Online gambling is any gambling conducted via the internet. It may include sports betting, casino games, or virtual poker. Some countries, including the UK, ban online gambling. Several states, however, allow it.
Although the US has a slew of federal statutes pertaining to illegal Internet gambling, the best way to find out if it is legal is to look to your state’s laws. Almost half the states currently permit some form of Internet sports betting. Others, such as Illinois, will likely follow suit in the near future.
The most obvious form of Internet gambling is the wager on a sporting event. However, the US has other forms of Internet gambling, such as online slots, blackjack, and video poker. Other types of gambling include lottery games and pool-selling. In addition to wagering, the gambling industry also includes bookmaking, lotteries, and maintaining slot machines and dice tables.
While gambling has been around for centuries, it has recently gained popularity. This has led to increased concern that the internet could become the gateway to illegal gambling in your jurisdiction. A number of state officials have expressed their concerns.
Another issue raised by opponents is the Commerce Clause. Specifically, the question of whether gambling is a commercial activity and thus protected under the Clause has been raised. Various arguments have been formulated, but so far, they have been inconclusive.
One interesting fact to note is that the first internet gambling venue for the general public was the Liechtenstein International Lottery. Approximately five individuals placed bets on any one day during a thirty-day period.