wagering laws in Louisiana. After a 400,000 dollar settlement, the case was settled.

Being that Louisiana is one of the few states that has prohibited online banking, it is no surprise that the Sportingbet case was one of the first of its kind since the 1997 ban. I don't see the difference between online gambling and playing tables at the casinos, other than enforcing the age restrictions. Moreover, with so few places enforcing the laws, how does jurisdiction apply? Since the company was located in England where their particular service is legal, and they are capable of running the company from that region, which laws apply?

I don't see online gambling as the threat that people make it out to be. If companies put a cap on wagers and limit users to a certain number of hours, I don't see the harm in online gambling. As far as addiction and abuse go, I think it would be much easier to limit people from excessive online gambling than actually gambling. There can be restrictions set on the hours the business operates, as well as limitations put on the money invested and withdrawn. Overall, I think the practice can be safe and fun with the proper regulations.