Federal Laws That Affect Online Gambling

The advent of online gambling has changed the way we gamble. Gambling on the internet offers several benefits over conventional gambling in a land-based setting. For one, it’s much easier. Unlike other forms of gambling, it can be done from the comfort of your own home. It also gives you instant feedback on your bets and allows for large wagers.

Online gambling is facilitated by technological advances, including high-speed internet connections. It has been noted that this type of gambling is the fastest growing mode of gambling in the U.S. Aside from the convenience of online betting, the technology also enables greater odds for gamblers.

There are numerous federal laws that affect Internet gambling. In particular, the Wire Act prohibits illegal gambling on sporting events. And the Travel Act imposes similar restrictions on players who use interstate facilities for unlawful activities.

Another important law is the Illegal Gambling Business Act. As a result of the latter, it is illegal for a business to operate an Internet-based gambling operation. Owners of illegal gambling operations are subject to fines.

Other federal statutes that are relevant to Internet gambling include the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) act. Although these two acts are meant to police and regulate Internet gambling operations, they do not make it legal to conduct them in the first place.

However, there is one major exception to this rule. One of the few genuinely legal forms of Internet gambling, sports betting, is actually legal in a few states.