Online Gambling is any kind of gambling conducted through the Internet, including virtual poker, casinos and sports betting. The first online gambling venue opened in October 1994, and the industry is regulated on a state level, with some states having more liberal laws than others.

Many of the games offered by casinos online can be played using a Web browser or a downloadable application. The software allows players to place wagers using real money, which is then credited to their account. In addition to the gambling software, online casinos use advanced security measures to protect player information. These include encryption technology, a secure connection, and a dedicated customer support team.

While there is some concern that online gambling may contribute to problem gambling, the evidence is mixed and limited. Most studies contain too few Internet gamblers to make meaningful comparisons, and few have analyzed the role of specific features of the online gambling interface, or considered individual factors that affect disordered gambling behaviour.

While some countries restrict or ban Online Gambling, it is legal in the United States and a few states in Canada, most countries in the European Union, and several nations in and around the Caribbean. Most of the countries that have legalized online gambling require their providers to be licensed in that jurisdiction, and players must verify their age before playing for real money. Those who wish to play for free should check the terms and conditions of each website before making a deposit.