In recent years, more jurisdictions have legalized and regulated online gambling to protect consumers and increase revenue. Although the overall prevalence of Internet gambling remains relatively low, participation rates are growing rapidly on regulated sites. In Australia, the prevalence rate rose from 1 percent in 1999 to 8.2 percent in 2011; in the UK, 16.2 percent of respondents reported participating in some form of online gambling in the past four weeks. Moreover, the number of problem gamblers has increased dramatically, ranging from five to seven percent.
One of the greatest advances in online gambling is the inclusion of affordability checks. While this process is lacking in the retail environment, it has been a mainstay of online gambling. Achieving this standard is a legal obligation for online casinos, and failing to meet it can lead to seven-figure fines. Therefore, consumers should consider online gambling responsibly. There are many ways to prevent and address potential harm from online gambling. In addition to offering additional benefits, online gambling sites often promote fair play, offer loss-limit controls, and allow players to self-exclude.
While online gambling may seem like an attractive activity, the fact that you can play in different countries is quite another matter. Most countries restrict online gambling, though some countries allow it. Check with local authorities if you live in one of these countries to determine if gambling online is legal in your country. While there are many advantages to online gambling, it is important to understand that it can cause serious problems for some people. Despite the fact that it is legal in many countries, online gambling can be highly addictive and can lead to burnt-through savings, anxiety, depression, and recklessness.