Legitimate online gambling websites must have a gambling licence from a government-owned commission. Such commissions oversee and control the operations of online casinos. A gambling licence proves that the site is regulated by a reputable authority. Gamblers who refuse to play at a legitimate site may find themselves vulnerable to illegal gambling platforms. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable gambling authorities, including the iGaming Ontario, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
Online gambling has become an industry that continues to grow. Millions of people play gambling games every day on different online platforms. However, before you start gambling, you must be aware of some basic rules. Online gambling is legal in most states in the United States, most of the European Union, and several nations of the Caribbean. In addition, online gambling services providers are required to have a license from the UK Gambling Commission and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
While online gambling is legal in most states, many states have laws that prevent the practice. Some states explicitly prohibit all forms of gambling, while others regulate only certain types of it. Many states also restrict the use of gambling devices, including a computer connected to the internet. Despite these laws, online gambling remains a popular form of gambling worldwide.
Legitimate government action on online gambling has led to several attempts to regulate the industry. A bill introduced in April 2007 by Congress called the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act would regulate Internet gambling sites. It was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee and was referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce. In March 2008, the bill was reintroduced.
Online gambling laws differ from state to state. Some states have strict laws against online gambling, but other states have relaxed their laws and allow it in their jurisdiction. As such, it is important to check the laws of your state to ensure that gambling is legal. For example, in the United States, gambling is illegal online in New Jersey, but it is permitted in many other states. This means that the judiciary has to reconcile the changing society and existing laws on gambling.
A case involving the founders of three major online poker companies is currently in federal court. The case alleges violations of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Department of Justice has seized $3.3 million from Paradise Poker as a result. The decision sends a message to other online gambling websites in the United States.
The Internet Gambling industry is rapidly growing. In 2005, sports book betting accounted for one-third of all Internet gambling revenue. Online poker accounted for 18%. The popularity of online poker is growing faster than most other online gambling categories.