Gambling laws will differ state to state. What is okay in Nevada will probably get you a prison sentence in any state run by Mormons or Dutch Puritans. Despite the transient nature of legal vs. illegal, and how this changes depending on where you happen to be standing at that moment in time, Federal law extends into all states and they have a number of things to say about online casino gambling
.
The long arm of Federal law reaches into nearly every type of gambling and has some influence on nearly every aspect. Federal law attempts to color in the gray areas that generally cover cannot be covered by state law. Some of the common areas regulated by federal law include:
The transportation and possession of gambling devices and paraphernalia across state lines
Sports betting in states different than the state in which the game is held
How and where bets can be made
Internet gambling (to some degree)
Gambling laws have been constructed over the years by the passing of a number of congressional Acts. These Acts regulate certain aspects of gambling and though they have been often aimed at organized crime, the average citizen also gets pulled into the net. Some of the most important Federal Acts pertaining to gambling are:
Act of 1961 – deals with people involved in interstate travel for the purpose of committing illegal activities (including illegal gambling)
Interstate Transportation of Gambling Paraphernalia Act of 1961 – makes it illegal to transport various items used for illegal gambling such as betting tickets or sports books
Illegal Gambling Business Act of 1970 – imposes heavy penalties for large scale illegal gambling organizations
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 – imposes heavy fines and jail sentences for people who participate in racketeering
Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 – makes it illegal to place certain kinds of sports bets
Interstate Wagering Amendment of 1994 – regulates the state laws on lotteries and prevents out of state people from participating in state run lotteries
