Gambling is an activity that involves placing a wager with something of significance (e.g. money) on an outcome that is uncertain (MacKay, 2004). With the advent of technology and the global popularity of the internet, gambling online has become a popular form of betting. The first online gambling website was initiated in 1995 (American Gaming Association, 2007). Forms of online gambling include sports betting, games of skill, such as poker, and other casino games, such as blackjack or roulette. The nature of online gambling has changed rapidly over the past several years; not only has it increased in popularity, but it has also introduced vital new legal and public health concerns. This review will provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of online gambling with particular attention paid to other jurisdictions, current legislation, and future outlooks. There are two main forms of online gambling; online wagering and online gaming. Online wagering involves the placing of bets on a physical event, such as a horse race or sports game. Online gaming involves the playing of games generated by software where results are determined randomly (McMillen, 2000). Within this report, the term “online gambling” will refer to both of these forms of betting over the internet.
