Online gambling started to become popular in the 1990s. It seemed like a way to circumvent government regulations. Operators could set up their business in offshore jurisdictions, and anyone with a computer and an internet connection could find and place wagers on the sites. However, the Department of Justice and Congress began to explore the legalities of online gambling.
While there is no single indicator of gambling problems, there are some signs to look for. For example, a gambling website must have a valid gambling licence. A licence means that the site is legitimate and does not engage in any illegal practices. Another important factor is security. Playing on an insecure site puts your personal and banking information at risk.
Payment options are also an important factor. You should find an online gambling site that allows you to use various payment methods. The quality of payment options varies from site to site, but most online casinos will provide secure, convenient, and quick methods of deposit and withdrawal. There are even some that are mobile-friendly. The mobile version of an online gambling website must be compatible with mobile devices.
Responsible Internet gambling requires cooperation between operators, regulators, and independent researchers. Treatment and prevention strategies for Internet gamblers are also crucial. These may include brief online interventions or in-depth treatment programmes. Online self-exclusion programmes should also be available, so that players can exclude multiple gambling websites at once.