Cyber Gambling

Schwartz, Evan I. “Wanna Bet?” Wired Magazine. 1 Mar. 2011. Web. 1 Mar. 2010.

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In this article Evan I Schwartz says that technology is bringing gambling to everyone through cyberspace. One company has developed software that makes it possible for someone to watch television and bet on horse races. Some states permit “account wagering” on horse and dog races. The players place their bets by phone or touch-tone keypad. These devices provide information for the bettor while the bettor watches the race on television. A network of computers credit and debit the accounts when the race results are in. Schwartz says that gambling electronically won’t involve just betting on traditional game, but could well involve betting on elections or the passing of legislation. His point of view is that this kind of wagering may not last. He says the spread of so much gambling could lead to its demise. Another downside is that unregulated companies could shut down their computers without paying the winners.

This article gives information about the effects of gambling on a large scale. Gambling is bigger than both movies and music. In 2010 five hundred billion dollars was wagered legally in the United States. With the new technology it is estimated that millions of people will be gambling and they foresee that horse racing and other pari-mutuel gambling will increase with younger players. The advantages to gambling in this fashion are that bettors could do it privately and anonymously whether it is on-the-fly wagering or blackjack. Schwartz says that he believes cyberspace is the next frontier for gamblers.