The subject of online gambling is a controversial one at best. It is debated in government houses all over the world. Much like land based casinos and gambling houses, it has many pros and cons that have been at the heart of the issue since the first bet was made. Online gambling, though, seems to have more gray area and controversy surrounding it. It is accessible to almost everyone and virtually impossible to police. The online gambling market is also a rich hunting ground for those who prey on identity theft. It is also a vice compulsive and gambling addicts can easily fall into.
Some nations have set up complex laws, regulations and guidelines for licensing and regulating online gambling operations. The goal of these regulations is to help protect the consumers, curb problem gambling, and keep criminals and underage users off the sites. In some nations it is only legal to use online gambling sites controlled by the state government. In nations such as the United States online gambling is completely prohibited.
The Scandinavian country of Norway is also passing laws that make online gambling virtually illegal. Norway is one of the countries that support a state held monopoly on gambling. The Norwegian monopolies, Norsk Tipping and Norsk, Rikstoto are allowed to permit players to participate in land based gambling activities over the internet. However, they are creating strong laws that would keep Norwegian players from using sites licensed outside of the country. One of the major ways they are enacting these laws is by not allowing payments to be made to offshore online gambling sites. The prohibition is enforced through credit card companies, financial institutions and other means that process online payments. This is very similar to the system used in the United States.
The Norsk government feels that its population is a major market group for the online gambling industry. Most of its citizens have internet access and are savvy with its complexities. They are hoping these laws will help keep Norwegians safe from the perils and pitfalls of unregulated online gambling.
