---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 1082"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "1082"
heading: "Gambling ships"
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/1082"
units:
  - "Part I — Crimes"
  - "Chapter 50 — Gambling"
---

# §1082. Gambling ships

- (a) It shall be unlawful for any citizen or resident of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), or any other person who is on an [American vessel](/usc/18/1081.md) or is otherwise under or within the jurisdiction of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), directly or indirectly—
  - (1) to set up, operate, or own or hold any interest in any [gambling ship](/usc/18/1081.md) or any [gambling establishment](/usc/18/1081.md) on any [gambling ship](/usc/18/1081.md); or
  - (2) in pursuance of the operation of any [gambling establishment](/usc/18/1081.md) on any [gambling ship](/usc/18/1081.md), to conduct or deal any gambling game, or to conduct or operate any gambling device, or to induce, entice, solicit, or permit any person to bet or play at any such establishment,

  if such [gambling ship](/usc/18/1081.md) is on the high seas, or is an [American vessel](/usc/18/1081.md) or otherwise under or within the jurisdiction of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), and is not within the jurisdiction of any [State](/usc/18/402.md).

- (b) Whoever violates the provisions of [subsection (a)](#a) of this section shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
- (c) Whoever, being (1) the owner of an [American vessel](/usc/18/1081.md), or (2) the owner of any [vessel](/usc/18/1081.md) under or within the jurisdiction of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), or (3) the owner of any [vessel](/usc/18/1081.md) and being an American citizen, shall use, or knowingly permit the use of, such [vessel](/usc/18/1081.md) in violation of any provision of this section shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by this chapter, forfeit such [vessel](/usc/18/1081.md), together with her tackle, apparel, and furniture, to the [United States](/usc/18/5.md).

## Source credit

(Added May 24, 1949, ch. 139, § 23, 63 Stat. 92; amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000”.