Gambling has been with us since ancient times. Gambling online is a relatively new phenomenon and one that seems to be growing in popularity on a daily basis. Take a look at these facts:

The very first online gambling site was launched in August 1995. It really is currently estimated that you can find more than 2,000 Internet gambling Web sites offering various wagering options, including sports betting, casino games, lotteries and bingo.

Internet gambling revenue in 2005 was estimated at $11.9 billion and is projected to double by 2010, as outlined by Christiansen Capital Advisors (CCA).

So what is it about the online casino phenomenon that has so enticed gamblers? Perhaps it’s the virtue of it simply being online. There are a lot of attractions to not having to attend a casino to gamble. The most prominent of these is the intimidation. Online gambling opens up a whole host of games to players who previously never had the courage or interest in observing tables in a land based casino.

Then it really is the choice of games. The range of games and their varieties online are astounding. Poker, blackjack, roulette or sports gambling, online casinos offer all of them. Lets take a look-at a few of them:

Online poker has been partly responsible for a dramatic increase in the number of poker players worldwide. For the year of 2005, revenues from best online slot casino – similar site, poker were estimated at US$200 million per month.

Blackjack, generally known as twenty-one or Pontoon, is one of the most common casino card games worldwide. Much of blackjack’s popularity is due to the mixture of chance with elements of skill, and also the publicity that surrounds card counting The slot machine typically pays off according to patterns of symbols visible on the front of the equipment when it stops. Modern computer technology has resulted in many variations on the slot machine concept.

The freedom of money and time are added attractions. The on-line casinos are relatively affordable to use in terms of staff being paid, so they can be able to offer players free games. Entering a blackjack room in an online casino is quite different to approaching a blackjack table in a land based casino. The speed and intimidation can be high when playing in a ritzy casino. Crucial decisions are made quickly and on the spot. At home, the player is able to slow down and play only when they are ready.

Sadly, with such a growth in popularity has come many online gambling hoaxes. Illegitimate and cheating websites are present on the net and can be deceiving. The most important things to remember when gambling online will be the three elements of consideration, prize and chance. All three should be present.

The problem with online gambling is that it’s far harder to control. The sector which has to protect itself from the dangers of compulsive gamblers. Within the virtual world, this really is hard to enforce. A customer is able to sit within their own family room, in what ever state they decide to be in and at whatever age and gamble around they desire.

Caution seems to be the only key. Gambling has always been a controversial subject; gambling over the internet is simply an extension of this controversy.