The United States government has passed several laws that regulate Internet gambling. These laws vary in their specificities, but generally the vast majority of states allow online gambling, including poker and horse betting. While some states have banned online gambling entirely, others are taking steps to regulate it. In the late 1990s, Bob Goodlatte and Jon Kyl introduced bills that would have restricted the Internet gambling industry to sports betting and state lotteries.

Various research projects have also documented the effects of online gambling. Several studies have been conducted to examine the impact of online gambling on the lives of high-risk gamblers. One such study, by Adami N., and colleagues from Benini S., Boschetti A., Maione F., and Temporin M., found that high-risk online gamblers were more likely to develop gambling addictions. Despite the potential risks of online gambling, it is still possible to get help. Victim Support is free and provides support to gamblers.

Internet gambling is regulated in a number of jurisdictions, including the United States and Canada. Most of the European Union countries permit online gambling and several Caribbean nations have legalized it. Online gambling service providers must have a license to operate. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission are examples of licensing authorities.