Online Gambling is the process of placing wagers on sports or other events using a computer and a reliable internet connection. It can be performed from any location at any time and involves a wide range of games.

It is legal in several jurisdictions including the United States, Canada, most countries of the European Union and a number of Caribbean nations. However, some jurisdictions have banned online gambling, and many others have imposed restrictions on its use.

The online gambling industry is highly competitive. Websites compete to attract customers by offering a variety of promotions and bonuses. They also offer free play to give new players a chance to practice their skills before they decide to deposit real money.

In some cases, websites may advertise gambling games in a way that may be considered to be aiding and abetting under the federal Wire Act of 1961. This legislation is a major impediment to legal online gambling in the United States and has led to the removal of ads by the web giants Google and Yahoo!

A survey of online gamblers by the Association of Gaming Addiction found that almost half of respondents had started betting online a year before. They were most likely to be gambling on casino games for money and poker against other people.