Online Gambling is a type of gambling that involves wagering real money on various games and events via the Internet. It is a rapidly growing industry, driven by advances in technology and increasing mobile device usage. The legality of online gambling is a major issue that differs from country to country. Some governments regulate it while others prohibit it altogether.

There are a large number of websites that offer online gambling, some offering a variety of games while others specialize in one type of gambling. When a player gambles online, they create an account on the website and then deposit money into that account. The money is used to place bets and winnings are credited to the account. The amount of money in the account can be viewed at any time. If a person wins, they will be able to withdraw the money from their bankroll (with any losses and winnings accounted for).

Many players also use their online gambling accounts to fund other activities, including purchasing electronic goods, paying for services and making payments on debts. This can be an attractive option for criminals looking to launder money. In a simple money laundering scheme, a criminal would simply deposit funds into an online casino account and then make a few bets to disguise the origin of the money.

Gambling online is associated with a number of risks, such as the risk that payouts may be unreliable, the risk that children or vulnerable people might access the site and the risk that gambling can become addictive. This is why it is important to research the reputation of a gambling website before you decide to sign up.