Legal issues?

[bedada]

Hello, is it illegal for US residents to have wager with an offshore sportsbook? I heard it varies from state to state? What is the law is Florida? I have read about this issue and don't really understand it fully. I have been betting with offshore sportsbooks for 7 years and never gave it a second thought. If it is illegal will they bother the average person who opens an account with 5-10 grand and bets a few hundred a week on football?

Thanks,
Tony

[fathead]

Misdemeanor in Florida, I think, if they want to pursue it. McPherson (in the following article) is a playing athlete, so that is why they are pushing this one.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Prosecutors contend they have "a mountain of documents" showing former Florida State quarterback Adrian McPherson illegally bet on sports on the Internet.

Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman told the six-member jury Wednesday during opening statements of a gambling trial that McPherson is "a person who doesn't care how high the stakes get because he doesn't think he can lose."

Defense lawyer Grady Irvin Jr. said prosecutors lacked evidence and McPherson became targeted by competing members of law enforcement who "wanted their five minutes of fame."

"Rumor run amok. Adrian McPherson, quarterback at Florida State University — they wouldn't let go," Irvin said.

McPherson is charged with a second-degree misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A guilty finding most likely would end any hopes he has of playing again in college.

[brink]

Chances are they would never bother the small player as you mention. It's the major players moving millions that would be targets but even then it's generally a tax case not a case about placing bets.

There's simply too many bettors to go after. You'd have to be extremely unlucky.