Despite the popularity of online gambling, many people do not understand the dangers of online addiction. This is particularly true for people who gamble on a regular basis. While some gamblers lose their interest after a short period of time, others are addicted for life. As a result, these people may become emotionally or financially distressed. They may also find it difficult to complete everyday tasks or meet social obligations. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to detect the signs of an addiction.

The first attempts to regulate online gambling were made in the late 1990s. Bob Goodlatte and Jon Kyl introduced bills aimed at prohibiting the practice of online gambling. These bills specifically exempted horse racing and state lotteries. However, these bills did not pass. In 2007, Barney Frank and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse introduced HR 2046, which would amend the UIGEA and require the licensing of internet gambling facilities. Since then, several similar bills have been proposed in the U.S. Congress.

Initially, online gambling was controversial. It seemed like an end-run around government control, as operators could operate in an offshore jurisdiction and provide access to their services to anyone with a web browser. In addition, anyone with a credit card could place a wager through an online gambling site. However, this legalization led to many concerns from Congress and the Department of Justice. It is still unclear how long this industry will remain unregulated, but it is growing rapidly.