Updated: April 2024

Betting Laws

This is your source for United States sports betting laws. You will find that each law is explained in plain English that the average individual can understand. By the time you are done reading this you will have a thorough understanding of the legal differences between friendly sports betting in the U.S and serious sports betting.

Sports Betting Laws In The USA

Federal or state laws regulate sports betting in the United States. Each state has the right to set their own laws regarding online sports betting. This can often make the subject of sports betting laws confusing to many U.S. players. On the Federal level, the three laws that apply to this industry the most are the 2006 UIGEA, 1961’s Federal Wire Act and 1992’s Professional and Amateur Sports Protection acts. All three laws apply different regulations to sports betting online.

Over the span of 45 years each of the three laws was created in response to the evolution of the online gaming industry within the United States. It is likely that more laws will be enacted in the coming years. At the time of this writing, many online sports betting sites are not allowed to accept United States based players.

Throughout the history of the country, prohibitions on a nationwide level have never been triumphant. Our online sports betting section is designed to keep you updated on the current regulations concerning the industry, no matter how much they change. It is advisable to keep checking our site to get the latest information on U.S. sports betting laws.

Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA Law)

The UIGEA Law is the latest law governing Internet gambling. In 2006 Congress passed the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act. The bill was signed into law on October 13, 2006 by President Bush, the acting President at the time. The original purpose of this law was to improve the United State’s port security. A last minute rider referred to as Title VIII made it illegal for any online gambling operator to accept a bid from a state in which online sports betting was against the law. This has nothing to do with the original intention of the UIGEA Law and, as a result, has put the UIGEA in a negative light. An in-depth article on our site explains the specifics of the UIGEA gambling bill.

Federal Wire Law Act=Interstate Wire Act

The official name of the Federal Wire Act is the Interstate Wire Act, passed in 1961. Towards the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s, illegal gambling operations were run by U.S. organized crime syndicates, using wired methods of communication. Its association with sports betting led to this act being better known as a law that contradicted sports betting. It is the United State’s oldest federal legislation regarding sports betting. Even today this legislation is still well known throughout the country. Both those for and against sports betting in the U.S. often site this act in their argument. An in-depth article on our site is your best source for finding out about any updates to the act.

Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA Law)

Internet sports betting sites were still in their infancy in 1992. This is the year that the PASPA Law was passed. The goal of this law was to protect the interests on both amateur and professional sports. At the time the NBA Commissioner, David Stern, made it clear that Federal legislation of sports betting was necessary because there were ramifications within each state for allowing online sports betting. Members of Congress shared Stern’s opinion and this resulted in the law being passed for the purpose of preventing sports from being able to be rigged in the United States. Be sure to read up on this act so that you are informed as to all the ways it can affect every sports bettor in the country.

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