U.S. Online Gambling Laws

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or the UIGEA, is the law that had frightened many players. The UIGEA essentially created a framework for the government to begin prosecuting online gambling operators, but not for providing "illegal online gambling." Instead, this law set a framework to prosecute the gambling sites under money laundering crimes, rather than actually causing online gambling to be a direct crime. This law has done nothing to criminalize the games themselves, especially for the players. The UIGEA has been challenged in the courts, but it had not been overturned. Rather, the appeal had simply determined that the UIGEA could be ignored in any individual state that actually decides to legalize and regulate intrastate online gambling. That having been said, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to gambling on the Internet.

Even though it is widely ignored by most players, the Wire Act of 1961 does actually affect the industry of online gambling. The Wire Act was originally designed to curtail the activities of organized crime, but it has since been decided that it also spreads to online gambling. Under the Wire Act, those that are "in the business of gambling" cannot knowingly accept sports bets from residents of the United States. This law could be used to prosecute those who establish a sportsbook, but it cannot be used to target players. The Wire Act is less than disagreeable, as players need not concern themselves with possibility of violating the terms of this law.

Though these laws may be moderately frightening, the simple truth is that players need not concern themselves with the possibility of getting into trouble simply for participating in the games. These laws are designed to prevent gambling businesses from shooting up within the U.S. borders. We assure you that you will not face a federal indictment solely for playing the games, as there is no basis of prosecution.

 

When it comes to the individual states, there are actually very few states that have actually done anything to criminalize online gambling. There are a few notable states in which players can be prosecuted for gambling online, but these are few and far between. Under 20% of all states have actually done something to criminalize online gambling, and even then most of the laws are very vague. Below you will find a brief synopsis of the states that have made it a harsh crime to gamble online. Should you pay attention to these laws, you will have no surprises when it comes to the potential problems of gambling on the Internet.

 

Washington State - No other state has made it as clear as Washington has that online gambling is in fact illegal within their borders. If you live in Washington State, you will potentially face a felony of equal proportions to possession of child pornography or arson.

 

Louisiana - In Louisiana, the legislature has written a complex set of laws regarding the banning of online gambling. If you are within the state's borders, you could face serious criminal charges if you decide to gamble online.

 

Nevada - Not unsurprisingly, the live gambling locations in Nevada do not want to compete with the online gambling sites, as the state has already been on a downswing in terms of gambling revenue. They have toyed with the possibility of regulating online gambling, but nothing has yet to come to fruition.

 

Montana - While you may not think it, Montana is one of the few states where gambling can be regulated in ways that it cannot be in other states. Montanans currently face the potential of getting into trouble for betting on any form of gambling on the Internet.

 

Though this is a short list of states in which it is a crime to gamble online, there are a few others. Indiana, Illinois, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin also have various laws pertaining to online gambling. They are all somewhat vague, so you may want to contact a lawyer if you are not entirely certain over whether or not you can get in trouble for gambling online in the United States. Provided you stick to legitimate gambling sites, you should have nothing to worry about when it comes to gambling on the Internet. Find more articles on legal online gambling in the United States here.