Online gambling involves placing and receiving bets on the Internet. It also includes casino games, virtual poker, and sports betting. There are also many bonuses and promotions offered.
The United States Department of Justice has argued that gambling is a form of criminal conduct. Several federal statutes are implicated by the activity. In particular, the Wire Act prohibits illegal gambling on sporting events. Other statutes include the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provision, which bans gambling business activities.
Another statute is the Travel Act, which prohibits interstate gambling. Gambling operations are subject to the Travel Act if the players are using an interstate facility for unlawful activities.
Illegal gambling businesses can be prosecuted under the Illegal Gambling Business Act. Owners of illegal gambling businesses can face up to five years in prison. They can also be fined.
One of the UIGEA’s provisions is that it enables the Attorney General to prohibit any person from accepting financial instruments that have been obtained through an illegal Internet bet. This act has been used to prosecute Internet poker operators.
Gambling is also illegal under the Wire Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act. However, it is also prohibited under the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act.
In addition to the federal criminal statutes mentioned above, there are several state laws that also regulate gambling. Most state laws do not protect private gambling activity, although some state run gambling operations may help raise money for local governments and Native American tribes.