During the 1990s, online gambling was a very popular activity. Anybody with a computer and a web browser could sign up for an online gambling site and place wagers. These sites were very simple and easy to use. In addition, they provided the same game offerings as brick-and-mortar casinos.
The popularity of Internet gamling continues to rise. In the United States, ten percent of adults have bet at least once a week on casino games. This represents a significant opportunity for the government to earn revenue. However, the federal government has not yet passed legislation allowing Internet gambling. However, many states are considering legalizing online gambling. One Republican Congressman, Joe Barton, has introduced legislation to legalize online poker in Nevada. He is also working with Republican Senator Dean Heller to pass legislation.
Research on Internet gambling has shown that problem gamblers are more likely to engage in Internet gambling. This is partly because Internet gambling is easier to police than live casinos. Nonetheless, the study suggests that the level of involvement is not a good indicator of gambling problem severity. In addition, it is important to consider that Internet gamblers have unique problems.
For instance, Internet gamblers may have more risk-taking behaviours than land-based gamblers. This is because Internet gamblers tend to engage in impulsive behaviors. They may also have higher levels of irrationality. The clinical characteristics of Internet problem gamblers may be similar to those of land-based gamblers. This is also the case with treatment and prevention strategies for Internet gamblers. Although this is not necessarily an indication that Internet gamblers have a gambling problem, it is important to study this relationship.
One of the earliest research studies on Internet gambling showed that problem gamblers are more likely to be involved in Internet gambling than non-problem gamblers. This study also found that Internet problem gamblers are more likely to report having problems before gambling online. However, Internet problem gamblers are more likely to attribute their problems to land-based gambling than Internet gambling. In addition, Internet problem gamblers are more likely than non-problem gamblers to have a history of problem gambling.
Research also found that Internet problem gamblers are highly likely to engage in the most important gambling activity of all, fantasy sports. Fantasy sports are games where players draft teams and make wagers against other players. These games are played almost any day of the year. This activity is especially popular with NFL football players, but is also played by NBA, MLB, and NHL players.
In addition, Internet problem gamblers are likely to have a history of problem gambling in other arenas. In fact, one-third to one-half of Internet problem gamblers attribute their problems to land-based forms of gambling. Nevertheless, research will continue to explore the role of Internet gambling in problem gambling. In addition, more research is needed to determine whether specific game-specific characteristics play a role in the emergence of gambling problems.
In addition, research should continue to study the unique problems associated with Internet gambling. These include the constant availability of Internet gambling and the electronic payment systems.