Online Gambling is a growing form of recreation and entertainment. It is facilitated by the development of Internet-enabled mobile devices and advanced technology. Users report a number of benefits, including increased value for money, speed, ease of use, and the ability to place wagers at any time. They also have the added convenience of gaming from the comfort of their homes.

Online gambling began to gain popularity during the 1990s, when many thought it was an end-run around government control. The internet allowed operators to establish their operations in an offshore jurisdiction, where they were largely untouched by government regulations. This meant that anyone with a computer and a credit card could access the sites and place bets. However, in the wake of the popularity of online gambling, the US Congress and Department of Justice have looked into how to regulate the industry.

The relationship between internet gambling and mental health has not been completely clarified. However, multiple studies conducted in Sweden did not support the assumption that internet gambling would attract people with mental health problems. Problem gamblers were more likely to report psychological and health impacts of problem gambling than those who were not. Another study in Australia compared problem and at-risk gamblers.

Legality of online gambling has been a controversial issue in the US, and it varies from state to state. Although the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 has limited the ability of banks to transact with illegal internet-based gambling sites, it does not define which websites are legal. Some states have passed laws recognizing online lottery sites, poker websites, and casino games.