Is Online Gambling Legal?
Whether or not gambling is legal is determined by individual state laws. Some states restrict online gambling activities, while others permit sports betting on the internet. Several states, including Hawaii and Idaho, have a strong anti-gambling sentiment.
The United States Supreme Court has overturned the federal ban on sports betting. Twenty states have legalized sports wagering via the Internet. These states are: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Although gambling is legal in most countries, there are several countries that ban or restrict online gambling. In addition, some countries have a criminal penalty for accessing an online gambling site. In addition, most online gaming operators have moved their businesses offshore to avoid US federal laws.
Internet-based gambling can be fun and lucrative. However, it can also be risky. Although many regulated gambling sites accept deposits and withdrawals via online bank transfers, some banks are not supportive of such a service.
In addition, the US Department of Justice has interpreted the 1961 Wire Act to cover all forms of Internet gambling. Unlike physical wagering, online wagering does not require a physical check. However, there are higher minimum withdrawal limits for physical checks than for online bank transfers. In addition, online gambling sites do not share their customers’ financial or banking information with third party payment processors.
In 2007, several bills were introduced in the House that would restrict internet gambling activities. One bill, HR 2046, would require the director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to license Internet gambling facilities. The other bills would limit online wagering activities to state lotteries and horse races.
