§1082 Gambling Ships

Summary

U.S. citizens and residents, and anyone on an American ship or otherwise under U.S. control, must not set up, run, own, or have an interest in a gambling ship or a gambling business on such a ship. They also must not deal games, run gambling devices, or encourage, invite, or allow people to bet or play on those ships. If someone breaks this rule, they can be fined under federal law, put in jail for up to two years, or both. A vessel owner (including an owner of an American vessel, an owner of a vessel under U.S. control, or an owner who is a U.S. citizen) who uses or knowingly lets the vessel be used for gambling must give up the vessel and its equipment to the United States, in addition to any other penalties.