Legislation regulating online gambling first arose in the late 1990s. In 2007, Senators Jon Kyl and Bob Goodlatte introduced bills to limit Internet gaming and require licensing of Internet gambling facilities. Neither bill was passed, but several other similar bills have been introduced since then. While there is no specific legislation governing the activities of online gambling, these bills are designed to prevent people from developing an addiction to this activity. This article addresses the main issues related to online gambling addiction.
Accessibility. While gambling online is generally possible for anyone with an internet connection, it is still illegal in many countries. Currently, online gambling is legal in some parts of the United States and Canada, most of the European Union, and certain Caribbean nations. In addition, most online gambling service providers are required to obtain a license in order to operate in these markets. Some of these licensing authorities include the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Restrictions on gambling technology. Although online gambling is legal in 48 states, gambling is banned in Utah, Hawaii, and Idaho due to the large Mormon populations. The two states have high levels of religious tolerance, and they do not want gambling to interfere with family relationships. While Idaho is the most open state to legalize online gaming, it is not yet an ideal jurisdiction to start your online gambling experience. It is important to understand the laws surrounding online gambling before you start playing.