In the 1990s, online gambling became popular and seemed like an end-run around government control. Operators could set up businesses in an offshore jurisdiction and allow anyone with a credit card to place wagers. The United States Department of Justice and Congress began investigating whether and how to regulate online gambling. The debate has continued ever since.
Fortunately, there are a number of free tools available to help you learn about online gambling and its potential pitfalls. One of these tools is the GamCare online assessment tool, which requires players to answer a few questions about their gambling habits. They will then receive a personalised report and advice on next steps. Another tool available is Victim Support, which offers free support for gambling addictions.
A computer with an Internet connection is needed to participate in online gambling. Many sites only support PCs running Windows, but some are slowly adding Mac compatibility. You can also play on a laptop or smartphone. The quality of these tools will vary according to your priorities, but many sites will have secure payment methods and easy user interfaces.
Several states have laws that regulate online gambling. All legal online gambling websites are operated by licensed companies, which ensures the security of the player’s account and fairness. In addition, regulated online gambling sites offer SSL encryption software and password-protected accounts. They also have reputable banking options, and they guarantee payouts.