FBI investigators have been staking out online gambling venues in Second Life, as part of an investigation as to whether the service violates U.S. anti-gambling statutes, including the Illegal Gambling Business Act or the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

So far the FBI has not confirmed whether they will be taking action against Linden Labs, owners of Second Life, however the company faces not only fines but potential jail time for its directors.

According to a Reuters report, Linden Labs actually invited the FBI in to investigate Second Life so it could be clear on the legalities of it all so they could eventually get an answer either way, but interesting most legal advice would indicate that they are indeed in breach of current laws.

Related posts:

1. Second Life goes open source
2. Foreign minister Carl Bildt to attend inaugural ceremony in Second Life
3. Internet gambling regulation provides opportunity to generate tens of billions for government
4. Linden Lab acquires Xstreet SL and OnRez to integrate with Second Life
5. Second Life CTO out of the company