The issue of the legalization of online gambling is a question that remains hotly debated among politicians as well as citizens of countries throughout the world.  There was no way that the question of online gambling would ever be posed as a remedy for the financial woes of the countries of the world, but ...here we are, two years removed from the greatest economic recession in the last five decades.   

Additionally, there seems to be no end in sight as the financial solvency of the world, especially the European markets, continue to shudder since following the financial collapse of the Greek monetary system. The more countries are looking into remedies for their financial plights, the more the topic of online gambling enters into the conversation. 

Countries everywhere are looking into the legalization of online gambling as a way of generating revenues.  By legalizing online gambling and then taxing its operators and the profits that are made through the process of online gambling, countries will be able to begin to fill the huge abysses presently existing in their coffers. 

In 2010, it is estimated that play on online poker sites will increase by 20%, and that the entire industry will experience a tremendous jump in online activity.  It has been reported that the Australian government will lose about $1 billion due to unregulated and illegally operated gambling sites. 

has recently caved into the pressures exerted by the European Commission and has set up a procedure by which foreign online gambling operators will be allowed to participate within the borders of .  However, the operators will have to pay for an operator’s license, and may take legal steps to stop its citizens from playing on unlicensed sites. 

is preparing to tax online gambling.  Its Prime Minister, Mr. Brian Cowen, will be introducing legislation this week that will levy a tax of 1% on online sports gambling in order to give a much-needed boost to the economy of .  has a large horse racing following, and it is believed that such a tax on online sports betting would help ease the burden of ’s present economic plight in a remarkable way. 

In the , a move in the State of Washington to make online gambling a felony offense is being met with strong opposition.  This past week, there was a suit filed in the Supreme Court of the State of Washington contesting this new bill that demonizes and criminalizes online gambling.   

Online gambling continues to be an international battlefield that will closely be watched by this reporter in the weeks and months to come.