When it first emerged, online gambling offered an end-run around government regulations. The advent of the Internet allowed online gaming operators to set up shop in offshore jurisdictions, giving anyone with a computer and a credit card access to the Internet. The desire for gaming-related entertainment remains at an all-time high, but online gambling remains unregulated. As a result, the gambling lobby and Congress are looking for ways to regulate the industry. The resulting legislation could have a major impact on the future of the online gambling industry.
Legality: The first step in the process of legalizing online gambling is to make sure it is available to US players. While many states have legalized online gambling, others are imposing stringent regulations to prevent it from being an option for people living in those jurisdictions. Most US states have enacted laws that regulate online gambling, but the specific laws vary by state. To play legally, you need to be at least 18 years old, and have a credit card or debit card that has not been stolen or fraudulently obtained.
Another important consideration is safety. While gambling can be extremely risky if you are not careful, online gambling is a safe and fun way to spend your time. While it may be easy to get carried away in a real casino, alcohol can affect your judgement and make you spend more money than you intended. For this reason, you should be sure you understand your limits before starting a new game or betting on your favorite team. If you have an online account, you should know the best ways to keep it secure.