So the US Government has finally got around to cleaning up the game, something that was probably on the agenda some 12 Years ago. To understand whats going on you have to look at the bigger picture of internet Gambling and what has happened in other Countries especially Britain, America's best Friend. In Britain a number of legitimate Bookmakers went Off-shore with the Biggest ones, Ladbrokes and William Hill threatening the same, their argument at the time was that they were being squeezed by excessive taxes and duties charged on Horse racing. It has to be remembered that The Government were already in a position of earning Millions from the Industry so immediate action had to follow. Because the bookmakers were all licensed, this came down more to a negotiation of what was considered reasonable payments for doing business but the government left no doubt that without a deal, they would make Off-shore betting illegal and stamp it out. So in the end everyone got what they wanted and lived happily ever after, because the Carib Books take up so little of the British market its deemed not worth the effort chasing them.
Over the Years the US has struggled with the problem of illegal Gambling because its hasnt had a definite aim so has used the immoral card to keep it at bay. Theres no doubt that they would have talked to British counterparts about legalising it, after all its the Millions in Taxes their after. Because of its legality in Britain, the top people in the Industry are never far from influential Politicians who together keep their fingers on the Pulse. As for the Off-Shore books in the Carib, these are considered lowlife that have no part of the Future no matter who they are or what they say. The US Government will not do a U-Turn and legitimise previous Criminals so the options are very few.
What The US Government want is a Bone-fide company or Companies that are experienced in the Business, are beyond reproach in their dealings and big enough to run Sports Betting for them. That way it will be seen as no more evil than a National Lottery, they'll be no Criminal undertones or stories of People getting their Money stolen. That is why the Big British Books do not service US citizens at the Moment, to do so would be an illegal act and jepordise their chances of being at the Table.
Betfair has just recently finished a similar negotiation in Australia and would from all angles be the perfect vehical for the Government. A Publicly listed Company operating across the World, offering prices on all Sports at odds not considered a rip-off and plenty of Revenue for the Coffers. I could be wrong but as usual, Money is at the bottom of all this but the Powers are smart enough to know it has to be done properly, which until recently has been the stumbling block
