Some research suggests that problem gambling on the Internet is causal for some people. Some studies, however, point to underlying problems and suggest that problem gambling may not be the cause. These studies rely on self-reports, which have bias and limitations. Further, the research results may not be relevant to all Internet gamblers. The following is an overview of the research on online gambling. This article is not intended to offer treatment advice or recommendations, but rather to provide more background information on the subject.
The ethics of online gambling are still in question. While some people view it as an entertainment activity or hobby, others view it as a serious threat to their well-being. That said, most gambling sites promote fair gaming, allow players to set loss limits and self-exclude, and adhere to laws governing gambling. Some sites even have reputable bodies that oversee them and deal with misconduct if it occurs. Online gambling is increasingly popular, but a few concerns remain.
States have varying levels of regulation for online gambling. While federal regulations for online gambling prohibit it from many locations, individual states can also enact their own laws. These laws may limit online gambling to horse betting or online poker games, but they don’t prohibit it altogether. At present, only three states have legalized online gambling. However, many others are considering legislation to regulate online gambling. The legality of online gambling varies by state, but states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania do allow it.