Introduction to Online Gambling

10 years ago, the first and pioneering Web site that offered online gambling was opened to the public. It was a gambling revolution of sorts - the first gambling Web site on the Internet. Eventually, hundreds more followed. It paved the way for the dramatic rise of the popularity of gambling.

A 2001 study made by the Australian government put the figure of online gamblers on all parts of the globe at slightly less than five million. $11 billion was spent by these gamblers while playing in online casinos. This is but a hint of the worldwide appeal of online gambling, and these figures are sure to increase over the succeeding years to come.

So what exactly are the differences of online gambling from gambling outside the Internet, or in-person gambling for that matter? Not a lot actually, when it comes to gambling per se. However, there are a few obvious ones - with the main difference being that the online gambler experiences limited interaction or no interaction at all amid the players and the dealer.

In most online casinos, real life dealers are replaced by computer programs, which further reduce the level of interaction. True, online gambling can become quite dull and lifeless at times since you're most likely just sitting in a chair staring at the computer monitor. But there are also a number of advantages when you're gambling online.

One advantage of online gambling is that most gambling sites offer "play for fun" versions of some of the most popular games you can find in a casino. Here, you don't have to spend real money to gamble. You can create a virtual account which will come loaded with a set amount of play money that you can use. "Play for fun" gambling games are a great way to practice your skills before you gamble with real money.

Another advantage of online gambling is that you don't have to leave your house to gamble. All your gambling needs are just a few clicks away. Online casinos are packed full of different games, some of which you won't find in nearby casinos. There is a staggering amount of game varieties that you can find on the Internet. Chances are, if you have a particular game in mind, you'll find it there.

There is no doubt that the rise of the popularity of gambling can be partly attributed to the creation and proliferation of online casinos.