While the United States has been slow to respond to online gambling, the internet has quickly caught on. Since the ’90s, online gambling sites have been popping up around the world. The first were unregulated, allowing US-based players to easily access them. In 2006, then-US President George Bush signed the Safe Ports Act, which made it illegal for US banks to let customers send money to offshore gambling sites. The law is still under revision, but it should be much stricter than before.

Gambling addiction is a difficult disease to overcome, and it differs by type. Some are only addicted for a short period of time and subsequently lose interest. Others become deeply involved and lose control of their lives and social obligations. The problem isn’t always obvious; however, there are some warning signs that should be considered before engaging in online gambling. Regardless of the type of gambler, there are many ways to prevent an addictive disorder.

Regardless of the site, it’s crucial to have a computer with an internet connection. Before the advent of the internet, gambling sites were only compatible with PCs running Windows. But as the internet became more mainstream, gambling websites began to introduce Mac capabilities. Now, anyone can gamble using any computer, laptop, or smartphone. But it is important to know the resources and options available for self-exclusion if you are experiencing emotional or financial trauma as a result of an online gambling addiction.