The United State's government's only published report addressing money laundering claims that interactive gaming is an area of concern.
"The International Narcotics Control Strategy Report," a commentary released in March by the State Department's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, includes a 200-plus page section on money laundering and financial crimes.
In the money laundering section, the government explains how Internet gambling could be a tool for criminals to launder money and points to jurisdictions that allow online gaming, such as Antigua and Barbuda, as potential hotspots.
The report does not, however, reference documented instances to support such claims.
Nevertheless, advocates of a federal ban on Internet gambling have used the report as ammunition for their cause.
Rep. Michael Oxley, R-Ohio, the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee recently sent a letter to all House members asking them to support a bill that would prohibit illegal Internet gambling in the United States. In that letter, Oxley pointed to the report as proof that Internet gambling is synonymous with money laundering.
Repeated calls by IGN seeking additional comment from the State Department weren't returned.
Click here to view a copy of the State Department's Money Laundering and Financial Crimes report.