Whether or not you enjoy online gambling, it is important to know how to play responsibly. Gambling is a risky endeavor, and can lead to financial ruin if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud or other illegal online activities.
First, understand what is considered illegal Internet gambling. According to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, illegal Internet gambling means using the Internet to place bets. The law also prohibits the acceptance of financial instruments from such bets. The law is intended to stop casual gamblers from committing crimes that would put them at risk.
Second, consider the commercial nature of the Internet gambling industry. The Congressional Research Service has published an overview of issues involved in Internet gambling, titled “Internet Gambling: An Overview of Issues.” The report includes citations to state gambling laws and includes text of the statutes it lists.
Third, a player can face federal criminal charges for participating in illegal Internet gambling. The law has been attacked on constitutional grounds. However, these attacks have had little success.
Fourth, a law enforcement agency may be able to seize funds and assets used to finance illegal Internet gambling. For example, in March 2005, federal marshals seized $3.2 million from Discovery Communications, which had agreed to pay a $3 million fine to support a public-service campaign against online gambling.
Fifth, Internet gambling may be deceitful. Many of the websites offer free spins and promo codes. The websites also tend to be fronts for fraudsters. A fraudster might lure a player into a transaction by mentioning seals of approval or asking for a phone number to contact support.
