Betting Online . . . Illegal or Not??

Picture lots of beautiful women; some in slinky dresses and high heels, others covered in mud; all dawning large gaudy hats of every color, make and model. No, it's not a high-tone mud-wrestling match, it is of course, the Kentucky Derby's "Run for the Roses." Everything is there from the Millionaire's circle where the highly dressed women are draped in jewels and the mud covered women are having a blast sucking down Kentucky Whiskey in the infield.
After several mint juleps, placing your wagers based on colors of silks, and a good mud slinging competition, participants will watch the most exciting 2 minutes in sports history.



For those of us who do not own a purple silk tie, spats or a baby blue 18" brimmed hat with netting, we can still join in on the fun and place our bets. Yup, here's how and why.
1. Obtain a large HD plasma or LCD television
2. Make sure you have cable or dish
3. Log onto the Kentucky Derby website and place your bet!
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/



According to the United States Code and the FBI's Website, betting online is illegal, UNLESS, and even though your state may not allow gambling, there is a carved out exception. For example, in Texas, gambling is illegal. In the United States, Internet gambling is illegal, highly illegal. BUT, Texas has an exception carved out specifically for horse racing. So does the United States.


Title 15, Chapter 57-Interstate Horseracing, Section 3001 et. seq. of the United States Code, allows wagering on horse racing in person or electronically. However, make sure your State allows pari mutuel wagers on horse racing as well. Both states, where the bet is placed and where the horse race is held, must allow wagering on horse racing.


So what if you are a fantasy league player??? In the words of Ryan Sechrest on American Idol . . . . YOU'RE SAFE! Or are you? According to the FBI's website on Internet Crimes, fantasy sports teams are legal, but I would defer to state law before you sign up for that fantasy league! Even better, check with your friendly neighborhood criminal defense lawyer before placing any wagers online!


Next week I'll give you my pick for the Derby win, the beginning of the triple crown; and an update of what the Supremes are up to in the form of a horse race! (I'm not talking about the singing group either).


Carpe Diem!