Online gambling is a topic of hot debate on a world wide sphere.  It seems that countries all over the world are in hot debate over the topic of legalization of online gambling.  Of course, there are plenty of places where online gambling is legal and enjoying great success.  Some of these countries are the UK, France, Italy and others of the European Union, the islands of Antigua and those in the Caribbean, Malta, Cyprus, and scores of others.

People are polarized regarding the positive and negative effects of online gambling.  The proponents stake their claim to the fact that online gambling is a source of entertainment, and that those who like to gamble should be free to enjoy that right.  Others point to the fact that online gambling can become a source of tremendous revenue for countries, which is especially meaningful in today’s day and age, when some countries are teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, and further currency devaluation threatens to mire the international community deeper into a dire recession.

As we spin around the world this week, the needle stops at the Scandinavian country of Denmark.  Just last week, the Danish Parliament voted to liberalize the online gambling regulations in the country.   This move was precipitated by pressure from the European Union to reform the gambling monopoly system in Denmark.  Once the legislation is firmed up and the bill is passed next month, the reforms can be enacted as early as January, 2011.  Among other sweeping changes, the Danish Gambling Board will be in charge of granting licenses to operators.  

The state-owned Danish gambling entity, Danske Spil, would be in competition with privately-owned operators of gambling sites, giving the citizens of Denmark a choice of online gambling vendors.  It is believed that this legislation, combined with lower tax rates for online gambling casino operators, will allow all parties to make a profit.  Additionally, the new legislation will benefit consumers, who will have the option of several sources and a safe and secure place to play their favourite casino games.  The government will gain in tax revenue, which will help Denmark’s budgetary bottom line, and allow for an expansion of social and economic development programs within the confines of the country.