Internet Gambling
From WIN-ipedia - information and strategies about winning
Contents |
Introduction
Gambling over the internet has become big business.
Internet gambling was once cast in a similar seedy light as online pornography, however, recently it has gained a level of legitimacy. The sector has become the fifth largest advertiser online, jumping to over 3 billion. Online gambling firms are now advertising on more mainstream sites and appealing to whole new groups of gambling enthusiasts.
The online gaming industry has grown so much and so fast that a web-tracking firm has begun monitoring gambling sites as a separate category in terms of destinations and advertisers. As a result, online casinos now find themselves competing for advertising with the most visible industries, such as retail, financial services and travel.
Users
The number of visitors to internet-gambling sites has grown significantly. In December, for example, the web analysis firm calculated there were 13.6 million visitors to online gambling websites - up significantly from the previous year.
Controversy
The numerous controversies surrounding online gambling are tied to both legal and moral issues. Since gambling enthusiasts can play online in the comfort of their own homes, it makes it much easier for those under the age of 18, to engage in illegally activity.
Another potentially worrisome trend is the appeal of online casinos to modest wage-earners. While internet surfers with household incomes of less than £35,000 represent only 11% of the overall online population, they represent 13% of all visitors to gambling sites.
Addiction
The internet presents particular problems for those who suffer or may suffer from gambling addiction. The fundamental reason that people like to gamble - chance, risk, and reward - are the sorts of things everyone can now enjoy whenever they want at online casinos.
Some credit-card issuers, recognising the lure of online gambling and the possibility of further large non-collectable debts, have begun restricting usage of cards at such sites.
Online gamblers, however, have other options in paying for bets placed at online casinos, including debit cards, electronic-funds transfer from checking accounts and wire transfer.
