Mostly state level here in the US. The feds just don't allow any type of gambling across state lines but otherwise leave it up to the states to regulate. Its actually a huge pain in the ass to deal with since there has been very little standardization of state regulations so far.
You wasted time on something that doesn't get you out of PIP, into promotion, or a higher salary. At companies that micromanage, I would imagine your direct manager is the sole owner of your performance rating.
I'm not trying to get a higher salary or promotion. I make enough money. I can't say for certain since it has never happened but I would probably quit on the spot if PIP'd.
Worst case, you get criticized for doing unauthorized work.
Best case, you spend your time on a task that gets unnoticed, and now you have to do overtime to do stuff that you are assigned to and actually supposed to do.