Whether you like it or not, gambling is legal in the United States. However, each state has different laws and regulations on gambling. Some states require that you have a gambling license in order to participate. Others have a minimum age requirement for all types of gambling.
The US Department of Justice is investigating the regulation of internet-based gambling. They believe the Wire Act of 1961 applies to all forms of internet-based betting. They have also proposed a bill to restrict online gambling. This bill, called HR 2046, would modify the Uniform Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. It would also require that all Internet gambling facilities be licensed by the director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Some states have already banned gambling. Hawaii, for instance, bans all forms of gambling. Its residents oppose the activity. Other anti-gambling states include Idaho and Wisconsin.
The federal government has settled a number of cases with online businesses that have accepted funds for the purpose of marketing virtual gambling operations. The government has also prohibited the unauthorized transportation of lottery tickets between states.
In 2011, the Department of Justice released a legal opinion on whether the Wire Act of 1961 applied to digital wagering. They concluded that it did. The government also agreed to settle a case with an Internet financial services company that aided illegal offshore gambling agreements.
In April 2007, Representative Barney Frank introduced a bill to Congress that would modify the UIGEA. The bill, called HR 2046, would require internet gambling facilities to be licensed by the director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
