New Jersey Leads the Way in Online
Gambling Regulations
For the gambling enthusiast, the online gambling industry offers a wide array of
options. From live dealer roulette and baccarat to eSports and virtual poker, you’re
sure to find something to entertain you. Online casinos are even offering specialty
provisions between sporting events online gambling for real money, giving players a plethora of choices. While it
may seem as though the internet is full of ripoffs, the truth is that most of these
sites are legally regulated. In fact, the only real concern for players is the payment
methods available. Thankfully, New Jersey leads the pack with a robust, state-of-the-
art payment solution for those looking to wager in their own backyard.
The UIGEA isn’t the only statute aimed at combatting online gambling. There’s also
the Travel Act, which is aimed at preventing illegal gambling on interstate
commerce. As with other federal gambling laws, this one has garnered some
constitutional controversy as well.
According to CRS Report RS21984 (available in both abridged and full versions), the
Internet Gambling: Overview of Issues (2002), the most popular form of online
gambling is the poker variant. It’s actually been legalized in several states, including
Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. However, most online gambling sites in
Nevada require players to visit a land-based casino in order to wager, limiting the
availability of these services.
On the federal level, there’s also the Wire Act, which prohibits the illegal gambling of
sports on the internet. There’s also the Illegal Gambling Business Act, which defines
gambling as placing bets, receiving bets, or using at least part of the Internet for
such purposes. Another law on the books is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt
Organizations Act, which prohibits any organization that engages in an illegal
gambling business. These laws are generally used in conjunction with each other,
but each has its own unique characteristics.
The First Amendment has largely been interpreted as being unaffected by the
legality of online gambling. However, state officials are concerned that the internet
could be used to transport illegal gambling into their jurisdictions. This is especially
true in light of the growing popularity of online gambling.
For example, a lawmaker in Nevada has been threatening to ban online gambling
altogether. But in the meantime, more and more states are recognizing the potential
benefits of allowing this form of gambling. Several have introduced bills to help
regulate online casinos and poker rooms. Some are already taking steps, like the
state of Illinois, which is preparing to launch an online gambling site. Whether or not
these states will follow through remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the Internet is
the future of gambling.
Of course, the best way to go about regulating and policing online gambling is to do
it right the first time. To this end, New Jersey has been at the forefront of regulating
the Internet gambling industry. Not only does New Jersey have a variety of licensed
and regulated online gambling sites, it has also rolled out a suite of innovative
payment methods specifically designed for the needs of regulated online gambling.