Online Gambling describes a wide range of games of chance played on the internet.  There are plenty of ways that you can gamble online, including playing bingo, all kinds of casino games, as well as trying your hand at poker and sports betting.

Many sites offer the opportunity to play for free by gambling with points or ‘pretend money’ donated by the casino and whether you win or lose doesn’t matter as you can’t withdraw any winnings and you don’t pay back any losses.  The free games give players a chance to understand the rules and strategy of a particular game at no risk and then if the player chooses to play for real money it is a simple matter to switch from the free environment to the real one.

There are several areas for which online gambling is criticised, including making it easier, faster, and more secretive to gamble, therefore potentially encouraging gambling addiction.  Another area of concern is that of money laundering.  Some people believe that online gambling allows criminal groups to launder large amounts of money; however others believe that the electronic trail left by this form of money movement would preclude laundering activities.
Gambling sites will require you to set up an account with them should you wish to play for real, where you can deposit money (and in many cases receive bonus amounts on top of your first deposit).  This money is then used for placing bets and any winnings are credited to your account.  Money can be transferred into and out of your online accounts subject to any restrictions placed by the site.  You can also pay direct through your debit or credit card, as well as through fund-transfer sites such as Neteller and Moneybookers (although some sites refuse service to US residents).

If you are interested in placing bets online at any one of the places mentioned above you should always consider whether or not you can afford to lose the money with which you are gambling.  The golden rule is: never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.