While federal law is abundantly clear on the illegality of such operations, these books and even the media, often claim it is not illegal for the consumer to use offshore sites. While it is true that no federal law targets bettors using offshore books, many states have laws that make using these books illegal.

Most EU countries allow some form of gambling to be offered on the Internet, others permit all games, and others permit only certain types, such as betting, poker, or casino games. Monopolistic regimes providing online gambling services have been established in some European jurisdictions.