The Federal Government’s Role in Regulating Online Gambling
The Internet is a growing source of entertainment. While the numbers of people involved in online gambling are increasing every day, there is still an ongoing debate about how the Internet is affecting the gambling industry. While there are no concrete statistics, it is apparent that people are more likely to gamble online than to go to a land-based casino. As a result, research and regulation around online gambling are necessary. In addition to the financial impact of online gambling, the public demand for gaming related entertainment is increasing.
While gambling is legal on the federal level, each state has the power to regulate the activity. Online gambling is defined as gambling activities that involve chance, skill, or money. Currently, only a small percentage of unlicensed online gambling companies operate within the United States. However, even if there are unlicensed online gambling operations in the US, they tend to be based in offshore jurisdictions. This is because there are fewer barriers to entry than there are for land-based casinos.
There are several federal laws that regulate internet gambling. The Wire Wager Act prohibits interstate betting on sporting events and contests involving “wire” systems. This Act, however, does not apply to online gambling. However, other federal laws can apply to online gambling depending on the type of gambling and state laws. This article will discuss some of the major federal laws that apply to online gambling. In addition to these federal laws, some states may also have their own gambling laws.