Gambling is the act of placing a bet on a game of chance with the intention of winning a prize. It has been practiced in some form or another since the beginning of human history, with the earliest evidence coming from Ancient China (2300 B.C.), where tiles were discovered that appeared to be used for a rudimentary form of gambling.

Online gambling is an increasingly popular activity, with over 85 countries now offering legal, regulated options. It is often cheaper and more convenient than visiting a traditional casino and offers a wider variety of games, including sports betting, poker, bingo, and slots. It also has the added advantage of being available from any location with an internet connection, removing geographic barriers and allowing players to enjoy their favorite games on-the-go.

While the growth of online gambling has been rapid, there are concerns about its impact on problem gamblers. While it is difficult to determine a causal link, there are some indications that early identification and prevention of gambling problems can help reduce harm. Research is needed to understand the role of early risk indicators and how they interact with gaming characteristics, and to identify ways of using data from a wide range of different player accounts to detect these.

In the United States, the popularity of online gambling has led to legislative attempts to curb it. In the 1990s, Bob Goodlatte and Jon Kyl introduced bills to the Senate that would prohibit online gambling activities except those involving horse and dog races and state lotteries. These efforts were unsuccessful.