Internet sports gambling has grown to be very popular all and bettors around the world are asking “should sports gambling be legalized or not?” The ease and convenience in which one can possibly place bets on any sporting event over the internet, the wide choice of sportsbooks and the excitement and thrill of the game ensures that sports betting is here to stay.

The element of sports gambling that worries most gamblers is not surprisingly the legality of it all. Sports gambling activities are considered against the law practically in most states of the US save one or two like Nevada and Montana. Therefore it is imperative to figure out all gambling laws in your state and jurisdiction before placing your bets online so that you wont be on the wrong side of the law. The gambling laws are different from nation to nation and from state to state.

Track record of illegal gambling in the US reveals that there were plenty of scandals and money-laundering etc that have led to prohibition and regulation of gambling. It is thought that if wagering over a teams wins or losses of a particular game is made legal, while all the other bets on outcomes like point spreads etc were banned, would result in the destruction of the illegal bookmakers market and ultimately minimize the corruption in sporting events.

Sports betting is actually illegal in most parts of the world but there have always been exceptions. It’s tricky to tackle and generalize sports betting laws and the legality of sports betting. Legal articles in America declare that the first law to be followed is the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1994. This law actually stipulates that operation of gambling in whatever form is unlawful except for the few states in America including the state of Nevada.

Sports fans consider sports betting to be a hobby in Europe, which also really helps to promote the leagues, games and players. Hence the Europeans regard sports betting as useful to some degree instead of criminal or illegal. In other words, they support its regulation and restrictions at the same time do not think or label it as being “illegal”.

Whether sports gambling is regarded illegal or not, online sports wagering will still be one of the most popular methods of placing bets. Sports enthusiasts will not steer clear of placing bets through offshore sportsbooks. Laws do sanction malpractices in betting and some legitimate betting websites can be found for the entertainment of people who take pleasure in the game. Apart from this, sports enthusiasts especially basketball, football, baseball fans etc consider sports gambling a terrific way to make a bundle of money.

Should you be wondering “should sports gambling be legalized?” then you’re the same as many avid gamblers who battle against the issues of betting laws etc in the US. It is advisable to remember that gambling does have a darker side which is addiction and threatening the integrity of particular sports activities. It is because of these repercussions that opponents of sports betting oppose the legality of sports gambling.