Only a few years ago, if you wanted to gamble you had to head to a gambling town like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. If these options were not available to you then you just had to use whatever 'resources' you may find locally - which tended to be somewhat illicit if you could find them! These days gambling is definitely an international pastime and casinos, card rooms, and bingo halls may be found in each and every county and country on the globe.

Given that such widespread gambling is a relatively new phenomenon, many gamblers question the reasoning for internet gambling. Some feel that online gambling lacks the excitement, sociability and regulation of land-based casinos. While online gambling does have some limitations, it does have an awful lot to offer.

Many online games offer players higher average payout schedules and also a wider selection of betting limits. Players can also check to find out which games are paying out the most, switch between numerous kinds of sports - horse racing, slots, poker, bingo, and learn how to play new games (without money bets) in the privacy of their home, before unleashing themselves on unsuspecting fellow players for money!

Online players often improve odds than they can find in 'real' casinos. A prime example of this is in roulette - the American roulette wheel has 38 numbered slots: 1 to 36, a zero and a double-zero, which gives the house edge 5.26 percent. However internet sites provide the European version of roulette, which has only 37 slots: 1 to 36 plus a zero, which gives a far more favourable-to-the-punter house edge of 2.7 percent. It's a similar story with slots, in that online casinos offer higher average payouts than real casinos. You can also check out each site's monthly payout percentages for each type of game, giving you an even greater advantage.

There are actually 'play for free' options on virtually every game online. These give beginners and more experienced players the option to ready or better themselves without risking any money that can be better spent whenever you really know what you are doing in the game.

All prizes from online casinos are money! Land-based casinos offer free meals etc, but online you are guaranteed money prizes including sign up bonuses, match bonuses, high roller bonuses, player coupons and VIP clubs, and there is always something on offer for new and returning players.

While poker, casino games and sports betting on events like the Grand National are the most frequent type of gambling online, there are tons of other forms of betting - keno, horse racing, lotteries, chess, pool - you name it and also you will be able to bet on it online.

Internet gambling is incredibly convenient - you may gamble from home, during your lunch break, on a train journey.... anywhere which has internet access. Furthermore, there is also a never ending stream of tournament action. Some gamblers don't like the perception of online gambling as they fear that they will be alone with no access to assistance. However, all reputable sites have hosts which provide exceptional customer care, the most popular of which is live chat and /or trusted lottery dealer emails. And the hosts for information, many sites have forums or chat rooms, in which you can make friends and receive invaluable advice and tips from other players.