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 first online gambling site was launched in August 1995. It is currently estimated that there are well over 2,000 Internet gambling Websites 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, in accordance with Christiansen Capital Advisors (CCA).

So what is it about the online casino phenomenon that has so enticed gamblers? Perhaps it is the virtue of it simply being online. There are actually a lot of 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's the choice of games. The range 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 number 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, often known as twenty-one or Pontoon, is one of the most common casino card games in the world. Much of blackjack's popularity is as a result of the mixture of chance with elements of skill, Alexistogel and the publicity that surrounds card counting The slot machine typically pays off based on patterns of symbols visible on the front of the equipment when it stops. Modern computer technology has 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 inexpensive to use with regards to staff being paid, so they can be able to offer players free games. Entering a blackjack room within an online casino is very different to approaching a blackjack table in a land based casino. The speed and intimidation may be high when playing 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 once they are ready.