Pros and Cons of Online Gambling

Considering the fact that most land-based casinos are experiencing a decrease in revenue due to the current economy, online gambling has become a billion dollar industry despite the economic downturn.

Gambling, as defined in Merriam Webster's Dictionary, can either be: to play a game for money or property; to bet on an uncertain outcome; to stake something on a contingency; to take a chance. Given the uncertainty associated with gambling, whether it is at land-based casinos or online, we would like to offer the pros and cons of online gambling as it exists today.

Pros of Online Gambling

1. Payouts: It is a well-known fact that most online casinos offer a higher payout percentage than land-based casinos. 2. Promotions and Bonuses: Most online casinos, in a bid to outdo the competition, offer some of the largest welcome bonuses and promotions online. These can include cash rewards, prizes, and points. Featured tournaments running daily, weekly, and monthly have produced the highest payouts as well. Honorable Mention Casinos with Best Bonuses and Promotions 3. Download and Instant Play: Whether you prefer to download the casino version, or utilize the Instant Play feature at online casinos; savings can be enjoyed by playing at home. By not incurring expenses associated with transportation, hotel accommodations, tips, and air fare to land-based casinos - it is more cost-effective to gamble online. 4. Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: With a vast number of deposit and withdrawal methods available to players in the US and abroad, the ease with which one can join a particular online casino is a safe and secure transaction from the get-go. 5. Game Play: The software used by all online casinos is perhaps the most technologically advanced, and offers an unlimited number of slot games, table games, and specialty games you may not find at land-based casinos. Play Mermaid Quest and you'll feel under the see, play Cleopatra slots and you'll feel in Egypt. Moreover, unlike land-based casinos, betting begins at one cent. So too, most online casinos offer "free play" or "practice play," which allows the player to understand the game and can advance to real play at the appropriate time. 6. Privacy: The one true benefit of gambling at online casinos is you can do so from the privacy of your own home.

Cons of Online Gambling

1. Online Gambling Is Not For Everyone: The reality is that all too often players get so caught up in the game; they forget one basic rule - setting a limit. Without a limit, players can quickly find themselves in deep debt. 2. Ignoring the Rules and Regulations of Online Casinos: Before venturing into online gambling, the rules and regulations should be read thoroughly. A player must be 21 years of age in order to play at any online casino. Although many casinos are open to US players, it is illegal for US citizens to gamble online. Thus, the withdrawal methods may be blocked by certain companies who refuse to pay US players who gamble at online casinos. 3. Know Thyself: Online gambling is an exciting and fruitful endeavor. However, unless you truly know yourself and have set your own rules and boundaries for game play; you may find the experience more stressful than you can handle.