The Federal Government’s Interest in Regulating Online Gambling
The United States government has taken steps to prosecute illegal Internet gambling. In particular, the Justice Department has charged an Internet poker operator with violating 18 U.S.C. 1955, which prohibits gambling businesses from accepting financial instruments from customers who make illegal Internet bets.
Some constitutional objections have been raised to the federal criminal prosecution of unlawful Internet gambling, particularly those concerning the due process guarantees of the Fifth Amendment. These include the Commerce Clause, which concerns whether Congress can regulate activities in part by interstate commerce, and the First Amendment, which involves free speech and the right to privacy. Although these arguments have not gained much traction, the federal government’s interest in regulating online gambling appears to satisfy these concerns.
Illegal Internet gambling is prohibited under both the Wire Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act. In addition, the Travel Act, which bans unlawful gambling on interstate commerce, applies to Internet casinos. Lastly, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions prohibit business activities that are engaged in through illegal means.
The United States has also sued PayPal and other online payment providers for allowing Internet gamblers to accept payment from accounts that were not registered in the United States. Federal prosecutors have warned PayPal that it could face prosecution if it did not stop the practice.
There have been cases arguing against the legality of Internet gambling on the basis of the Commerce Clause, the Free Speech Clause, and the Due Process Clause. However, the prevailing case is that these constitutional objections are not particularly demanding. While the commercial nature of the business seems to satisfy the Commerce Clause questions, due process objections are still raised when a transaction is conducted in the United States.
One of the most important issues in this field is the extent to which the competitiveness of a game can be determined by user navigation and mathematics. This has led to an increased number of creative themes in gambling games. For example, one can bet on the total points scored in a game. Another way to bet is to wager on the outcome of a football match.
Despite the challenges that have been raised to the enforcement of federal laws against unlawful Internet gambling, the problem has become more prevalent as new and innovative technologies have made gambling more convenient and lucrative. Currently, the industry is awash in a variety of games that range from casino games to sports betting. If you are planning to gamble online, it is best to research the various types of games to determine what is most suitable for you.
Although it may be difficult to spot a problem, there are resources on campus that can assist you with identifying and dealing with a gambling issue. Additionally, you should talk to a friend or family member who may have an idea of the root of your concern. You should also read the NCAA brochure on preventing and treating gambling addiction.