The Legal Issues That Arise From Online Gambling

The Legal Issues That Arise From Online Gambling

Online gambling has become an increasingly popular pastime. In addition to offering traditional casino games, online casinos also offer sports betting. This means that you can bet on the outcome of sports matches, or even the total number of goals or points scored.

In order to legally gamble, you must follow the rules of your state. However, there are legal issues that arise if you engage in internet gambling. The most common issues involve violations of the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution.

In response to these constitutional concerns, Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006. The UIGEA prohibits the acceptance of financial instruments that are used in the course of illegal Internet wagering. It also includes factors that are intended to screen out low level gambling cases.

There are a number of federal criminal statutes that are implicated by illegal Internet gambling. These laws include the Interstate Commerce Act and the Travel Act.

The federal government also has authority over common carriers, and the Federal Communications Commission may halt the operation of facilities or discontinue furnishing them. Additionally, the Department of Justice can bring criminal charges against individuals.

However, it is not clear whether the United States’ ability to enforce federal gambling laws extends to the states. If this is the case, state officials are concerned that the Internet could be used to bring illegal gambling into their jurisdictions.

In December 2002, the Government Accountability Office published Internet Gambling: Overview of Issues. The report provided a detailed overview of the major concerns surrounding the law. Among other things, the report stated that the Act’s statutory language creates several distinct crimes.