Online Gambling in Illinois (Illegal?)

According to this article, online gambling in Illinois is illegal. I am writing this post for two reasons. First, I am seeking more information concerning the particular bill that made it illegal, and, in general, any additional information regarding these laws. Several google searches have turned up little helpful information.

Second, I am wondering how poker players from the states discussed in the article (Nevada, Louisiana, Michigan, Illinois, and South Dakota) feel about this issue. Are any online poker players actually being prosecuted for violating these laws? Do these laws change the way you report your taxes in any way? It seems difficult to report income from an illegal activity, although I imagine the penalties for tax fraud are far in excess of the penalties for gambling. Any thoughts or concerns regarding this matter?

[J_B]

I say [censored] it, I'm planing to move anyhow. I don't like the laws here, so I move somewhere else.

[smartalecc5]

im in illinois... [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

No one is being prosecuted for online gambling, millions of americans are doing it. The WTO (world trade organization) is attempting to force the US to allow americans to gamble online at foreign based casinos.

The US federal and state governments are fumbling around not sure what they're doing at this point, and in the meantime, americans are going right ahead and gambling online all they want.

And, yes, winning online gamblers have to pay tax on their winnings, and no, the IRS isn't going to turn them in to some local officials for breaking any laws. The IRS doesn't know or care if online gambling is illegal in anyone's local area.

Thanks for the good info. Wouldn't happen to have a link to an article describing the WTO stuff would you? Obviously it seems that everyone is going ahead and doing what they want as far as online gambling goes. I just wanted to make sure that none of the high volume winners from these states are actually getting in trouble for this. I certainly will be paying taxes on my winnings, I just wanted to make sure these agencies aren't going to start turning gamblers over to other agencies.

[Shoe]

I know the IRS won't turn you over for gambling, but what about your state's department of treasury (or whoever you file your state taxes too)? Can the state authorities turn you in or do they follow the same rules as the IRS? I pay taxes on everything I win too but just would hate to get into some kind of trouble for actually being honest enough to pay my taxes.

[bobbyi]

[ QUOTE ]
Second, I am wondering how poker players from the states discussed in the article (Nevada, Louisiana, Michigan, Illinois, and South Dakota) feel about this issue.

[/ QUOTE ]
How about those of us in other states where online gambling is illegal?

I am also somewhat worried about this possibility since I will also be reporting the taxes to the state. I know several lawyers read 2+2 and was hoping one of them would be able to respond to these kinds of questions.