Should online gambling be legalized?

Several U. S. lawmakers are trying to crack down on the industry by clarifying existing U. S. laws and making it easier to go after offenders. One of those measures, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, seeks to curb online gambling by trying to cut off the money supply: the bill would outlaw the use of credit cards, checks or money transfers to settle wagers. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Jim Leach (R-Iowa). The Wall Street Journal Online asked Rep. Leach and David Carruthers, chief executive of BetOnSports Plc, an online sports book and casino based in Costa Rica, to debate whether Internet gambling should be banned in the U.

Problem gambling and monetary issues

To begin, the addiction of gambling is very harmful and changes people. A gambling addict follows certain behaviors such as being secretive many also exhibit mood swings (Oak). Addicts may begin feeling as though they are depressed, anxious, faint, or a lack of ability to sleep (“Compulsive Gambling Addiction and Treatment”). Gambling can become a strong passion that takes over; it gives way to crimes like theft and forgery (Torr 23, 51). Most Gamblers use gambling as a way to hurt themselves because they are insecure (“Compulsive Gambling Addiction an Treatment”).