Online Gambling is a rapidly growing industry. There are millions of players gambling on different platforms every day. Various forms of online gambling include casinos, sports betting, and virtual poker. However, online gambling is illegal in many countries.
In the United States, there are seven federal criminal statutes that make gambling illegal, including the Wire Act, the Gambling Act, the Travel Act, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, and the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The Department of Justice has taken the position that all online gambling in the United States is illegal.
The United States has been using its Commerce Clause power to regulate gambling in its various states. For example, New Jersey restricts casinos to people 21 and older. This restriction is probably due to the sale of alcohol at casinos.
The Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act would regulate and tax the activities of internet gambling businesses. In addition, the Act would prohibit financial transaction providers from accepting funds for illegal Internet bets.
Congress has also passed laws to limit the scope of gaming on Native American land. These laws apply to lotteries and sports betting with certain exceptions. Other statutes, such as the Skill Game Protection Act, are meant to clarify the Wire Act.
The Wire Act is another federal law that prevents gambling on sporting events and contests. It has been challenged on constitutional grounds.
