Regular readers will recognize that I have mentioned patents as a looming issue on more than a few occasions for the now suddenly growing world of legalized sports wagering. Those comments prompted a reader to ask, “Since sports betting has been around for such a long time how could there be much if anything to patent? After all a sports bet is a sports bet.”
On the notion of a sports bet by itself there is really nothing that could probably be patented but think about what online and mobile sports bets must go through to be made, particularly if away from the traditional casino sportsbook.
For example, if you wanted to make a bet on your mobile phone into a legal sportsbook in the United States, you would have had to set up and fund either (or both) an online or mobile betting account, plus be inside a legal jurisdiction and, depending on how much was won from your betting in any one session, may or may not have to pay taxes to the city, state and federal governments.
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Gaming Today’s The Analyst is an experienced gaming industry executive who offers insight each week on events and issues affecting the industry. The Analyst’s opinions are his own and may not reflect those of Sports Handle.
