In the United States, online gambling is legal, with twenty states allowing residents to place bets on sporting events. However, only a few states provide a comprehensive online gambling option. This is because of the complexity of state and federal laws regulating online gambling.
A number of studies have examined the relationship between online gambling and gambling problems. Most are cross-sectional. They report that Internet gamblers are more likely to have gambling problems than non-Internet gamblers. However, these data are not definitive and may be influenced by the number of player accounts used in the study. Other researchers have used a single data set from a European gambling site. As a result, the findings are limited. Consequently, research must evolve to better understand the impact of Internet gambling.
One such research study found that 16.4 % of Internet gamblers are considered problem gamblers. Problem gamblers are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, including alcohol and illicit drug use. Also, problem gamblers are more likely to be smokers. Some Internet problem gamblers attribute their problems to online gambling, while others attribute their issues to land-based forms of gambling.
While most studies of Internet gambling have been conducted with a single data set from a single European gambling site, there is evidence that the prevalence of problem gamblers is heterogeneous. These results suggest that Internet gambling is not the only factor that contributes to problem gambling, and that other factors, such as gambling format and overall involvement, also play a role.
Another study investigated the relationship between the types of gambling involved and the development of gambling problems. Researchers compared the self-reports of Internet gamblers with the data from a European gambling site. The researchers noted that the self-report was subject to a range of biases and therefore, had limitations. However, the findings showed a relationship between the types of games and the extent of involvement in the activity.
The findings suggest that Internet gamblers at high risk for gambling problems might benefit from in-depth treatment and prevention programmes. In addition, brief online interventions might be relevant for these individuals. There is evidence that the majority of Internet gamblers with gambling problems do not seek help. Despite this, over half of those with problems report that they had problems before they started using the Internet.
Using a cross-sectional approach, researchers also found that Internet gamblers are at higher risk for disability and smoking. Additionally, the rate of alcohol and illicit drug consumption is higher in Internet problem gamblers than non-Internet gamblers.
Online gambling is legal in most locations in the United States, with most state governments regulating gaming and sports wagering. The Wire Act is a federal law that regulates wagering businesses. If an operator violates this act, he or she can be fined and imprisoned. In addition, most sites provide their players with the option to self-exclude themselves. Self-exclusion programs must allow users to exclude multiple sites at once.
Although there are numerous domestic and international players, a majority of Internet gamblers are located in the U.S. Many gamers, however, perceive Internet gambling as a source of entertainment. Others view it as a danger to their well-being.