Online gambling is a growing industry. This includes sports betting, casinos, and virtual poker. The growth of the internet has made gambling easier and more convenient. However, this has also led to some problems. For instance, online gamblers can easily lose track of their funds. Some people can become addicted to the thrill of the game. They can also experience depression.
The online gambling industry is expected to grow even more in the coming years. One reason is the availability of mobile devices. By 2020, almost every person in the world will be using a mobile device.
On-line gambling is also easier to police. Many gambling sites collect personal information, such as name and address, and use it to mail promotions or report delinquent players. As a result, some states have enacted legislation to prevent online gambling.
There are also several federal laws that are involved in illegal gambling on the Internet. These include the UIGEA, which regulates commercial activity. Other statutes are involved in cases, such as the Travel Act, which applies to Internet casinos.
Some of the aforementioned statutes have been attacked on constitutional grounds. Attacks on the due process and Commerce Clause have had little success. In fact, the best known example of the ‘first’ is the Liechtenstein International Lottery, which was the first Internet gambling venue for the general public.
A new bill introduced by a Republican Congressman in New York, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection Act of 2013, would make online gambling legal in the state. If passed, the law would provide a common federal standard for on-line gambling.