A letter was recently sent to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, objecting to a move that could make Internet gambling legal. The gambling websites would simply have to become licensed through the U.S. Department of Treasury. The reason for this objection by the Indiana Attorney General, Greg Zoeller, is because he is defending the right of the state to make its own state laws rather than the federal government makes those decisions for them. He further stated in his letter that college athletics, professional sports, and other groups are in agreement that opening the flood gates to Internet gambling could lead to gambling addiction, especially in young people.

Zoeller’s sentiments have been matched by the National Collegiate Athletic Association because Internet gambling leads to sports gambling and it is said that such wagering affects the well-being of the athletes. It is important to note, however, that sports gambling has been occurring on the Internet for quite some time and will most likely continue to happen in the coming years. Even the NFL is opposed to legalized Internet gambling, as it will further encourage even more sports wagering. If the Internet gambling bills that have been presented in Congress are passed, all state and federal statutes against sports betting would be overridden. On the other end of the spectrum, legal registration through the U.S. Department of Treasury could result in a revenue producing practice that could increase cash flow within the economy since sports betting tend to net significant amounts of money.

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