Online gambling is a form of gaming where people play games of chance for money. It includes virtual poker and sports betting. Some states have legalized online gambling while others have disallowed it.

There are also risks to online gambling, including being unable to protect your money from theft and fraudulent use. Educate yourself about the risks of online gambling before you start playing. Make sure to restrict your spending and keep track of your progress.

The federal government is making an effort to make online gambling legal. One solution is the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection Act of 2013. This bill would set uniform standards for online casinos and sportsbooks. It is expected that the industry will grow exponentially over the next few years.

Many states are considering legislation on the subject. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a sports betting bill into law. In addition, Nevada has only operational online gambling sites. But the issue of enforcement is a major concern.

For instance, the United States v. K23 Group Financial Services case charges Internet poker operators with money laundering and violating 18 U.S.C. 1955. As a result, PayPal could face prosecution.

The Liechtenstein International Lottery was the first venue for the general public to place wagers on the internet. However, it has been widely criticized because of the lack of effective monitoring.

Another example is the UIGEA. Although it regulates commercial activity, the 2006 law has a special carve-out for games of skill.