Online Gambling and the US Constitution
The gambling industry has undergone a dramatic transformation as a result of technological advancements. In particular, internet gambling has changed the way gamblers engage in gambling. Internet casinos offer traditional casino games as well as live betting and virtual poker. Sports betting has also been introduced online. Despite the availability of these services, the prevalence of internet gambling has been linked to high rates of disordered gambling and even addiction.
The United States has prosecuted several cases related to illegal gambling over the internet. These include United States v. Nicolaou, United States v. Grey, United States v. Heacock, and United States v. Mick. However, these cases have been challenged on constitutional grounds.
In addition, state officials have raised concerns that the Internet could be used to transport illegal gambling into their jurisdictions. This has led to questions about the constitutionality of the Commerce Clause. Similarly, a concern has been raised about the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. Interestingly, attacks based on the Commerce Clause have achieved limited success.
However, the presence of an interstate element in the enforcement of the law has frustrated the enforcement policy of state laws. As a result, federal law has reinforced state law in some cases, while in others it has challenged the law.
Section 1956 of the US Code of Criminal Procedure defines laundering to be a crime. Laundering is a general term involving laundering with the intent to disguise the true source of money. It includes the laundering of funds from international sources, money that is owed to the government, and other unlawful activities.