Online Gambling is a form of gambling conducted over the Internet. Online casinos and gambling sites allow players to use their credit or debit cards to place bets, and then use the winnings from those bets to withdraw the money back into their account. Many of these websites also offer free play to give potential customers a chance to try out their services without risking any of their own money. However, before you can play for real money, you must first create an account and deposit funds into it.

Most online gamblers play casino games for money, but others enjoy betting on sports events or other contests. Almost all online gambling websites have security measures in place to protect your information and money, but there are still some risks involved when you gamble over the internet. For example, you may be at risk of identity theft or fraud if you gamble on websites that are not licensed by regulatory bodies. Additionally, you should be aware that compulsive gambling can have serious consequences for you and your loved ones.

While there is no exact estimate of how many people gamble online, several agencies and private entities have attempted to make projections. For example, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission estimates that there are 50 to 60 online casinos, and their annual revenues total about $2 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice has accused several major media outlets of running ads for online casinos, claiming that these advertisements may be considered aiding and abetting the gambling sites.