Several states have passed laws that allow for legal online sports betting. Indiana is one of those states. Governor Laura Kelly signed the legislation into law in May. The legislation allows for sportsbooks to be offered at every Indiana casino. In addition, the Gaming Commission retains its discretion to approve live betting options.
Illinois is also considering allowing for online casinos. Several major poker sites have started businesses in Michigan. They include PokerStars, the WSOP, and BetMGM. However, eSports betting is not permitted.
There are seven federal criminal statutes that are implicated by illegal gambling on the Internet. These include the Wire Act, the Travel Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. Several of these laws have been challenged on constitutional grounds. However, attacks have so far been unsuccessful.
Section 1956 creates several distinct crimes. These include laundering to conceal or disguise illegal gambling, laundering to evade taxes, and laundering to promote illicit activity. The statute also allows for imprisonment of owners of illegal gambling businesses. Owners can be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
Section 1956 also prohibits money laundering for illegal gambling. These provisions have raised questions regarding the Constitutional grant of power under the Commerce Clause. However, these issues seem to be satisfied by the commercial nature of the gambling business.
Section 1956 also prohibits spending more than $10,000 of illegal gambling proceeds in a single day. This is also a significant restriction.