Up to 2 yearsGambling & ObscenityNone sentenced (FY2025)Ch. 50 · Gambling
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) It shall be unlawful for any citizen or resident of the United States, or any other person who is on an American vessel or is otherwise under or within the jurisdiction of the United States, directly or indirectly—
(1)to set up, operate, or own or hold any interest in any gambling ship or any gambling establishment on any gambling ship; or
(2) in pursuance of the operation of any gambling establishment on any gambling ship, to conduct or deal any gambling game, or to conduct or operate any gambling device, or to induce, entice, solicit, or permit any person to bet or play at any such establishment,
if such gambling ship is on the high seas, or is an American vessel or otherwise under or within the jurisdiction of the United States, and is not within the jurisdiction of any State.
(b) Whoever violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
(c) Whoever, being (1) the owner of an American vessel, or (2) the owner of any vessel under or within the jurisdiction of the United States, or (3) the owner of any vessel and being an American citizen, shall use, or knowinglypermit the use of, such vessel in violation of any provision of this section shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by this chapter, forfeit such vessel, together with her tackle, apparel, and furniture, to the United States.
History: (Added May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §23, 63 Stat. 92(PDF, 5.2 MB); amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147(PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime for U.S. citizens, residents, or others under U.S. jurisdiction to own, run, or hold an interest in a gambling ship, or to run games or get people to gamble on one. This applies to ships on the high seas or otherwise outside any state's jurisdiction.