Online bingo in the United States operates under a complex dual-layer regulatory system combining federal and state jurisdiction. Federal law restricts the operation of online gambling through enforcement actions coordinated by the Department of Justice, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the FBI's Crime and Corruption in Sports and Gaming program (1). The federal government prosecutes operators of illegal online gambling sites, including online bingo platforms, that accept wagers from U.S. residents and process transactions through the banking system (2).
Online bingo legality varies significantly across individual states, with each state maintaining authority to regulate or prohibit internet gambling within its borders (2). While some states permit licensed online bingo operations, others maintain complete prohibitions on all forms of online gambling (2). States that authorize online bingo typically require operators to obtain specific licenses, maintain transparent financial records, and implement responsible gambling measures including age verification and deposit limits (2).
"The CCSG program encourages the reporting of suspicious activity in sport to the FBI. Whether it's identifying an illegal gambling website or reporting a potential match-fixing approach, CCSG representatives regularly meet with stakeholders to discuss various threats and vulnerabilities posed by criminal actors in sport."
The FBI's Crime and Corruption in Sports and Gaming program works in partnership with sport leagues, governing bodies, and international law enforcement to identify and disrupt illegal gambling operations, including online bingo sites operating without proper authorization (1). The American Gaming Association estimates Americans bet nearly sixty-four billion dollars with illegal online sportsbooks and bookies, funds which organized crime groups often use to support other criminal activities (1). Players and operators must verify their specific state's laws before engaging in online bingo activities, as penalties for violating state gambling statutes can result in criminal charges and substantial fines (2).
Source:
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/transnational-organized-crime/integrity-in-sports-and-gaming
https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/md/news/archive/OperatorsofInternetGamblingSitesandTheirBusinessesIndicted.html
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
