Online Gambling is the practice of placing bets on various types of games via a computer or mobile device. These can include slots, table games and more. They are a popular way for people to gamble and can be enjoyed from any location, anywhere in the world.
Gambling online is legal in some countries, while others prohibit it altogether. Typically, gambling operators must be licensed and regulated by local authorities to operate in their respective markets.
Legitimate online casinos should display their licenses and contact information on their websites. If the website does not, it could be a scam and you should avoid playing there.
Money Laundering and Bank Fraud
Many law enforcement agencies are attempting to investigate and prosecute online gambling companies for engaging in money laundering. Criminals are often able to launder their money by setting up private tables at online casinos and losing to business associates at the table, or by transferring funds to associates in other countries who play on their behalf.
The government’s efforts have resulted in a number of prosecutions. Credit card issuers have stopped accepting payments from online gambling sites because of the potential for massive charge-offs and the uncertainty of determining whether a person’s loss was the result of legitimate gaming.
Internet Gambling and the Constitution
The United States has enacted laws that make it illegal to engage in internet gambling. These laws are based on the Wire Act, which makes it illegal to transmit financial transactions over the Internet. Other laws that have been enacted to regulate online gambling include the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which prohibits banks from knowingly facilitating financial transactions in support of unlawful gambling activities, and the Federal Wire Act, which makes it illegal to receive money over the Internet in exchange for making gambling-related bets.