Online gambling is a term used to describe the practice of playing games of chance for money. It can be a fun and exciting activity, but it can also be a serious distraction from the real world. Whether you play online or at a land-based casino, it is important to understand the risks involved.

Some states have passed laws making it illegal to gamble at online casinos, but the federal government has largely left the regulation of the industry up to individual state governments. Moreover, the UIGEA of 2006 carved out a small portion of the law for games of skill, such as online poker.

While these new regulations have facilitated the expansion of the online gambling industry, they also pose challenges. Among other things, the law has raised questions of how much power the government has under the Commerce Clause, which entitles Congress to enact federal regulations that impose limits on interstate commerce.

The law also raises the question of whether the Internet can be effectively policed. According to a study from Harvard Medical School, the majority of online gamers play moderately.

The online gambling industry is expected to grow substantially in the next few years. However, with increased popularity comes greater risk of fraud and financial loss. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

First, make sure you are not using a fraudulent online gambling site. You should also consider how safe your funds are. Gambling sites may use your information to contact you and to send you promotions.