Internet gambling has grown substantially over the years, rapidly becoming one of the largest businesses in the United States and across the world.
The American Gaming Association reports that there was $5.4 billion in revenue for offshore companies from just U.S. citizens gambling online and $25.8 billion worldwide in 2009.
As of now, the legality of sports betting online in the U.S. is questionable.
There have been numerous laws attempting to legalize and repeal gambling over the past few years, and ultimately, it is a gray area that has been won by overseas organizations.
Title VIII of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement (UIGEA) Act of 2006 prohibits the transfer of funds from a financial institution to Internet gambling sites, specifically excluding fantasy sports, online lotteries and horse/harness racing.
The addicting nature of gambling in itself and the alluring ability to do it from your own home, is the source of the appeal for online gambling, but many agree that the casino atmosphere contributes to the overall enjoyment of gambling.
Watching a roulette ball bounce around the wheel is far more entertaining in real life as opposed to via the Internet.
Playing blackjack and poker is a different story.
The efficiency and quickness of the game is really highlighted online.
Another advantage to online sites is that most have a “mute” or “ignore comments” button, which allows players to concentrate better.
Internet gambling is also appealing to people who are underage.
Security measures to prevent underage gambling are rare at best.
Some places require a scan of an I.D. and a credit card, while online someone could get by with a friend or parent’s credit card.
Centsports.com is a legal sports betting site where one can actually make money without putting any money forth.
This is just one of the many emerging sites which allow free online betting.
The website is driven by ads, but it allows you to start with ten cents and work your way up.
Once you get to $20, they allow you to cash out. As of Oct. 5, user Jason Motta had made $849.08 and only connected on 50.35 percent of his bets.
Most Internet gambling websites allow users to either play for free or put in real credits.
A few are of the most popular sites are pokerstars.com, fulltiltpoker.com, absolutepoker.com and ub.com.
The availability and simplicity of online gambling is irrefutable.
Although Atlantic City and Las Vegas don’t look like they’ll be shutting down in the near future, new age industry of online gambling is definitely making its mark.
Mike Marciano can be reached at mmarciano@spartans.ut.edu.
I’m into gambling and I’m an adult. I believe your point over underage gambling is not positive. I suggest online gambling sites better have more strict rules with regards to underage gambling.