Getting into gambling can be a fun way to spend your money. Whether you’re playing blackjack, roulette, or a poker game, you have to have a good game plan. Fortunately, there are many gambling options on the Internet. Some forms of Internet gambling are legal, while others are not. But what are the laws that govern Internet gambling?
Internet gambling laws are usually primarily state-based. However, in some cases, the federal government has taken action. The federal government has made a number of statements that online gambling is illegal. In particular, the United States Department of Justice announced that the Wire Act applies to all forms of Internet gambling.
The first legal online gambling venue for the general public was the Liechtenstein International Lottery. In 1996, there were about 15 gambling websites. In 1997, there were 200. In 1998, online gambling revenues reached $830 million.
Several state laws prohibit gambling without a permit. However, state officials have voiced concerns that online gambling could bring illegal gambling into their jurisdiction. These concerns have led to a variety of legislative measures to prevent the influx of illegal gambling on the Internet.
One example is the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, also known as HR 2046. This bill would modify the federal UIGEA by requiring that Internet gambling facilities be licensed by the director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The act would also add to the number of state-regulated online gambling services available to US citizens.