After perhaps the most exciting and well-documented political story of our lifetimes, Barack Hussein Obama secured the 270 Electoral College votes needed (and plenty more besides, winning 364-174) to become the 44th President of the United States.
Republican opponent John McCain surrendered his campaign last night after it became clear that a Democratic landslide was underway: 'My friends, we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly,' Mr McCain said. Unfortunately some in the audience booed and jeered Obama’s name, but McCain silenced the negative people with a graceful speech.
As well as being the country’s first black President, Obama is also the first Democrat in office since 2001.
Obama’s election could mean good things for online gambling. Most viewpoints are based on political opinion but one business assessment, published by brokers Merrill Lynch, predicted a more open market: 'We think it could ultimately pave the way for online gaming regulation rather than prohibition,' the broker said, citing the moves made by Democratic congressman Barney Frank to repeal the UIGEA. 'There have been separate acts to legalise internet gambling as well as those that particularly target poker and other games of skill. We think that with a Democrat president and Democrat-dominated Congress, such legislation would likely have a greater chance of being passed through.'
