During 2007, 6% of the British population used the Internet to gamble. This figure did not include purchases of lottery tickets online or gambling in land-based casinos. It was estimated that ten percent of adults in the United States bet at least once a week on casino games.
Online gambling has become the fastest growing industry in the world. However, it can also lead to problems, including gambling disorders. Research has shown that some Internet gamblers are at risk of developing gambling problems, and may engage in a variety of risk-taking behaviors. Some Internet problem gamblers may already have problems with gambling, while others may be at risk because of the characteristics of the games they play. In order to prevent Internet problem gambling, treatment and prevention strategies should be considered.
Online gamblers are more likely to have problems than gamblers who gamble only at land-based casinos. Several studies have examined the prevalence of gambling problems among Internet gamblers, including a cross-sectional study by Ladd and Petry. Another study found that Internet gamblers had poorer physical and mental health than other gamblers. This study was based on a survey of 389 patients seeking services for gambling addiction. Almost all of the patients gambled at least once in the previous year. However, a third of those who had gambled at least once a week reported that they had begun gambling online only a year before.
Several studies have attempted to estimate the size of the online gambling industry. These studies generally have relied on one dataset from a European gambling site. However, this dataset may not be applicable to other Internet gamblers, and the study may be skewed due to self-report.
The United States Department of Justice has conducted a number of studies on the size of the Internet gambling industry. Its estimate is that online gambling revenues will reach 9.5 billion dollars in 2021. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission has also attempted to estimate the size of the Internet gambling industry. However, most studies on Internet gambling are cross-sectional, and their results may be skewed. It is important to remember that many online gambling games are played at the Web site, not in the real world. These games require users to register and provide personal information. Most online gambling sites require players to wager at least two to three times the initial deposit amount before they can receive their winnings. Online payment providers include PayPal, Neteller, and FirePay. Online payment providers provide customers with a way to transfer money from their credit cards.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled against the United States over online gambling laws. The WTO claims that the United States’ position on online gambling is inconsistent with its international trade agreements. The United States has not changed its position on the issue. The European Union is also considering a complaint with the WTO, and is arguing that the United States treats foreign businesses as criminals.