Online Gambling - When it become so popular?

Online Gambling - Why did it become so popular?

Marina Symeou
25 Feb 2019
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2106

Gambling has been around for a long time and it won’t be going anywhere, any time soon. People gamble for fun, for relaxation or as a pastime. So the next logical step is to be able to gamble online. With thousands of online casinos the only pressing question is which one to choose?

Gambling online started in the mid 90s with basic platforms and has evolved unexpectedly. Online gambling is a growing industry that owes its success to the fact that the Internet is super accessible and a necessity of the modern life. It started off humbly in Antigua and Barbuda because of the islands’ Free Trade and Processing Act. Around the same time Microgaming saw an opportunity and started designing their own online casino platform. And the rest is history, as 25 years later the online casinos are in the thousands, with various features, they come as apps and offer countless games.

In the States due to the overcomplicated regulations such 2006 UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), which tried to silently kill online gambling, technically US citizens are not allowed to play online. Nevertheless, individual states pass regulations and legislations to allow them to gamble legally. For instance, in one state you can bet on horses but are not allowed to play poker. Somewhere else it’s totally the opposite. It’s absolute meyhem trying to establish what you are allowed to do/play in each state.

Whilst in the UK, online gambling is not only allowed but also heavily advertised. In Australia the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) prohibited online casinos whilst gambling at an actual casino is allowed. They even warn the public that if they do gamble online, it is illegal and in cases where they might have issues with the provider, the government can not assist them since they classify those providers as illegal. Even advertising online casinos is illegal in Australia, electronically or not. On the other hand, Canada has a grey area when it comes to online casinos. Although, it is illegal for a Canadian to be found at an illegal betting house, online casinos are usually located offshore. So the players cannot be found guilty since the actual companies are registered abroad and cannot be deemed as governed by Canadian law.

If you are wondering why online gambling has become such a trend, there are a couple of reasons justifying it. Instead of having to dress up to go to a casino (as formal wear is obligatory) you can put on your pajamas, order chinese food and chill in front of your laptop. Instead of having to wait in a line to register at a casino and remember to carry your membership card with you every time you visit, you can simply log in. The KYC process has been simplified and anyone over 18 without a known gambling addiction issue can register. Instead of running the high risk of seeing someone you’re acquainted with and possibly feel shamed, you can stay at home and keep your whole gambling activity under the rug. Regulatory authorities are super strict with online casinos unlike regular ones, which guarantees a safer gambling experience.

Gambling gives you multiple thrills, one bet at a time. Many wins can get you high and when you lose, it physically hurts. In a world that is becoming ever so numbing, the thrill that online gambling offers has become more sought out than ever. Of course, it can be highly addictive and you can lose a lot of money online, so you need to be able to monitor yourself. Most companies offer daily,weekly or monthly limits that you can set in order to control yourself and avoid losing your house twice over.

Online gambling will continue to rise as more countries are becoming more lenient in accepting that gambling is rightful for any legal adult. It is within anyone’s basic rights to spend their money however they chose. Online advertising has helped boost online gambling, as well as the safer methods of depositing money. One issue that is often is raised, is money laundering through gambling sites or apps. Although, it occasionally occurs, the regulating authorities take strict measures to prevent it. Gambling is considered an addiction but just like all the thrilling things in life, if its kept regulated it won’t become an addiction or a potential hazard for the player. Plus, especially in poker which is a game of skill, if you are good you can win big bucks. So gamble away my fellow iconic men but don’t lose too much money.