Online Gambling is the act of betting on games of chance through a digital gambling platform. Unlike traditional bricks-and-mortar casinos, where people can gamble on games in a glamorous atmosphere, online casino games offer a more dynamic and faster gameplay that players can access on the go through their smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Despite the many advantages that come with this new type of gambling, there are some risks associated with it too. For example, some online casinos do not allow real money players from certain jurisdictions. It is also possible for a player to develop an addiction to gambling, which is known as pathological gambling. This can be a serious issue, as it can lead to financial loss and other mental health problems. People who have a pathological gambling problem often experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop or reduce their gambling activity, which can perpetuate the cycle of addiction.
The legalisation of iGaming in a few pioneer states will likely impact how the rest of the world regulates the industry. For instance, the US will continue to have federal regulations that impact financial transactions and the types of gambling available. However, the laws will be interpreted by each state, which means that they can either choose to adopt their own version of online gambling or opt for a more standardised approach by licensing individual operators or brands in the market.
The European Union supports EU countries’ efforts to modernise their national regulatory frameworks for online gambling. It does so by providing support to promote administrative cooperation between gambling regulators and through a voluntary reporting standard.