Internet gambling in the US - be in betting or casinos or poker - is legally on shaky ground. No-one really knows if its legal, illegal or otherwise, but for all intents and purposes, for the authorities its not allowed - as governed by the US wire act.

However, this hasn't stopped a plethora of B-list celebrities and sports personalities from lining up to accept the millions of dollars currently swimming around in marketing campaigns for online gambling companies. Ex-Buffalo Bills player, Jim Kelly (pictured) supports Sports Interaction, Minnesota ex-governor Jesse Ventura endorses BetUS.com, James Woods is involved with online poker - and the list goes on.

Its unlikely these celebrities are liable for the product they're pushing - in fact, they probably don't know anything about it and their contracts (hopefully) take away any potential responsibilty - but that doesn't stop the scaremongering from US lawyers.

The US has previously convicted US citizens for operating online betting companies in the caribbean, as well as threatened media properties for carrying online gambling ads - causing many online sites to take down advertising, despite the revenues they brought it. They've also put pressure on banks to stop allowing credit cards being used on internet gambling sites - something that slowed down the market temporarily

But these threats have done little to stop attracting US players to online gambling, as millions continue to play - and the online gambling companies have found ways around the advertising threats - offering play-for-free sites and information sites.

Until the US gets its act together, the industry will continue raking in billions, the celebrities will endorse the products and the players will gamble in their droves

Article: Ventura's latest gig puts spotlight on controversial pastime