Gaming Overview

Gaming, or gambling, is restricted by both state and federal laws. All aspects of gambling are regulated, whether it's gambling at a racetrack, on a cruise ship, in a casino, or on the Internet. Federal laws regulate gambling activity between states, internationally, and between Native American territories and the rest of the U.S. States determine the legal gambling age, games allowed, and places that games are permitted or banned.

Federal authorities have yet to establish consistent rules for Internet-based gambling. People who operate gambling businesses may be fined or imprisoned if they don't comply with relevant state and federal laws. In some states, gamblers who lose money or property in illegal gambling may be able to sue to recover the money.