Online Gambling is a form of gambling that occurs over the Internet. It includes online poker, casinos and sports betting. The first online gambling venue opened in October 1994. Since then, it has grown in popularity and has made an impact on the way people live their lives. However, it hasn’t been without its issues.

Many of the same risks associated with traditional gambling have been found to exist with Online Gambling. This includes the potential for addiction, fraud and money laundering. The good news is that reputable sites promote responsible gaming and allow players to set loss limits and self-exclude from the site. These tools help players keep track of their bankroll and stay within their budgets.

In spite of these precautions, the most dangerous aspect of Online Gambling is its ease of access for individuals who might experience gambling problems. This makes it difficult for regulators to identify and intervene. As a result, early risk indicators are often overlooked or misinterpreted. Research is needed on a wider range of gambling products and player accounts, as it may be that the specific features of certain games are more or less associated with a risk for problems.

Some states have been reluctant to regulate Online Gambling. This has been largely due to the “dormant Commerce Clause” doctrine, which theorizes that state laws do not apply to commerce that occurs outside the borders of the state. In the case of Online Gambling, this has led to a federal preemption that has hindered state efforts to regulate the industry.