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Strong argument for online gambling

As internet gambling and online gaming websites boom, David Carruthers, chief executive of BetOnSports has presented a spirited defense of the market.

The US Department of Justice currently considers online gaming illegal and lawmakers are attempting to push through the restrictive Unlawful Internet Gambling Act.

However, web users in the US are spending billions of dollars a year in online casinos and internet poker rooms and many people want to see it legalized, with a strong lobby emerging in favor of internet casinos.

Mr Carruthers claims that internet gambling is a unique source of entertainment that offers millions of players 24 hours a day transparent action from the comfort of their own homes, with all transactions logged and available for scrutiny.

The veteran of the British gambling industry debated the issue of online gaming with Iowa Representative Jim Leach in the Wall Street Journal, urging the US government to regulate online gambling, rather than trying to ban it.

He stated that he himself runs a multi-billion-dollar public company listed on the London Stock Exchange, which is well regulated in the United Kingdom.

The BetOnSports boss insisted that "we operate with the highest standards of practice to protect consumers, restrict minor access and protect the vulnerable".

Pointing to a recent poll by the journal that found 85 per cent of those polled do not want Congress to ban internet gambling, Mr Carruthers added that online gaming is a personal choice for adults and the sector is committed to preserving the integrity of games.