In the 1990s, online gambling became popular and seemed like an end-run around the government. Since online gambling operators could set up their business in an offshore jurisdiction, anyone with a web browser and a credit card could find sites and place bets. Congress and the Department of Justice began looking into how to regulate the industry. While many states have yet to pass laws on online gambling, a growing number of jurisdictions have made it legal.
While internet gambling has made gambling easier for many, a recent study of problem internet gamblers found that this activity does have negative consequences. A significant number of problem gamblers have difficulty with their finances, and online gambling makes it easier to spend money than land-based gambling. But there is a catch. There are fewer ways to regulate the addictive nature of internet gambling. Here are a few ways to reduce your risk. And remember that there is a wide range of gambling formats.
In the past, the federal government has attempted to regulate online gambling by targeting the service providers. This has resulted in millions of dollars being fined to media outlets for promoting online gambling websites. In addition, software developers have been criminally prosecuted for openly using gambling programs on their websites. But these measures are not enough to curb problem gambling. Ultimately, online gambling should be regulated and remain safe for everyone. So what are you waiting for?