Legal Issues Associated With Online Gambling

Online Gambling

Online Gambling is a growing trend. Due to technology advances and advancements in the gambling industry, people are finding it easier to bet on their favorite sports or races. Many online casinos offer sports betting and casino games. You can also play virtual poker or bingo.

There are a number of legal issues involving the use of the Internet for gambling. Some of these include the Wire Act, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions, and the Illegal Gambling Business Act. These laws are meant to regulate commercial activities.

The Gambling Devices Transportation Act, or Johnson Act, is another statute that prohibits the transportation of devices and instruments that facilitate illegal Internet bets. However, the statute does not apply to financial transaction providers, such as PayPal, because they are not considered financial institutions under the law.

A federal criminal case was brought against the owners of an Internet poker site. It was reported that the company violated 18 U.S.C. 1955 by engaging in money laundering and illegal gambling.

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in the United States v. Nicolaou case. This case involved gross revenues of $2,000. In the end, five individuals were charged and Sporting News agreed to launch a public service campaign to encourage people to avoid online gambling.

Another area of legal controversy is the federal government’s authority to enact statutes in the name of protecting the Constitution. As the Commerce Clause has been attacked in a number of recent cases, it is likely that the courts will have to weigh the merits of this argument.