Online Gambling is a type of gambling which is conducted on the internet. It involves betting on games of chance, skill, or a combination of both. Some countries restrict or prohibit online gambling. In the United States, however, it is legal in certain provinces.

Online gambling includes games like sports betting, casinos, and virtual poker. It also involves activities such as horse racing betting markets. Most European Union countries allow online gambling, though it is banned in some nations.

The Wire Act of 1961 was passed before the Internet was a widely accepted medium. It was designed to deal with the problem of anti-racketeering laws. However, it is unclear whether it applies to digital wagering.

Online gambling has gained popularity in the late 1990s. The first online poker rooms were introduced in 1998. These were followed by multiplayer online gambling in 1999. A report by Frost & Sullivan estimated that revenues from online gambling in the United States exceeded $830 million in 1998.

There are several laws in the United States that govern the regulation of online gambling. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was overturned by the US Supreme Court. Other gambling laws include the Travel Act, which applies to players who use interstate facilities for unlawful activities.

Under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, a person operating an illegal gambling business can be fined. Those who violate the law can face up to five years in prison.