Online gambling is a fast-growing industry, with millions of people wagering every day on various platforms. The industry has come under scrutiny for both legal and illegal issues. It is a growing concern, as the internet threatens to bring gambling directly into our homes.

While some forms of online gambling are protected by federal legislation, others may be subject to criminal penalties. There are also differences in laws between states. For instance, Washington State prohibits websites from advertising gambling.

The Department of Justice has been exploring possible regulations for online gambling. This issue has led to the enactment of the Gambling Act, which regulates certain types of gambling. In addition to gambling, the law bans unauthorized transportation of lottery tickets between states.

The Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act (IGREA) would license and tax online gambling businesses. However, there is a limit on the amount of money that can be wagered. If a business has a gross revenue of $2,000 or more in any one day, it could face a fine.

Another federal law is the Wire Act. Under this statute, an individual who uses interstate facilities for unlawful activities can be fined and imprisoned. However, there is an exception for acts that are legal in both the source and destination locations.

These laws have been contested on constitutional grounds. Some have argued that the Commerce Clause trumps First Amendment protections, while others have raised questions about due process.