The Risks of Online Gambling

Whether you play online or in person, you need to be aware of the risks involved. Gambling is a game of chance and can become very addictive. It can also lead to financial disaster. Fortunately, online casinos are more transparent than brick-and-mortar casinos and are generally more honest about the odds of winning and the games they offer.

The federal government’s efforts to enforce the United States’ gambling laws have been challenged in the courts. Several cases involve violations of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the Money Laundering Control Act. These cases have raised constitutional questions about the legislative power of the Commerce Clause, and the due process guarantees of free speech.

As of June 2009, the United States Department of Justice estimates that the size of the Internet gambling industry is about $2 billion. This figure includes online casino games, sports betting, virtual poker, and other forms of gambling. Other sources estimate the size of the industry to be closer to $4 billion. Unlike in land-based gambling establishments, where you must travel, you can play online anytime, anywhere.

While the federal government has been successful in reinforcing state laws in many cases, other issues remain. For example, many internet gambling sites don’t pay taxes to their home countries. That could frustrate state enforcement policies. In addition, state officials have expressed concern that the Internet could be used to bring illegal gambling into their jurisdictions.

For example, the United States seized more than $3 million from Discovery Communications for advertising the Tropical Paradise online casino site. The case was a criminal one, and the company agreed to a public service campaign and pay a $4.2 million fine.