Federal Gambling Crimes

Federal law provides that it is illegal to conduct, finance, manage, supervise, direct, or own all or part of an illegal gambling business. The punishment is a fine or imprisonment up to five years, or both.

"Illegal gambling business" means a gambling business which is a violation of the law of a State or political subdivision in which it is conducted; involves five or more persons who conduct, finance, manage, supervise, direct, or own all or part of such business; and has been or remains in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days or has a gross revenue of $2,000 in any single day.

Federal law also prohibits interstate travel to collect on an illegal gambling debt.

There are also federal statutes regulating internet gambling and payments of internet gambling debts.

Significant cases:

• United States v. Miller - To conduct an illegal gambling business, one must perform a necessary function in the gambling operation beyond mere betting.
• United States v. Cohen - Internet gambling may be illegal, depending on the nature of the activity in the United States.
• United States v. Rogers - The Travel Act also outlaws traveling in interstate commerce or using any facility in interstate commerce. This includes the use of the United States Postal Service to distribute the proceeds of any unlawful activity.

Our law firm has extensive experience in defending serious federal criminal cases in the metro areas of Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Augusta, Savannah, Rome, Columbus, Albany, Valdosta, and in all other Georgia courts. Please contact one of our Atlanta criminal defense lawyers if you need an attorney who has successfully resolved federal criminal gambling cases.

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