Online Gambling Comes of Age

Last week Bodog announced it had just dealt its billionth hand of online blackjack. That's an incredible figure when you think about it, and it's just for one brand!

We're all familiar with the incredible success of online gambling. With the first online casino launched back in 1996, no-one could have foreseen how online gambling would have grown into the burgeoning industry it is today.

More Online Casinos, More Players

In 2010 two reports on either side of the globe highlighted the growing popularity of online gambling. Nielsen Media Research published a report that showed online gambling traffic in the UK was up 40% year over year. It also highlighted surprising demographics: 46% of players were women and half were middle aged men in high earning households.

At the other side of the pond, the National Annenberg Survey of Young found the number of US college-aged boys visiting online casinos at least once a month had risen to 16% from just 4.8% in 2008.

The Industry Responds

The online poker rooms, casinos, bingo halls and sportsbooks have become more responsive to the needs of their customers. Gone are the days when the industry flew by the seat of its pants. Many of today's online gaming brands work towards industry standards set by such organizations as eCOGRA and take all necessary steps to provide a safe, quality service to their players.

Global Player Base

There are all sorts of reasons quoted for the soaring popularity of gambling online. The vast choice of payment methods appeals to the international player base. There are more and more local options as well as increasing currency and language choices at the bigger brand casinos.

The graphics and game features are continually evolving and mobile gambling is a new sector that is soaring.

The online gambling industry is maturing into a fun, safe and exciting entertainment choice for a growing number of people from a wide range of backgrounds.