The legality of online gambling in the United States is primarily governed by state law. Gambling includes games of chance, games of skill, pool-selling, bookmaking, sports betting, lottery and other forms of wagering.
There are several federal laws related to illegal Internet gambling. These include the Wire Act, the Travel Act, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
Although the Internet is now commonplace, some people continue to believe that nothing can replace the experience of visiting a casino. Online casinos and poker rooms offer players the opportunity to gamble on a variety of different games, and they provide tax revenues to the governments of their jurisdictions. Some states, such as Iowa, have strict laws against gambling, while others, such as New Jersey, have legalized gambling.
Although there are few restrictions on online gambling, there are some issues regarding the morality of gambling that have arisen. Some people argue that gambling is a leisure activity, while others feel that it is a threat to their health and well-being.
One major issue has been how to enforce federal law while preserving First Amendment rights. While the free speech protections provided by the First Amendment have been questioned, attacks based on the Commerce Clause have had little success.
Another issue that has arisen is the ability of states to regulate interstate or foreign elements. For example, a player may be using an interstate facility for illegal activities, or a business could be operating on a ship that is outside of its territorial waters.