Online gambling is an industry with a cyclical nature. There is a “dead” season during the summer, when people are more inclined to stay indoors, instead of venturing outside to gamble. As a result, online gambling companies need to find ways to stay in business during this time of year. One way to do this is to offer generous bonuses and promotions. Promotions are also common during the colder months, including the holiday season.
In the United States, online gambling is legal in some states. However, federal law prohibits this activity. A recent court case has found that Internet poker operators violate the UIGEA, 18 U.S.C. 1955, and other laws. A $3 million public service campaign has been launched in response to this lawsuit.
Research on Internet gambling has not determined if it leads to gambling problems. However, it does appear to contribute to problem gambling in some people. However, the effect on problem gamblers is still heterogeneous, and it is unclear which factors contribute to it. For example, young people are more likely to participate in internet gambling.
A study conducted in 2007 found that Internet gamblers were more likely to develop gambling problems than nongamblers. However, this is not the only reason to avoid online gambling. Research on Internet gambling has also shown that participation does not predict the likelihood of problem gambling.