While there is no federal law governing online gambling, states are increasingly interested in establishing uniform standards to govern the industry. For example, Republican Congressman Joe Barton has introduced legislation to make online poker legal, and Nevada Republican Senator Dean Heller has begun working to legalize online poker. A federal law is inevitable and would create uniformity of laws throughout the country. In the meantime, states need to prioritize revenue generation and avoid getting left out.
The research on the subject is limited, however. While some operators are sharing data for research purposes, very few have implemented policies and strategies to identify risky players. Moreover, regulators are not obliged to take preventative action, so further action will often depend on operator-initiated actions. As a result, a large body of research is needed to understand the factors that can contribute to problematic gambling among Internet users.
One key factor is the level of involvement. Highly involved gamblers are more likely to use Internet gambling modes than those with low involvement. However, not all highly involved gamblers have a higher risk of gambling disorders. Similarly, not all low-involvement gamblers are negatively screened, indicating that a single gambling index may not be adequate for predicting problems.
Several states have taken steps to legalize online gambling. In 2011, Delaware and Nevada became the first two states to regulate online casinos. However, the legalization of online gambling is far from complete. In the meantime, legalized online gambling will continue to grow. But, for now, online gambling is still illegal in most states.
Legitimate online gambling sites must have a licence from a gambling authority. These agencies oversee and regulate online casinos. They are required to maintain standards of security and fairness. Moreover, licensed online casinos are more likely to offer safe and fair games. These sites also provide reputable banking options, SSL encryption software, and account password protection.
However, Internet gambling poses unique problems for people with gambling problems. Due to electronic payment and constant availability, internet gambling can disrupt their sleep patterns. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies that promote responsible gambling. The research and regulations surrounding online gambling should take into account these issues. In the meantime, there are a number of steps that can be taken to develop a responsible online gambling industry.
Despite a growing number of state and federal laws, online gambling remains illegal in most states. In Nevada, online gambling is regulated by state law. This means that gambling sites have to comply with laws in order to provide legal services. For example, online casinos can only accept players with a valid Nevada license. A state law that prohibits Internet gambling could impose additional requirements on online gaming sites.
Despite the legal barriers, online sports betting and poker have become popular in some states. Sports betting, in particular, has attracted greater attention than any other type of gambling. In Kansas, the sports betting industry alone generated $1 million in its first month of operations.