2009 FEDERAL SENTENCING GUIDELINES MANUAL

CHAPTER 2 - PART E - OFFENSES INVOLVING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES AND RACKETEERING

3.      GAMBLING

Introductory Commentary

         This subpart covers a variety of proscribed conduct. The adjustments in Chapter Three, Part B (Role in the Offense) are particularly relevant in providing a measure of the scope of the offense and the defendant’s participation.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

§2E3.1.      Gambling Offenses; Animal Fighting Offenses

                   (a)       Base Offense Level: (Apply the greatest)

                              (1)       12, if the offense was (A) engaging in a gambling business; (B) transmission of wagering information; or (C) committed as part of, or to facilitate, a commercial gambling operation; or

                              (2)       10, if the offense involved an animal fighting venture; or

                              (3)       6, otherwise.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 7 U.S.C. § 2156; 15 U.S.C. §§ 1172-1175; 18 U.S.C. §§ 1082, 1301-1304, 1306, 1511, 1953, 1955; 31 U.S.C. § 5363. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Notes:

1.      Definition.—For purposes of this guideline: "Animal fighting venture" has the meaning given that term in 7 U.S.C. § 2156(g).

2.      Upward Departure Provision.—If the offense involved extraordinary cruelty to an animal that resulted in, for example, maiming or death to an animal, an upward departure may be warranted.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481); November 1, 2007 (see Appendix C, amendment 703); November 1, 2008 (see Appendix C, amendment 721).