Online Gambling is legal in the United States under federal law, but the states can regulate the activity and prohibit it entirely within their borders. Each state has different laws regarding gambling, so you should check with your state’s laws and regulations before you play. Online gambling is restricted in the USA, however, to prevent it from being used illegally within states that have prohibited gambling.

Federal criminal statutes have been invoked in cases involving illegal gambling on the Internet. Although gambling law is largely a state matter, the federal government’s involvement often strengthens state law. State officials have voiced concerns that the Internet will bring illegal gambling into their jurisdictions. In response to these concerns, several states have passed laws to combat illegal gambling on the Internet.

One recent court case involves illegal online gambling. A lawsuit brought against Sporting News and other Internet gambling companies alleges violations of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Act (UIGEA), and the federal government’s General Accounting Office (GAO). The suit alleges that Internet gambling operators violated the federal laws on gambling.