Online gambling is the act of placing bets over the internet, usually on a sports match or in an online casino. Some of the popular games include virtual poker, blackjack tournaments, and sports betting.

The internet is a vast and growing medium and is also being used to offer many other services. These services may include online banking and financial transaction providers. However, there are still several laws that apply to illegal gambling on the Internet.

One of the major federal statutes that can be used to prosecute the shady side of online gambling is the Wire Act. This law is applicable to any activity that involves sending or receiving gambling information over the internet.

Another is the Travel Act. This statute prohibits the use of interstate facilities for the purposes of illegal gambling.

There is also the UIGEA. This statute is a little more complex than its predecessor and contains several factors to help weed out the lower-level gambling cases.

For instance, the UIGEA prohibits the acceptance of financial instruments in connection with unlawful Internet bets. It also requires that the service provider verify the identity of the consumer before facilitating the transaction.

In the past, state officials have expressed concerns that the internet could be used to facilitate the passage of illegal gambling into their jurisdictions. In response, the government enacted a series of laws designed to address the problem.

The Liechtenstein International Lottery was the first online casino for the general public. While it is not the largest venue for wagering, the site has a lot to offer.