Regulating Online Gambling

Online gambling is legal in many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and some Caribbean nations. There are also several online gambling sites that aren’t officially regulated. Nevertheless, the Internet is a great way to place your bets, as long as you’re careful to follow the rules.

While no definitive numbers exist, the number of gamblers on the Internet is certainly increasing. Some estimates suggest that up to 15 percent of the population considers internet gambling to be more addictive than land-based gambling. But it’s not a certainty that online gambling will be fully legalized in most territories in the near future. The good news is that the regulation that exists is effective.

In fact, a handful of jurisdictions are recognizing the value of regulation, namely, consumer protection, taxation revenues, and job creation. One of the first governmental entities to offer online gambling was the Liechtenstein International Lottery. Another state to offer the internet gambling-enabled me-moment was the Isle of Man.

Although the Internet has been around for a while, it’s still not quite on par with the traditional casinos and gambling halls of old. That said, the internet is quickly making its way into the mainstream. It has been reported that millions of people gamble on various platforms every day. This is the reason why lawmakers are considering regulating the burgeoning industry. Aside from the obvious benefits of protecting consumers, online casinos also provide a source of revenue for the government.

One of the more interesting developments in the Internet gambling world is the ubiquity of mobile devices. Smartphones have become a popular choice for gamblers because they can easily access the Internet while on the move. Many players report that they have easier access to their funds online than at land-based casinos. As a result, the Internet has become a major player in the gambling industry.

Despite the Internet’s sexy presence in the gaming world, the federal government remains a staunch defender of brick and mortar casinos and is more than willing to go toe-to-toe with other jurisdictions over their interpretation of the laws that govern the industry. However, lawmakers are also interested in how the industry can be regulated to prevent the tax revenue from spilling over into other parts of the country.

In addition to the Internet’s nifty new ways to gamble, the State of New Jersey is on the cutting edge of the online gambling industry. The Garden State is home to several well known and respected brands, and nearly two dozen apps are available for residents to use. Also, Pennsylvania has introduced sports betting. Not only is it a novelty in the state, it hasn’t slowed down since its debut.

Aside from the usual suspects, there are a number of other states with limited or no online gambling offerings. Other notable exceptions include Alaska, Idaho, and Wisconsin. Still, in the absence of any legislation to regulate gambling, you might as well check out an offshore website.