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Is Internet Gambling Legal
by Jerry "Jet"
Whittaker
June 04, 2006
Although gambling has always been in existence since
ancient times in some form or the other, many states
have their own laws regarding gambling. There are many
big time gamblers who have earned thousands of dollars
on gambling games on the Internet. The question whether
Internet gambling is legal is still considered a matter
of debate. Accepting bets, providing gambling sites and
casinos and coaxing people to keep trying their luck is
just what the gambling houses do. But the Internet has
gone a step further by bring the gambling world into the
home.
What can limit Internet gambling?
Many states have laws that can prohibit gambling and
placing bets. The Wire Act that prevents any gambling
operator from using a wire to send information or bets
across state boundaries is still a matter of concern for
professional gamblers. Although all forms of Internet
gambling fall under the Wire Act, courts have restricted
such a law to bets on racing and sports events.
Research on Internet Gambling legal issues
Federal laws limit gambling on the Internet, but
gambling operators and casinos manage a way out of this.
This is because no law prevents a gambler from placing a
bet that is seemingly harmless. It is, after all, just a
matter of luck and a quick way to make a little more
money. Many laws exist to prevent across the state and
across the country transactions on gambling. Overseas
operators are likely to be prosecuted, but legal
barriers across foreign countries make it difficult to
extradite any gambling operator.
Laws and Acts on Internet Gambling
The Wire Act suggests that one cannot bet or send
information on gambling through wire. This includes the
Internet. The Travel Act is another act that makes it
illegal to conduct an unlawful business while on a trip.
This includes violating any gambling law prevalent in a
particular state. The Organized Crime Control Act of
1970 created a new federal crime, illegal gambling
business to curb large operations. Other laws co-exist
with the ones mentioned before.
The debate continues…
While no government can deny the revenues generated by
the Internet
gambling industry, social and economic
responsibility makes it imperative that there be a check
in place for the gambling industry. Internet gambling
addiction has been known to disrupt people’s lives like
nothing else can. Disallowing certain forms of gambling
or restricting them to an extent will eventually prove
useful in weaning away gamblers towards a more
responsible life.
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