WebMediaBrands CEO Alan Meckler
Online Gambling In The USA
Many of you are probably aware that the USA took on the twin island nation of Antiqua and Barbuda at a World Trade Organization hearing about whether the United States should drop restrictions on online gambling in America.
Both sides declared victory according to an article I read by The Associated Press in the International Herald Tribune (April 8, 2005).
Regardless of the claims, the United States intends to continue with its restrictions (the actual ruling of the WTO is forthcoming).
I do not endorse online gambling, but I do not see how the United States government can control it. We all know that the Internet knows no boundaries. We know that there is legal gambling in Atlantic City and Nevada and we know that there are some 400 Indian casinos in America (this number is growing rapidly). We also know that there are instances of legal horse racing on the Internet, not to mention the hundreds of horse racing and dog racing tracks in America.
When one adds up all the facts, it seems to me that the American government is fighting a losing battle. At some point online gambling will be legal in America. It might take several more years, but in the meantime this Internet business sector is thriving around the world.
>I am sure that Europe and the UK will ultimately evolve to complete trust of the Internet, but it is interesting as an American to note the continued reluctance to adopt credit card ordering online.
Thats not quite correct. I would say CC usage online would be broadly similar in the UK and US. Germany is a whole different animal, many internet retailers offer a cash on delivery service for example. I would say that in Germany that direct bank transfer is the most common way to buy online, in the UK this is almost non-exsistant.
If a large proportion of your UK customers are calling in with CC details then something isn't right with the web site, I would take a look at that and not assume that the US sales presentation would appeal to UK buyers.