Online Gambling is any form of gambling conducted on the internet. This includes virtual poker and casinos, sports betting, and even lottery games. The first online gambling website was created in 1996 and the first online poker room opened in 1999. Online gambling has become increasingly popular as the technology behind it improves and players demand more convenience. In the past, players had to download software to access casino games, but today they can simply visit a website or a mobile app to play.
While the US government hasn’t attempted to prosecute individual gamblers for their winnings, it did try to stop advertising on online gambling sites by pressuring search engines like Google and Yahoo! to remove the ads. This followed a decision by the Justice Department that the Wire Act of 1961, which applies to telephone betting, may also apply to online gambling and therefore, advertising it could be considered aiding and abetting illegal gambling.
Fortunately, it is now possible to find plenty of licensed online gambling websites that are fair and secure. These sites are regulated by global gambling jurisdictions, and they regularly undergo audits to ensure their honesty and integrity. Moreover, the customer support representatives at these sites are always available to assist you. However, you should avoid any online gambling website that doesn’t promote the stamp of approval from a top-tier gaming jurisdiction. It is not worth the risk.