Gambling has been with us since ancient times. Gambling online is a relatively new phenomenon and one that seems to be growing in popularity on a daily basis. Take a look-at these facts:

The very first online gambling site was launched in August 1995. It's currently estimated that you will find in excess of 2,000 Internet gambling Web sites offering various wagering options, including sports betting, casino games, lotteries and bingo.

Internet gambling revenue in 2005 was estimated at $11.9 billion and is projected to double by 2010, according to Christiansen Capital Advisors (CCA).

So what is it about the online casino phenomenon which has so enticed gamblers? Perhaps it is the virtue of it simply being online. You will discover numerous attractions to not having to attend a casino to gamble. The most prominent of these will be the intimidation. Online gambling opens up a whole host of games to players who previously never had the courage or interest in observing tables in a land based casino.

Then it really is the choice of games. The number of games and their varieties online are astounding. Poker, blackjack, roulette or sports gambling, online casinos offer them all. Lets take a look-at a couple of of them:

Online poker has been partly answerable for a dramatic rise in the number of poker players worldwide. For the year of 2005, revenues from online poker were estimated at US$200 million per 30 days.

Blackjack, better known as twenty-one or Pontoon, is just one of the most popular casino card games on this planet. Much of blackjack's popularity is due to the blend of chance with elements of skill, as well as the publicity that surrounds card counting The slot machine typically pays off according to patterns of symbols visible on the front of the equipment when it stops. Modern computer technologies have resulted in lots of variations on the slot machine concept.

The freedom of time and expense are added attractions. The on-line casinos are relatively cost-effective to operate with regard to staff being paid, so they may be able to offer players free games. Entering a blackjack room in an online casino is extremely different to approaching a blackjack table in a land based casino. The speed and intimidation can be high when playing online casino football in a ritzy casino. Crucial decisions are made quickly as well as on the spot. At home, the player is able to slow down and play only when they are ready.