My Google alerts this morning were full of bits and pieces attempting to speculate on what Barack Obama's selection of Joe Biden as a running mate means to the online gambling industry. As the publisher of news services that are highly competitive in this space, I have to strongly consider whether IGN needs to be tackling this topic with comparable vigor. Our coverage of US developments is usually prompt and expansive, so if this is important news, we want to be on it like stink on a monkey.

IGN's article on the topic was cranked out quickly, but I couldn't find the right spot to run it. Problem is it's only 10 words long.  My solution was to include the article, in its entirety, within this very blog:

Biden Time - The Outlook for I-Gaming

    By Mark Balestra

What does the Biden selection mean to online gambling?

Nothing.

I thought about stretching it by adding something about Biden's Pennsylvania roots or how his presidential campaign in 1987 was cut short by a plagiarism scandal . . . or maybe by just adding "Have a nice day" or something like that at the end, but opted to keep it lean and clean. 

And now for some guidance on how to break down further developments of this nature. . .

Every time something happens on the US political scene during an election year, the industry clamors to get the low-down on what it means to I-Gaming. But all you really need to know is this:

Republicans = Bad

Democrats = Good

The presence of solid Republican leadership in the executive and legislative branches bodes well for opponents of I-gaming. Jon Kyl, Bob Goodlate and company have pounded the prohibition drum for years and their message resonates well among their Republican peers, especially considering the family values position on gambling and the general right wing interpretation of gambling as pure evil.

Conversely, Democrats are more likely to relate to Barney Frank, who is appalled by the notion of the government dictating what Americans do in the privacy of their homes. They are also likely to recognize the benefits of regulation - strict controls, tax revenue, transparency, etc. - versus the social decay argument.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, and we'll be the first to let you know if one of these exceptions is worthy of your attention.

Otherwise, simply reference the aforementioned rule and use the time you would have spent reading up on Joe Biden et al doing something you previously didn't have time to do. Call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, water the lawn, update your MySpace page. . . Better yet, read the latest IGN blog!

Have a nice day.