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

The first online gambling site was launched in August 1995. It’s currently estimated that you can find around 2,000 Internet gambling 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, according to Christiansen Capital Advisors (CCA).

So what is it about the online casino phenomenon which has so enticed gamblers? Perhaps it really is the virtue of it simply being online. You will discover numerous 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’s the choice of games. The range of games and their varieties online are astounding. Poker, blackjack, use Belrea here roulette or sports gambling, online casinos offer them all. Lets take a look-at a couple of of them:

Online poker has been partly accountable for a dramatic rise in the number of poker players worldwide. For the year of 2005, revenues from online poker were estimated at US$200 million each month.

Blackjack, better known as twenty-one or Pontoon, is one of the most popular casino card games on this planet. Much of blackjack’s popularity is as a result of the blend of chance with elements of skill, as well as the publicity that surrounds card counting The slot machine typically pays off based on patterns of symbols visible on the front of the equipment when it stops. Modern computer technology has resulted in lots of variations on the slot machine concept.

The freedom of time and expense are added attractions. The online casinos are relatively affordable to operate 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 very 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 as well as 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 web pages are present on the net and can be deceiving. The most critical things to remember when gambling online are the three aspects of consideration, prize and chance. All three should be present.

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

Caution seems to be the only key. Gambling happens to be a controversial subject; gambling via the internet is simply an extension of this controversy.