Court Says Internet Gives U.S. Power Over U.K. Gambling

Although gambling on sports is perfectly legal in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man, two of the companies they licensed to accept bets suffered a major setback in the U.S. courts in a decision that gives the government the power to seize funds from a New Jersey company that acted as their financial middleman for bets placed by Americans. The decision is sure to have resounding effects because the foreign companies advertised to Americans on the Internet and insisted that their business was untouchable since all bets were "placed" in England and the New Jersey company played no role in fixing odds, declaring winners or losers, or accepting or relaying bets or wagers.