Friday, June 15, 2018

Gambling with Bitcoin


Certain types of gambling are legal throughout the country in only specific states, while others are freer depending on the legal regulations that permit the gambling opportunity. Use of Bitcoin in gambling is possible and legal in some states, but the laws change constantly, and future gambling in the same location may change along with other states through the nation.
Online gambling is generally only legal in certain states. If the person engages in online gambling outside of these locations in the country, he or she could face violations of the state laws. In certain legal matters, Bitcoin gambling with online websites may also require certain limitations or the person may violate other legislation by engaging in the activity. Because Bitcoin usage in gambling only provides an online outlet, the individual may have no other option than to participate in the online services of the website. It is important to understand what states provide online availability for gambling so he so he or she does not violate the law.

Online Gambling and Bitcoin

Online options are available only in certain states, and no matter what type of currency the person uses, if he or she does gamble online in a state the prohibits the action, he or she may break the law. Some individuals may attempt to use Bitcoin in another manner than online, and this could create additional obstacles for the person. However, it is generally not the payment form that will cause the violation. Bitcoin may create or develop a way to process as other types of currency, and the gambler may still violate the law when using Bitcoin if he or she participates in the gaming in a location where the law prohibits gambling in general. Some forms may have exceptions such as lottery or charity games.

The Banking System

Strict regulations prohibit the banking systems’ involvement in gambling activity within the United States. This could affect Bitcoin gambling, and those participating in such actions could violate the laws on both a state and federal level. The federal regulations affect the transfer of funds for gambling purposes while the state regulations affect the operations of such actions within the specific state. If Bitcoin transfers in such a manner for a casino, online gaming system or for a private gambling party, those involved may break the federal and state laws simultaneously. However, if those in the group use Bitcoin without the banking system, the activity could remain free of legal violations.

Alternative Methods of Gambling

Without including the banking system in gambling, many individuals switch to alternative methods such as cryptocurrency. The use of online currency could provide a real-world alternative with access to a different type of money. Using Bitcoin could lead to the access and exchange of the cryptocurrency into cash with personal information on file for the transaction. However, this could also lead to taxation through the Internal Revenue Service for the exchange and sale of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The individual may need to consult a tax lawyer before engaging in such activity. Use of alternative funds may increase the possibilities of gambling throughout the country.

The IRS and Bitcoin

While the legality of the gambling situation with Bitcoin is generally a gray area, the Internal Revenue Service does not care about the actual activity. If the person uses his or her Bitcoin to start the game, convert winnings in Bitcoin to real-world currency, the agency does not usually step in for any state or federal laws violated. While the gambling is not the issue, the IRS may use the currency earned by the person in Bitcoin as a reason to investigate him or her for tax evasion when the individual does register as a winner for certain gambling games.

Another factor either with or without the IRS is the illegal gaming that occurs both in real life and online. If the person does not have a license or permission of the state to operate a gambling platform, he or she could face serious penalties in a court of law. He or she may also pay fines with the IRS or the state based on the situation and which party seeks a remedy.

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