However, the courts have limited the scope of this law to wagering on sporting events, not including casino gambling. This law prohibits interstate betting on sporting events, or other contests, using “wire” systems (including telephones or the Internet). Other gaming activity may or may not be legal, depending on the circumstances.įederal authorities have historically relied upon the Wire Wager Act (“Wire Act”) as the basis for asserting that interstate online gambling is illegal. Some forms of online gambling, like interstate sports betting, are specifically prohibited by federal statutes. More states have come to legalize various forms of intrastate online gambling or sports betting, with some requiring a partnership with an existing licensed casino, and others authorizing decoupled online gambling.
Individual states have started to legalize intrastate gambling, however the wagers can only be placed with licensed operators by individuals physically located in the state. Interstate online gambling is illegal under United States federal law, as is the marketing, promotion, or advertising thereof. Legislation and enforcement efforts have resulted in a highly regulated gaming industry. United States Online Gambling Law has changed dramatically in the last two decades.
