In the early 1990s, Internet gambling became popular. Many people thought it was an end-run around government control, as operators could set up shop in an offshore jurisdiction. All that was required was a web browser and a credit card to place wagers. As the popularity of online gambling grew, both Congress and the Department of Justice investigated the legality of online gambling. But these efforts failed to stop online gambling from growing, and today the internet is a hugely popular way to gamble.
However, the industry continues to grow, with a recent French government proposal to regulate online gambling and tax it. The budget minister, Eric Woerth, argued that the government must adapt to the “Internet reality” and regulate the industry. While the bill would have prohibited online gambling for U.S. citizens, it has since passed, and the first regulated U.S. online gambling websites were introduced in 1999. Another major development in online gambling in the United States was the introduction of multiplayer online gambling.
While traditional gambling in land-based casinos is still a great way to spend an evening, online casinos offer numerous benefits. Many offer free betting options for new players, and some allow you to sign up without a deposit at all. Adding a welcome bonus can also be an excellent way to start your gambling journey. But there is one important caveat: online gambling is not for everyone. While it’s fun and lucrative, there is a risk of over-indulgence.