Internet gambling started not so long ago, in 1997, and has experienced remarkable growth and technological advances ever since.  While initially online gambling may have gotten off to a slow start because of the lack of information that was available about it, it has since made up for that slow start tenfold.  In fact, by 1999 online gambling had already become extremely popular worldwide, attracting new customers all the time and growing at a phenomenal rate.

Of course much has changed since the days that online gambling was just getting started; different online casinos have come and gone and the online gambling industry itself has experienced massive growth as well as a more mature period of consolidation and stabilization.  This growth and phenomenal success has been accompanied by a variety of different responses from different countries. Whereas some countries have chosen to embrace the industry by introducing necessary licensing and legislative initiatives, e.g. Britain, other countries, e.g., the US, have decided to ban online gambling from its shores.

In spite of the US ban on online gambling, however, the industry has continued to grow and flourish, becoming a $12-billion dollar per-year industry across the globe.  One of the factors fueling this growth, in addition its widespread popularity, are the high-tech advances made in computers and the Internet which are constantly creating and improving ways for people to play their favorite casino-style games, poker or sports books from the comfort of their own home.  Just about any style of game is available too including blackjack, baccarat, craps, slots, video poker, pai gow, arcade games, bingo, poker and many more.  With advances in technology have come improved graphics and gaming experiences, as well as improved safety measures and accountability.

Accountability is a big issue for online gamblers and one of the reasons that they like the idea that governments regulate and license online gambling sites.  This is the approach taken by the UK where online gambling is not only legal but heavily regulated too.  The Caribbean nations and most South American nations have taken a similar approach to online gambling, choosing to regulate and license the industry for the protection of players.

Of course, gambling of any kind should be undertaken only by someone who knows his limits and is disciplined enough to stay within those limits, but if you are one of those people, there’s no reason that you too shouldn’t have a little fun online once in awhile!

Posted on: February 21, 2007

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