Having fun and winning money online is not necessarily a bad thing. But it can also lead to financial ruin. It’s important to be responsible and avoid deceivers. It’s also a good idea to close down casino websites when you’re on a losing streak. The house edge is typically two to five percent.
Although the online gambling industry is increasingly transparent, it can still be susceptible to fraud. As an example, fraudsters may lure players into a transaction by promising free gifts or other incentives, or by providing a seal of approval. They may also restrict access to their sites or ask the player to contact their support. Banks may also refuse to process transactions involving illegal Internet bets.
Several federal criminal statutes are implicated in illegal Internet gambling. These include the Wire Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. The First Amendment also provides limited protection to those objecting to the government’s ability to enforce these laws.
One case that has gotten some attention is United States v. Tedder, a case from the 7th Circuit. In it, an offshore internet-based sports bookmaking operation was indicted. It involved bartenders, managers of video poker machines, and layoff bettors. The case was also a major test of the federal government’s power to regulate Internet gambling.
Other cases have also raised constitutional questions about the government’s power to enforce the law. In particular, the Commerce Clause and the Due Process Clause have been questioned. This has not been a particularly successful attack. However, the commercial nature of the gambling business appears to satisfy these concerns.
A related issue is the question of whether state officials can use the internet to bring illegal gambling into their jurisdictions. Some state officials have expressed concern that this could occur. The answer to this question is somewhat complicated, but a federal court has recently ruled that it’s possible.
The first online gambling venue for the general public was in Liechtenstein. The site operated by the Liechtenstein International Lottery was the first to offer the public the opportunity to place wagers on sporting events. It also was the subject of an abridged version of the CRS Report RS21984 which discusses the relevant statutory and regulatory issues. The report includes citations to several state gambling laws.
The CRS Report RS22749, a companion report to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, is another source of information. It’s abridged version of the original report, and it focuses on remote gaming. It includes citations to several other statutes, including the Travel Act. It’s a comprehensive look at many aspects of the legal landscape of gambling on the web.
Finally, it’s worth noting that while the CRS Report RS21984 lists a number of citations to state gambling laws, it does not discuss the United States v. K23 Group Financial Services. In this case, the federal government is charging a company with money laundering and other offenses related to Internet poker.
