Having an online gambling site can be a great way to pass the time. However, there are risks associated with online gambling. Some websites are fraudulent and may attempt to lure players into making another transaction. Others will restrict or block access to their websites. Some banks will also refuse to process online gambling transactions in certain countries.

Internet gambling is illegal under both the Travel Act and the Wire Act. The Travel Act prohibits gambling in interstate commerce, and the Wire Act prohibits betting on sporting events or contests.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) states that the “transmission of information through the Internet that is the subject of a bet or wager is an unlawful Internet gambling activity.” The Act defines “Internet gambling” as the receiving, placing, or transmitting of a bet or wager, or the receiving or transmitting of bets or wagers for which the user receives compensation.

The Commerce Clause, as applied to the federal government, raises constitutional objections. The statutes and regulations that are enacted are enforced on a state by state basis. This can make it difficult to enforce the law. Some state officials have expressed concern that the Internet could be used to carry illegal gambling into their jurisdictions.

In an effort to determine the size of the online gambling industry, the U.S. Department of Justice has commissioned a report. In 2005, online poker accounted for 18% of all Internet gambling revenues. The remainder was made up of lottery tickets and pari-mutuel race betting.