Hi,

I have a question about offshore internet sports gambling that hopefully someone will know something about. I live in the united states and enjoy gambling. I would like to start doing it online, but I don't want to get into trouble.

I know that the wire act prohibits the facilitation of wagers over communication means; although this mostly deals with the sportsbook end, I don't see how it couldn't be interpreted for the player as well. I guess my question is, assuming state laws in virginia don't ban it, could I get away with it? I mean, has anyone ever been charged with crimes and put in jail for it? I wanted to start a business or entity where i could deduct expenses to knock off the edge in some years that I don't win or years that I lose.

Any help would be appreciated. If you know quite a bit about this subject, maybe we could both help each other out. It's been tough finding other people to talk to who want to do this.

ED

Hello strategystrong,

I guess you will find this helpful:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bil...?bill=h109-4411

This is the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act passed in Congress.

Pay your special attention to the following:

"Nothing in this section prohibits the use of a communication facility for the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, if--

`(1) at the time the transmission occurs, the individual or entity placing the bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, the gambling business, and, subject to section 1084(b)(3), any individual or entity acting in concert with a gambling business to process the bets or wagers are physically located in the same State..."

and read on...

In two words, the bill allows a state to house an online gaming site for its citizens, so you should make sure that the sportsbook is physically located in yoru state.

No players have ever been prosecuted with the exception of one case in Minnesota I believe.

Also, the bill passed last year is geared towards the sending and receiving of money to and from sportsbooks, not the actual act of placing wagers.

Just my 2 cents.

The laws in the USA as far as a players is concerned have not detoured any players just offshore shops to accept a US player

Don't know if I can post links, but if so, I check this every once in a while to see what the current status is in my own state:

http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/index.htm

agreed

I also check that site. Better safe than sorry