Slower start than expected for online gambling in the US

Speaking Monday at the East Coast Gaming Congress in Atlantic City, experts said illegal offshore gambling sites continue to operate, which has a negative impact on online gambling industries in the three states that have legalized it.

According to state law, online gamblingcan only be conducted within the three states that have legalized it, but illegal online gambling exists in the 47 other US states. California gambling control commissioner Richard Schuetz said that over a million people are betting illegally online in his state. “That industry is between $300 million and $400 million. That’s a huge business that operates without any consumer controls or any benefit to the tax base”, he said, before adding that some people were hesitant to give their Social Security number and credit card information to an operator, even one holding a state license. “They can go online with an online site without divulging their identity or their address. Those sites exist. It’s a valid concern”.

Online gambling revenue declines in New Jersey

New Jersey saw its first decline in Internet gambling revenue in April, falling to $11.4 million from $11.9 million in March. It began in late November as a way to help Atlantic City’s casinos gain new revenue and customers. Nevada and Delaware also offer it. Despite this relatively slow start, the panel of experts said that online gambling has plenty of room for growth in the country. Only problem is that according to a survey conducted by 888.com, only 10 percent of New Jerseyans actually know that online gambling is legal in the Garden State.

Source: The Associated Press. All rights reserved