Punjab University Journal of Mathematics

Gambling has been with us since ancient times. Gambling online is a relatively new phenomenon and one that appears to be growing in popularity on a daily basis. Take a look-at these facts:

The very first online gambling site was launched in August 1995. It is currently estimated that there are in excess of 2,000 Internet gambling Sites offering various wagering options, including sports betting, casino games, lotteries and bingo.

Internet great gambling revenue in 2005 was estimated at $11.9 billion and is projected to double by 2010, based on Christiansen Capital Advisors (CCA).

So what is it about the online casino phenomenon which has so enticed gamblers? Perhaps it really is the virtue of it simply being online. You will discover numerous attractions to not having to attend a casino to gamble. The most prominent of these will be the intimidation. Online gambling opens up a whole host of games to players who previously never had the courage or interest in observing tables in a land based casino.

Then it is the choice of games. The number of games and their varieties online are astounding. Poker, blackjack, roulette or sports gambling, online casinos offer them all. Lets take a look-at a couple of of them:

Online poker has been partly responsible for a dramatic rise in the number of poker players worldwide. For the year of 2005, revenues from online poker were estimated at US$200 million monthly.

Blackjack, generally known as twenty-one or Pontoon, is just one of the best casino card games on the globe. Much of blackjack's popularity is due to the blend of chance with elements of skill, and the publicity that surrounds card counting The slot machine typically pays off based on patterns of symbols visible on the front of the machine when it stops. Modern computer technology has resulted in many variations on the slot machine concept.

The freedom of time and money are added attractions. The internet casinos are relatively cost-effective to operate with regards to staff being paid, so they are able to offer players free games. Entering a blackjack room within an online casino is quite different to approaching a blackjack table in a land based casino. The speed and intimidation may be high when playing in a ritzy casino. Crucial decisions are made quickly and also on the spot. At home, the player is able to slow down and play only when they are ready.

Sadly, with such a growth in popularity has come many online gambling hoaxes. Illegitimate and cheating sites are present on the net and also can be deceiving. The most critical things to remember when gambling online will be the three aspects of consideration, prize and chance. All three should be present.

The problem with online gambling is that it's far harder to control. The area that has to protect itself from the dangers of compulsive gamblers. In the virtual world, this really is tough to enforce. A customer is able to sit within their own family room, in what ever state they decide to be in and at whatever age and gamble just as much as they desire.

Caution appears to be the only key. Gambling has always been a controversial subject; gambling online is simply an extension of this controversy.