Online gambling and sports betting are hot topics in the United States right now. A handful of states have approved legislation, while more than half of the nation is expected to be able to place bets on their favorite sporting events in the near future. In some cases, the debate has been fueled by the First Amendment, but attacks based on this guarantee have so far proved fruitless.
There are several legal options available when it comes to online gambling, including casino games, poker, and sportsbooks. However, most of these opportunities are available in a few specific states. For example, Michigan and Indiana offer poker and sportsbooks, respectively. In Nevada, you can place almost any type of wager. In New Hampshire, most wagers are allowed, but eSports betting and in-state collegiate games are prohibited.
The Internet is a valuable tool when it comes to waging bets, but there are several federal and state laws that have been cited as the basis for prosecutions of illegal Internet gambling. For example, Section 1956 of the Internal Revenue Code is often used as a basis for prosecutions, but it has also raised constitutional objections. This section allows the government to seize money that is not remitted to the correct entity or is not properly accounted for. It provides for several different crimes, and it makes a number of distinctions. For example, it requires that a casino must register a user before they can make a deposit. Other elements include age verification and appropriate data security standards.
Nevertheless, many legal experts argue that the law does not go far enough. The law does not protect a player’s free speech rights, despite the ambiguity of the word “speech.” Instead, it prohibits accepting financial instruments for illegal Internet bets, which frustrates the ability of state enforcement officials to enforce their own policies. Another notable statute is the Gambling Devices Transportation Act (also known as the Johnson Act). This law requires that gambling equipment be transported across state lines. In addition, it creates a monopoly-esque model for the sports betting industry.
The CRS Report RS21984 is an abridged version of the law. It includes citations to statutory provisions as well as the text of the statutes. In fact, it is considered the best and most authoritative Congressional analysis of the gambling and gambling related laws of the United States. The report is especially informative when it comes to the UIGEA. Unlike other statutory requirements, it is easy to cite a wide variety of statutes, making it the perfect resource for lawyers and policymakers. Its text is even available in a downloadable PDF format.
The most common question when it comes to online gambling is whether it is legal in each state. This is the question that has been discussed in the media and in Congress, but the answers vary greatly. Some lawmakers say that it is a high priority, but most do not. Others point out that a large portion of the American population is able to place wagers on their favorite casino games online, and therefore, they do not see a reason for the country to prohibit such a practice.
