Internet Gambling and the Law

Gambling is an adult entertainment that draws many to its shore but high percentage of them does not know the basic law principles regarding online gambling. Being familiar with the basic foundation of gambling laws are essential to any gambler, whether he's a high roller of the roulette table or a novice online poker player.

As for now the core law guidelines which deal with internet gambling are extracted from the Federal Wire Wager Act from the 60's. This act states that "Whoever being engaged in the business of betting or wagering knowingly uses a wire communication facility…shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both." The Federal Wire Wager Act clearly defines that both recipient and sender are to be fined in case of violating the law.

Though the Wire Act strictly forbids any internet gambling, new governmental actions have blurred the issue. In May this year the State Horse Racing Commission had authorized an internet gambling site to take wagers from Washingtonians citizens; such authorization violates the Wire Act. As for now debates are being held about the ambiguous meanings of these recent events.

In February 2000 Jay Cohen was convicted upon violating the Wire Act and was sentenced to 21 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. The difference between Cohen's wagering site and the horse betting site, which was illegally taking wagers for years and approved by the State Horse Racing Commission, is none. The ambiguous acts of the federal administrations keep lawyers hectic with work. Both gambling sites' owners and users are exposed to prosecutions at all time. But the future seems to ease with the online gambling industry since taxation would motivate legislators to approve Internet gambling.

For the time being online gamblers must take in mind the current law status when they gamble online. Though the State will not prosecute private civilians, which is an effortless act given that they are so many of them, it is a realistic possibility.

Chris Anderson, Editorial staff

18th to November '05.