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GAMBLING - There have long been discussions about gambling legalization in San Francisco. In 2022, Proposition 26 – which would have legalized sports betting at tribal casinos, as well as craps and roulette – was rejected by voters, while other efforts to legalize online poker have been regularly undertaken, all to no avail. A recent police raid in the city, however, may have added more fuel to the fire in a way no one would have expected.
What Happened?
In May this year, a raid was carried out on an illegal gambling ring operating within San Francisco. It was the result of a lengthy investigation by the San Francisco Police Department’s Vice Squad, culminating in the discovery of a gambling ring and the arrest of a 37-year-old woman.
While her identity has not been released, she was deemed to be the ringleader of the operation and charged with a range of offences, including illegal gambling and money laundering. The operation itself is thought to be the largest and most lucrative in the region, with police expressing optimism that her arrest will lead to a further dismantling of San Francisco criminal networks.
What is the Gambling Situation in San Francisco – And the US?
Gambling laws in the US, of course, vary from state to state. While there are legal card rooms in California, they are located outside of San Francisco, with online gambling and sports betting also forbidden. This might seem a little counterintuitive, given the success of the iGaming scene in the states that have opted for legalization.
New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia all allow online betting, and many US residents also place bets on online casinos based outside of the US. By all accounts, US online casinos have become a popular US pastime, and for many, it’s only been a matter of time before more states follow suit.
How are Online Casinos Growing Worldwide?
As of 2024, the global iGaming market is approximately worth around $80 billion, with more and more countries implementing regulation and legalization. Even the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia seem to be making steps towards online legalization, which is quite the turnaround given their strict laws on gambling as a whole.
In many ways, this surge has been driven by numerous technological advancements, including the shift to 5G and a change in consumers’ interests in digital entertainment. Mobile gaming, specifically, has become a significant growth area, with many operators developing apps that match consumer interests and provide optimized gaming experiences.
Innovations like live dealer games and virtual reality casinos have also had a part to play, with more ways to play and more experiences to be had as the years go on. Coupled with reputable operators who champion security, innovation, and convenience, it’s an industry that is well-positioned to skyrocket. In this way, it’s not a question of whether the US will start legalizing on a broader scale, but when it will do so.
Does the Police Raid Make a Case for Legalisation in San Francisco?
While the San Francisco police raid was a monumental policing achievement – probably in part due to approval of the huge police overtime and public safety package announced last year – it could also underscore several compelling arguments for legalization. For one thing, it would help to reduce the presence of these kinds of operations, which are often associated with organized crime and money laundering – just as this gambling ring was. There have also been calls to use money from gambling legalization as a way to combat California’s rising homelessness problem, so that the less fortunate can be helped via the taxes raised through the change in legislation.
It could also ensure control and regulation, leading to responsible gambling measures that help to prevent addiction and other negative social impacts. As well as this, legal casino operations are subject to stringent regulations and audits, ensuring transparency and accountability, which similarly reduce the likelihood of corruption and increase the level of public trust. Consumer protection is important too, with players in illegal operations subject to exploitation with no recourse in the case of malpractices.
What Might Happen in the Future?
It cannot be said, of course, that any illegal activity should be met with legalization to prevent it from happening, but gambling is made legal in numerous countries around the world, and the transparency and control – complete with the extra tourism and local economy – make a strong case for it. Whether it will happen in San Francisco is hard to say, but the recent police raid certainly makes an interesting case that should be looked into.
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