Recent surveys have shown that over 20% of college students engage in online gambling each month. This number is significantly higher than the average of 4% of college students. According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center, which tracks young people’s gambling behavior, the percentage of college-age males who play online poker every month jumped from four percent in 2008 to sixteen percent in 2010. However, weekly use remained at three to four percent. Still, this statistic is high compared to the past.
Since online gambling was first introduced in the 1990s, the United States has been slow to regulate the industry. Because most sites operate offshore, the United States was a relatively lax jurisdiction for online gambling. The lack of regulation allowed US-based players to easily access these sites. In 2006, however, President George W. Bush passed the Safe Ports Act, making it illegal for US banks to send money to online gambling sites. Since then, the gambling industry has been regulated and watcheddogs are finally catching up with gaming regulations.
Many people are unsure of their rights to self-exclusion or other self-support tools, but these resources are available to anyone with a gambling addiction. Online gambling sites should also provide links to support organizations and self-exclusion tools to help users manage their behavior. Addiction to gambling is difficult to overcome. When one becomes addicted to the activity, he or she is likely to burn through savings, become depressed, and become reckless. This can result in serious financial and emotional distress.
Many gambling sites accept various forms of payment. Credit cards and debit cards are the most common. All you need to do is enter your card details and the amount you want to deposit into your account and it will be transferred to the site. You should do some research to find the best site for you. For example, the state-licensed gambling sites in the US do not offer Bitcoin withdrawals. A few websites do, however, accept credit cards, a more secure method.
While online gambling is a maturing industry, rogue operators will continue to operate in the shadows. However, with the help of third party services, consumers can separate reputable online gambling sites from unreliable operators. These services usually take a cut of the money that they win through a user’s purchase. There are also many risks associated with gambling. But if you’re a cautious player, the risks are small and well worth the benefits.
Teens and young adults can easily access online gambling sites. Parents should discuss the potential risks with their teens before allowing them to play games online. While online gambling is fun, fast-paced, and affordable, it can also be highly addictive. Teens should consult with their primary care physicians or review other online gambling resources before engaging in it. And remember that the benefits of online gambling outweigh the risks. For those who find it addictive, it’s always a good idea to seek help as soon as possible.