Does Trump’s Win Positively Affect Online Gambling In The U.S.?
Thousands of Americans are still feeling the aftermath of the presidential election that just took place. With Trump’s win, some feel ashamed and embarrassed to be an American, while others feel that he will bring out a positive and welcoming change to the U.S. After all, his slogan does read, “Making America Great Again,” doesn’t it?
So what exactly does he plan to make great? Was the United States not already “great”? Essentially, that is a topic saved for an awkward Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas gathering.
Today’s topic, however, touches on what Trump has up his sleeve when it comes to online gambling in the U.S. One topic that is being discussed of late is the curiosity as to whether Trump will put together a legislation that will make online gambling legal in the U.S. This may leave some wondering why online gambling in the U.S. has even made headline news. Doesn’t the president of the United States have more important issues to address?
Congress could review the major gaming laws in the US, potentially paving the way for legalized sports betting: https://t.co/IvUOk5M7tT
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) October 22, 2016
Of late, the public shed light on the fact that Trump expressed interest in online gambling five years ago when teaming up with Marc Lasrey to form Poker Ventures LLC. Some even felt that if Trump were to be elected, he might just change the stance on online gambling. Unfortunately for some, this speculation is completely unproven. In fact, there was no sign of Trump even being an active gambler nor were the public made aware of his role in forming Ventures LLC.
Regardless, it was evident that many Americans throughout the country were pro-Trump solely on their speculation of online gambling becoming legal. One Twitter user wrote, “Just vote Trump and online poker be legal in a yr.” Sadly, if this was the information voters were basing their decision on – they are surely to be disappointed.
In actuality, those who work closely with Trump, namely Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Jason Chaffetz, stand firm in their belief of restoring the Federal Wire Act which states that online gambling should be banned everywhere in the U.S.
Additionally, Trump and Sheldon Adelson, the CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp, have created several ties – one of which included Adelson giving Trump a very generous amount of money towards his presidential campaign. Adelson is also well known for his massive public events to end online gambling at a federal level.
New Jersey should be running a bluff on a new sports betting bill. But that may not be in the cards. https://t.co/dR5WKu6qb7 pic.twitter.com/fRqNLImcIY
— Legal Sports Report (@LSPReport) November 9, 2016
Trump also appointed Michael Abboud as his communications director earlier this year. Who is Michael Abboud? He is another anti-gambling enthusiast, working closely with Adelson, known for his outlandish railing against online gambling. Although, whether Abboud is still working with Trump is unconfirmed.
Popular forms of online gambling include sports betting, slots/casino and bingo games which generate millions in revenue and tax across the world, and betting companies believe they are providing an entertainment service which everyday Americans are missing out on. Not being able offer their services in the U.S. is a problem because of the pool size but until the law changes, they will have to stay behind the fence.
Essentially, it may be hard for anti-Trump supporters to refrain from shaking the shoulders of those Americans who gave Trump the mighty “X” for the presidential election last week merely because they had hoped he would legalize online gambling. Truthfully, the evidence at hand does not shine any proof that he may or that he is even thinking about doing anything of the sort. In fact, there seems to be more evidence proving that he will remain supportive of the Federal Wire Act as opposed to changing the federal laws within the U.S.
To conclude, it may still be a long while before you’re able to take your bets from the comfort of your own computer chair or sofa, but that’s not to say that you shouldn’t continue hoping for that outcome. Sadly though, Trump may not be the one who will make that online gambling dream a reality for you. He will however, “Make America Great Again.”
[Feature Image by Tom Pennington/Getty Images]
