Online poker is generally prohibited in Guam under Title 9, Chapter 64 of the Guam Code, which regulates gambling activities on the island (1). Guam law prohibits gambling on the island with limited exceptions for in-person "social gambling," which requires that all wagerers must be present at a private premises and there must be no charge made directly or indirectly as a condition of entering the premises or wagering upon the result of the game or contest (2). Federal authorities have actively investigated and prosecuted illegal gambling operations on Guam, demonstrating the strict enforcement of gambling prohibitions in the territory.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands has successfully prosecuted multiple cases involving illegal gambling businesses that violated the laws of the Territory of Guam (1). Evidence from federal cases has shown that defendants who offered card games of chance, including poker, at various locations violated Guam law when they took a percentage of winnings from each game or charged fees for participation (1). These prosecutions involved conspiracy to commit illegal gambling, operating illegal gambling businesses, money laundering, and structuring charges, with convictions carrying significant prison terms.
"The evidence at trial showed that from at least January 2006 until December 14, 2010, defendants conspired with other individuals to conduct an illegal gambling business in a manner which violated the laws of the Territory of Guam."
Recent investigations by federal authorities, including the United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, have targeted online poker operations conducted through applications like PokerBros (2). These investigations have revealed that individuals operating poker clubs where operators receive a cut or portion of players' buy-ins violate both federal laws relating to illegal gambling and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) provisions (2). Players in Guam should be aware that engaging in online poker through unlicensed platforms may violate territorial gambling laws, and operators face potential criminal charges under federal and territorial statutes.
Source:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-gu/pr/federal-jury-returns-guilty-verdicts-gambling-and-money-laundering-case
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/feds-investigated-gpd-airport-officers-for-illegal-gambling-club/article_c003196c-01e2-11ef-963a-7fb8c6ecb198.html
Last updated: 03-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
