Online gambling began to gain popularity in the 1990s. Many viewed it as a way around government regulation. Online gambling operators set up their businesses in offshore jurisdictions and allowed anyone with a computer and a credit card to place wagers. In the early 2000s, the United States Department of Justice and Congress began exploring possible regulations.

A report by Zion Market Research found that 6 percent of the population used the Internet to gamble. However, this figure doesn’t include those who bought lottery tickets online. As the world population becomes more connected, the number of internet users participating in online gambling is expected to increase. This market is also expected to grow during the forecast period.

Despite the positive effects, online gambling can lead to problems. Some research has shown that Internet gambling is associated with gambling disorders. The prevalence of gambling problems among internet users is higher among those who engage in heavy gambling. However, the impact of internet gambling is moderated by a number of factors. Many younger adults are now involved in online gambling.

Some states have strict regulations when it comes to online gambling. Some states have banned it outright, but others have made it legal. In the United States, gambling is legal in all but two states. In other countries, however, it is illegal to conduct online gambling.