What is Online Gambling?

Online Gambling

Online Gambling is gambling that takes place in a virtual environment on the Internet. This includes sports wagering, online lottery ticket purchases and casino games such as poker and slot machines. While some online casinos require players to download software, others offer no-download options that can be accessed through your browser. In addition, online casinos allow players to use different deposit methods such as PayPal and credit cards. Some of these are safer and more secure than others, so make sure to research your options before making a deposit.

The rapid growth of the World Wide Web and the development of Internet-enabled software have led to the proliferation of Internet gambling sites that appear to offer an end run around prohibition and government control. These sites are often established in friendly offshore jurisdictions and offer instant, easy access to large wagering options for anyone with a computer and a credit card. This widespread availability of Internet gambling has raised concerns that it may lead to excessive gambling and has prompted some countries to regulate this form of gambling.

Efforts to avoid the patchwork of state regulations and legalize online gambling at the Federal level have gained some momentum. In early June, New York Republican Congressman Peter King introduced the long-winded Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection Act of 2013. This bill would establish a uniform Federal standard that would ensure strong protections for consumers and make it easier for global casinos to confidently operate online.