Online Gambling is any kind of gambling conducted over the Internet, such as virtual poker, casinos and sports betting. The first Internet gambling venue opened to the general public was ticketing for the Liechtenstein International Lottery in October 1994. Online gambling has extensive regulations, which differ depending on the country.

In the United States, the Internet has allowed people to circumvent existing prohibitions. It is not difficult to set up a casino or bookmaker website that accepts bets by credit card. The Internet has also enabled a variety of other types of gambling, such as online lottery tickets and keno. The proliferation of the Internet has caused concern over its impact on society and the economy.

Despite its popularity, online gambling has serious drawbacks. It can be addictive and has the potential to cause financial problems, family discord, and social disruption. It can also cause depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. People who suffer from online gambling addiction may be able to overcome it by entering an inpatient rehabilitation program, which can range in length from 30 days to up to a year.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of online gambling addiction. Some of the most significant include: