The number of Americans who engage in online gambling has risen to an all-time high of 37 million, a record high. But the popularity of online gambling isn’t without its risks. A Harris Poll conducted among 2,985 U.S. adults and 2,074 British citizens found that only 2% played poker online on a monthly basis, compared to 38.7% of non-white respondents. And while the percentage of non-white internet gamblers has steadily increased, the number of Americans who use the Internet to gamble has declined over the past decade.
Despite this, there are numerous benefits of online gambling. It’s accessible anytime, anywhere, and no physical effort is required. But it doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t gamble. While a high roller can easily get addicted to online gambling, it can quickly lead to a host of negative consequences. For those who are addicted, there are resources available online to help them overcome the addiction and stop their erratic behavior. Online casinos are now a lucrative industry, and high rollers make up the majority of their operating income.
To start playing, all you need is an internet connection and a computer with Internet Explorer or Firefox. Some gambling sites require players to download software that runs through a program at the Web site. Other games are played directly on the Web site. High-tech gambling software has made the process more interactive than ever before, enabling users to chat online while betting. These games are increasingly popular and can be played on any computer, laptop, or smartphone. Just be sure to read the rules before making your decision.
There are two main types of federal legislation aimed at regulating online gambling. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act targets offshore betting websites. It prohibits financial institutions from processing payments to unlicensed gambling websites. Another law was passed to target mafia-style sports betting organizations that operate across state lines. These bills have failed to pass in California and Massachusetts, and are currently facing an uphill battle in a reconciliation process. Nevertheless, the fight for legalized online gambling is largely in the hands of legislators.
The US Department of Justice has launched an offensive against U.S. media outlets that run ads on online gambling. The agency says that online gambling advertising violates its rules on advertising. In other words, it’s illegal to promote online gambling unless you’re an American citizen or resident. Moreover, if you’re caught gambling on a foreign website, you’re out of luck. The Department of Justice has a long and hard-won battle against the online gambling industry.
The biggest advantage of online gambling is its availability and accessibility. Despite widespread acceptance, it is still not widely regulated. There are still about 30 licensed internet casinos in the United States, while an estimated 3,200 online casinos target the U.S. market. This means that online casinos offer more variety than brick-and-mortar casinos. So, how can online casinos be regulated? And how can consumers protect themselves? The answer is simple: by enforcing strict regulations.