Human beings have engaged in betting since antiquity. For an extended time gambling was an activity that took place only in exclusive casinos. Not everybody 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 low-cost and was fundamental to the establishment of gambling web sites. Another necessary factor was the mechanism to make and receive payments online in a safe and secure manner. The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle was the establishment of authorities that licensed and regulated gambling operators.

Once gambling web sites were established around 1995 they began to proliferate quickly. The period 2000 to 2006 was a boom time for the on-line gambling industry. The reason being online gambling offers many advantages over land based gambling. The largest 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 many 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 definitely 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 a component of the world they're from. Also they can make their mistakes without anxiety about being made fun of and can also learn the ropes at their own rate without worrying about losing a great deal of cash. And formal dressing may be dispensed with.

Another major benefit of gambling web pages is that it delivers greater average returns to the player. The expenses linked to setting up and operating internet gambling sites is significantly lower than that for land casinos. Because there's no real estate, there are actually no expensive buildings and minimal staff to pay. Thus making gambling sites don't need to make a whole lot of money to cover their costs and provide a return to their owners. As a result 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 an average return is about 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 gain access to the most current odds and can even engage in live betting through online gambling. Poker is yet another well-liked type of gambling. Players can play both fast cash games as well as 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.