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CHAPTER TWO - OFFENSE CONDUCT
§2E3.1. GAMBLING OFFENSES; ANIMAL FIGHTING OFFENSES

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

(1) 16, if the offense involved an animal fighting venture, except as provided in paragraph (3) below;

(2) 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;

(3) 10, if the defendant was convicted under 7 U.S.C. § 2156(a)(2)(B); or

(4) 6, otherwise.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 7 U.S.C. § 2156 (felony provisions only); 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 Note:

1. Definition.—For purposes of this guideline, “animal fighting venture” has the meaning given that term in 7 U.S.C. § 2156(f).

Historical Note Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1993 (amendment 481); November 1, 2007 (amendment 703); November 1, 2008 (amendment 721); November 1, 2016 (amendment 800); November 1, 2024 (amendment 831); November 1, 2025 (amendment 836).