Illicit online gambling is a crisis that undermines national economies, creates criminal networks and costs both individuals and communities. Strong law, strong enforcement and global cooperation are needed to counteract its pernicious effects.
Anyone found guilty of a crime of gambling could be punished severely. Those facing these accusations are advised to go to legal advice immediately and consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer on how to proceed through this maze.
Legality
Illegal online gambling is an issue that is becoming more widespread in the US. The researchers from Fairleigh Dickinson University found that 10 per cent of young men suffer from problem gambling, probably due to the prevalence of online gambling illegality. Bets that are illegal come within federal criminal jurisdiction and are prosecuted under the 18 U.S.C. 1955 or 7201. Typical other charges pursued are conspiracies (18 U.S.C 555) or tax evasion (18 U.S.C 7201). These can in some cases also include charges of money laundering (22 U.S.C 1084) among others.
But infractions to these laws carry civil consequences as well. Newspapers that receive advertising funds from underage gamblers, for example, could be prosecuted under the aiding and abetting crime statute. Also, the government might take money or a press conference to cover illegal gambling activities and prosecute them. This is an important question to consider if we want to save public health and vulnerable individuals.
Regulation
Illegal internet gambling is subject to both state and federal criminal laws, such as the Illegal Gambling Business Act (18 USC 1955) and the Wire Act that applies to betting on sports and contests. In the event that any illegal online gambling crimes are committed, they can be prosecuted by the federal government with big fines being imposed on those involved; service providers, such as banks or Internet Service Providers, can report payments for gambling-related payments to their regulator immediately.
Illegal online gambling facilitates money laundering and tax avoidance, hurts the public by denying consumers protection and responsible gambling regulation such as regulated markets, promotes reckless gambling among low-income consumers, study by University of California San Diego Rady School of Management Rady School of Management; contrast illegal and regulated online gambling’s impact on state revenues, gamblers and social costs, respectively.
Social impact
Even when gambling is seen as benign entertainment, its effects can be traumatic in social terms. gambling can cause depression and anxiety; make work or study performance worse; break up a family, and cause addiction and health issues.
Gambling has a way of putting a lot of pressure on your bank account, and even taking you into bankruptcy. And a lot of gamblers have to steal or commit crimes to fund their addiction; the effects on society are catastrophic, with even more crimes committed and healthcare services under strain.
Governments and regulators can mitigate these risks by taking responsible gambling measures and providing treatment to gamblers with addiction. They can also block access to gambling by cutting advertising and imposing age limits; governments and regulators can prosecute providers who advertise gambling websites – Microsoft, Google and Yahoo have all settled settlements with the Department of Justice for advertising unlicensed internet gambling websites.
Economic impact
An estimated $1.7 trillion annual estimated turnover for illegal gambling sites drains state resources and robs the public of basic services. Moreover, the game playing on illegal sites contributes to social issues such as problem gambling and poverty; and the production of a shadow economy that harms legal corporations and national security.
Although there are governments that have tried to regulate the illegal internet gambling industry, it can be tough worldwide because online casinos can be found in a wide range of countries and relocate easily to states with a looser regulation.
Governments can use a variety of methods to fight the spread of unregulated internet gambling platforms, including advertising bans and campaigning against its destructiveness. Regulators could also outlaw payments being paid directly between unregulated operators and users, and set minimum wager amounts for players and require casino operators to offer problem gamblers self-exclusion mechanisms.
