Gambling has been with us since ancient times. Gambling online is a relatively new phenomenon and one that appears to be growing in popularity on a daily basis. Take a look at these facts:

The first online gambling site was launched in August 1995. It's currently estimated that there are actually more than 2,000 Internet gambling Internet sites offering various wagering options, including sports betting, casino games, lotteries and bingo.

Internet gambling revenue in 2005 was estimated at $11.9 billion and is projected to double by 2010, trusted lotto dealers based on Christiansen Capital Advisors (CCA).

So what is it about the online casino phenomenon that has so enticed gamblers? Perhaps it is the virtue of it simply being online. There are actually numerous attractions to not having to attend a casino to gamble. The most prominent of these will be the intimidation. Online gambling opens up a whole host of games to players who previously never had the courage or interest in observing tables in a land based casino.

Then it is the choice of games. The range of games and their varieties online are astounding. Poker, blackjack, roulette or sports gambling, online casinos offer them all. Lets take a look at several of them:

Online poker has been partly responsible for a dramatic increase in the number of poker players worldwide. For the year of 2005, revenues from online poker were estimated at US$200 million per month.

Blackjack, often known as twenty-one or Pontoon, is one of the most popular casino card games on this planet. Much of blackjack's popularity is because of the mix of chance with elements of skill, and the publicity that surrounds card counting The slot machine typically pays off according to patterns of symbols visible on the front of the machine when it stops. Modern computer technologies have resulted in many variations on the slot machine concept.

The freedom of time and expense are added attractions. The online casinos are relatively inexpensive to use with regard to staff being paid, so they can be able to offer players free games. Entering a blackjack room in an online casino is extremely different to approaching a blackjack table in a land based casino. The speed and intimidation can be high when playing in a ritzy casino. Crucial decisions are made quickly and also on the spot. At home, the player is able to slow down and play only when they are ready.