It is estimated that twenty percent of college students play online poker or play some other casino game on a monthly basis. A study from the Annenberg Public Policy Center, which tracks gambling trends among young people, found that usage of online gambling websites by college-aged males rose from four percent in 2008 to 16 percent in 2010. While the overall frequency of online casino gambling increased, the percentage of high-rollers stayed the same. This trend is likely to continue, as more people are tempted by the convenience and ease of online gambling.

Consumer protection practices have been lax as casinos have proliferated. Many casinos operate illegally without regulating or providing licensing, making them dangerous places to stake money. Even so, the attraction of online gambling is strong and compelling. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid falling into the trap of a gambling addiction. Here are some tips for avoiding the risks associated with online casinos:

Increasing internet penetration: Online gambling is a global industry. It operates via the internet on many server points all over the world. More than eighty different jurisdictions regulate online gambling in some form. Listed below are some of those jurisdictions. In order to remain legal and prevent people from being ripped off, online casinos must follow strict regulations. This is a growing industry with high potential for growth. It is also a great source of revenue for local businesses.