Online Gambling refers to gambling at sites on the Internet that allow you to place wagers without leaving the comfort of your home or office. These websites feature a wide range of casino games, sports betting and even a full-blown race book. Many of them also offer promotions and bonuses for new players.

In general, these casinos are operated by licensed operators who adhere to strict rules and regulations set out by the government. They are also required to display these rules and regulations on their website. These regulations are designed to protect the interests of consumers and prevent fraud or money laundering.

Currently, there are some 48 states that regulate online gambling in some way. The two holdouts are Utah and Hawaii. Utah has a large Mormon population, and there is a lot of cultural resistance to the idea of gambling at any venue, online or otherwise. Hawaii is another story, with most residents opposing the idea for personal and social reasons.

While there are some controversies over the economic impact of gambling on the Internet, most researchers agree that it is very significant. Some estimates suggest that it generates over $2 billion in revenue.

The popularity of Online Gambling has created a number of challenges for federal and state regulators. The main problem is that the Web offers a virtual end-run around state-level regulation and prohibition, as there is no geographic restriction. In addition, it allows operators to use offshore banking and other services that facilitate transactions. This makes it difficult for states to enforce existing law or even create a new law to control the activity.