The Federal Government’s Role in Online Gambling

online gamling

The law prohibits certain kinds of online gambling. These include pool-selling, bookmaking, and maintaining roulette wheels, dice tables, and slot machines. These activities are also illegal under federal law. Other forms of gambling include conducting lottery games and bolita games, and selling chances. The federal government’s authority over gambling has also been challenged. The Commerce Clause and the First Amendment are both implicated.

While gambling is primarily a matter of state law, federal law is a supporting force in many cases, especially when interstate or foreign elements are involved. This has been a concern for state officials who are concerned that the internet will bring illegal gambling into their jurisdictions. As a result, the federal government has sought to regulate internet gambling.