With everything else that's going on in our world why do the lawmakers care so much about gambling? If it's such a big deal, just tax the damn winnings. It's absolutely ridiculous. Gambling has been part of society for hundreds of years and who are they to take that from us? It's hard enough to win at sports now it's also almost impossible just to get money to a sportsbook .
-
-
Your winnings are already taxable.
The issue is that they can't extract any tax from the offshore bookies.
Fortunately I'm not American but if I were I certainly wouldn't be betting offshore in this environment and I'd be getting out of the country to continue enjoying true freedom.Comment -
It's just become absolutely ridiculous what our government occupies their time with. Instead of worrying about important things i.e., getting our troops home, the national debt, healthcare, etc., etc., they waste tax dollars on taking away the freedoms that are supposed to make this country so great to live in. Gambling is one of those things.... and hell, I can't even go watch a ballgame in a bar and have a beer and a cigarette anymore. I can't wait to see what comes next for us....Comment -
It's a distraction for the masses just like the "war on drugs."Comment -
A bullet between Jon Kyl's eyes would bring instant applause from me.Comment -
They care because it is one of the few things on earth where large sums of money can leave the country without being taxed, and there are also lots of problems that can develop with problem gamblers that nobody likes to talk about.
Imagine if a large number of United States males had the urge to invest/speculate/gamble on some foreign stock exchange, and all the people did was lose, lose, lose, and lose some more. Once this number got big enough the United States government would put a stop to people sending their money out of the country.
It is a dangerous game to play for many reasons. The United States stays on top by taxing big business, and having the world's largest and best military. That is how your survive at the top. The moment you let lots of money change hands and leave the country for something like gambling is the moment you lose a little bit of your edge.
There are way too many complications involved in taxing it. As it is now, there is nothing morally wrong with being a local bookie, or being an offshore bookie and taking United States players. If and when you get too big, or otherwise start flaunting your nose at the law (like advertising on television, or throwing a brick through a player's window), then the government will crack down just to keep things in check.
The way it is now is actually the best way to deal with it.
Comment -
^^^ I'll stand my ground. And I won't back down. I won't back downnnnnn....Comment -
Its sad, but at the same time, look at Italy and Greece. Match-fixing in a lot of European Soccer leagues isn't exactly common, but its a lot more common than it is in the United States, and it would become a lot more common in the United States if online betting were authorized. That's why people say Poker could become legal, but not sports betting.Comment -
Bewareof5Dimes - "...there are also lots of problems that can develop with problem gamblers that nobody likes to talk about.
Imagine if a large number of United States males had the urge to invest/speculate/gamble on some foreign stock exchange, and all the people did was lose, lose, lose, and lose some more. Once this number got big enough the United States government would put a stop to people sending their money out of the country."
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Every state except Utah and Hawaii has some form of legal gambling.
Almost all states have a lottery, which is the biggest ripoff form of gambling possible, and the bulk of the money coming in are from people on the lower end of the income and education scale.
The US Government could care less.
Almost all states now have casinos. Horseracing is legal in most states, which has a huge house hold compared to other forms of gambling except the Lottery.
All almost everyone does who spends money on any of the above is "lose, lose, lose and lose some more".
You are delusional if you think the government will stop any of this because their citizens are losing money.
They are simply not getting their cut from the offshores.
It has nothing to do with concern for the citizens welfare.Comment -
Maybe organized crime is lining the politicians pockets..........Comment -
It is a little frustrating right now with the recent shakedowns but there is still opportunity for Americans.Comment -
US is backing up their claim as the evil empire.Comment -
I agree so much. It is amazing that this seems to be there biggest worry with all the other shit going on in the worldComment -
The hypocrisy of America continues to know no bounds.Comment -
The good news is it only gets worse from here..Comment -
So hilarious how the U.S. says China needs to give citizens rights, and America does not have to listen to its own words. It sucks being a U.S. poker player online these days, because we are criminals.Comment -
Why amersican gvt. dont filter internet and disallow americans opening sports betting site. I know its cruel but you will be sure that they dont allow you to bet.Because whet they are doing now is ridiculous.Comment -
Instead of U.S. punters just talking about it, maybe you should all co-ordinate a protest/lobby/complain about violation of civil liberties, freedom of choice, human rights etc etc, to the people in power and make yourselves heard above the out of touch bible bashing hypocrites, that seem to hold such sway in your mighty country.
Comment -
Agree I not American but I think that US players should organize a lobby ProgamblingInstead of U.S. punters just talking about it, maybe you should all co-ordinate a protest/lobby/complain about violation of civil liberties, freedom of choice, human rights etc etc, to the people in power and make yourselves heard above the out of touch bible bashing hypocrites, that seem to hold such sway in your mighty country.Comment -
Maybe this is one those situations that will turn around in the next few months/years. It's a shame because I see what the industry could be and what it is right now is really bad and really disappointing.Comment -
fine idea but they would be such a minority and non-gamblers would have no sympathy for them
we've seen punter lobby groups formed and fail here as they just can't gain any traction at all - smaller punters are their own worst enemy in that they are so apathetic and won't put any funds behind these concepts - they are inevitably doomedComment -
Instead of U.S. punters just talking about it, maybe you should all co-ordinate a protest/lobby/complain about violation of civil liberties, freedom of choice, human rights etc etc, to the people in power and make yourselves heard above the out of touch bible bashing hypocrites, that seem to hold such sway in your mighty country.
Even Marijuana has now been de-criminalized in a few states. You can gamble on pretty much anything legally, EXCEPT SPORTS. It just doesnt make any sense. By not making sports legal, they are pissing a lot a lot of people off and costing these pissed off people billions and billions of dollars. They will find a way to resolve this sooner than later.Comment -
im sick of the 'land of the free'Comment
