Some people might find it sort of ironic that America Online is entering the online gambling industry when online gambling is deemed illegal in America. However, we're not just talking about America Online. This is America Online UK, which is apparently a big difference folks. What's in a name anyways? AOL UK will only be doing business in the UK, which the U.S. government seems to not mind one bit, so long as nothing goes down within its own borders. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is supposed to protect people from the evils of gambling - but just for its own citizens.

Apparently, it's okay if U.S. backed companies encourage and profit off of citizens from other countries, no matter the cost. This precisely seems to be the sentiments of several U.S. based companies who have made the decision to enter the online based betting market in the newly regulated United Kingdom. Yahoo UK and Yahoo Ireland have both already taken up business in the online poker sector. AOL UK, on the other hand, will be putting its stake in the online sports betting, which is a thriving industry in Europe.

In a recent press release AOL UK announced they are partnering with the UK online bookie, JAXX, and that they will begin taking live bets in late August. JAXX and AOL are actually long-term partners, having teamed up to offer online lottery services in Germany since 2003. However, the world of online sports betting is a creature all its own.

VP of AOL Europe's Interactive Marketing department, Michael Steckler, said their partnership with JAXX's parent company, FLUXX, perfectly complements AOL's strategy to expand their online betting service throughout all of Europe. In the meantime, AOL will be learning how to best tap into the €70 billion that Britain currently generates in online betting revenue.