Gambling has been with us since ancient times. Gambling online is a relatively new phenomenon and one that seems 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 really is currently estimated that there are actually more than 2,000 Internet gambling Internet 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’s the virtue of it simply being online. You will discover so many 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, roulette or sports gambling, online casinos offer all of them. Lets take a look at several of them:

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

Blackjack, also known as twenty-one or Pontoon, is one of the best casino card games on earth. Much of blackjack’s popularity is as a result of the mix of chance with aspects of skill, and the publicity that surrounds card counting The slot machine typically pays off based upon patterns of symbols visible on the front of the equipment when it stops. Modern computer technologies have resulted in several variations on the slot machine concept.

The freedom of time and money are added attractions. The internet casinos are relatively cost-effective to use with regard to staff being paid, so they may be able to offer players free games. Entering a blackjack room within an online casino is quite different to approaching a blackjack table in a land based casino. The speed and intimidation can be high when playing online slot gambling (dig this) 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 once they are ready.

Sadly, with such a growth in popularity has come many online gambling hoaxes. Illegitimate and cheating web sites are present on the net as well as can be deceiving. The most important 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 is far harder to control. The sector which has to protect itself from the dangers of compulsive gamblers. In the virtual world, this is tough to enforce. A customer is able to sit in their own family room, in whatever 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 on the net is simply an extension of this controversy.