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For those who live in Las Vegas, betting at a casino can often be more of a pain than it’s worth.
That’s why legislators in states pushing for legalized sports betting need to think outside the box.
Consider Golden Gaming, which owns a chain of pubs in Nevada and partnered with Leroy’s, now owned by William Hill. Kiosks are available within Golden Gaming’s bars that allow customers to open accounts, deposit money, place sports bets and cash out.
It’s all done with the ease of parking at the local watering hole instead of hassling with parking decks or valets at gigantic casinos. Wins get credited to your account, which is familiar for any online sports bettor but still relatively new within the state of Nevada.
This might sound like a “Wild West” situation for taking action, but in reality it’s more regulated than the bets taken at casinos. Before placing bets through these kiosks, you have to establish an account, which requires all pertinent information on file with the bookmaker.
Other states should take notice.
If states like New Jersey are serious about challenging the federal ban on sports betting, they shouldn’t limit it to solely casinos and racetracks. That would only tangibly benefit those who live close to the casinos and racetracks. If the point of sports betting legalization is to generate revenue for the states, implementation should be widespread.
Sports betting is an enormous industry, but it’s still one that can be easily regulated.
European countries, most notably the U.K., have been doing it for years. Nevada has a very good handle on the business, so the template is being set. It’d really be no different than the lottery, where gamblers are given multiple outlets to get their tickets.
If you’re going to take the time to legalize sports betting, make it widespread and accessible for all. Otherwise, you are only hurting the taxpayers you say you are trying to help.
Or you’re just proving you’re in someone else’s pocket.
