Human beings have engaged in betting since antiquity. For a long time gambling was an activity that took place only in exclusive casinos. Not everyone could afford or access these places. Online gambling, which became a reality around 1995, allowed gambling to be a past time for many more people. Software that simulates games of chance had been in existence for a while. The use of internet became common place and inexpensive and was crucial to the establishment of gambling websites. Another necessary factor was the mechanism to make and receive payments online in a secure manner. The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle was the creation of authorities that licensed and regulated gambling operators.
Once gambling websites were established around 1995 they began to proliferate quickly. The period 2000 to 2006 was a boom time for the online gambling industry. This is because online gambling offers many advantages over land based gambling. The biggest advantage is that players can engage in online gambling from home. All that they need is a home computer or lap top with an Internet connection. Players no longer have to spend money to travel to the casino
No spending time and money to travel to casinos or going on holidays to Las Vegas. Players can come home and immediately log on to their favorite online gambling site.
Online gambling is exceptionally convenient for people who are afraid of posh casinos, with well dressed staff efficiently conducting operations and knowledgeable players who are proficient at the art and science of gambling. Internet gambling is an anonymous activity. Many of these games are played solo with the online casino software. Even in multiple player games there is no need to be face to face with other players. Most of players use nicknames and no one need know from which part of the world they are from. They can make their mistakes without fear of being made fun of and can learn the ropes at their own rate without worrying about losing a lot of money. And formal dressing can be dispensed with.
Another major advantage of gambling websites is that it delivers greater average returns to the player. The costs involved in setting up and operating internet gambling sites is much lower than that for land casinos. Because there is no real estate, there are no expensive buildings and minimal staff to pay. Thus making gambling sites do not need to make a lot of money to cover their costs and provide a return to their owners. Because of the competition in the online gambling industry, the savings are handed on to the players in the form of larger average returns. This is particularly evident in online slots where the average return is around 95%. Where as land based slots the average return may be well below 90%.
Online gambling today covers a wide range of product verticals. Sports betting can be conducted online. Players have access to the most current odds and can even engage in live betting through online gambling. Poker is yet another well-liked form of gambling. Players can play both fast cash games and in online tournaments. Online casinos offer gambling on blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, video poker, online slots and other games. Other forms of online gambling can include bingo and financial betting.