Those engaged in the business of illegal gambling on the Internet face a plethora of federal criminal statutes. These include the Wire Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions.
These statutes are designed to prevent illegal gambling from taking place. Those who engage in the business of illegal gambling are subject to fines and imprisonment. Those who engage in the business of Internet gambling are also subject to violations of the federal UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act).
The law in the United States is designed to prevent gambling from taking place. Gambling includes a variety of activities, such as pool-selling, bookmaking, roulette wheels, and slot machines. It is also illegal to use contests and other forms of gambling on the Internet. Licensed gambling sites are legally required to present randomized, fair betting odds. However, state law also regulates gambling, including online gambling.
In the United States, the Commerce Clause has been argued against in cases involving illegal gambling. However, this is an argument that has only gotten limited success.
The federal government may enforce its gambling laws on constitutional grounds. One such argument is that gambling does not involve an individual interest of equal constitutional magnitude. Another argument is that due process protections are not applicable. These arguments are not particularly demanding, however.
The commercial nature of the gambling business has also been argued against. However, this is an argument that has been found to satisfy the Commerce Clause.