Whether it is a legal or illegal activity, a lot of money can be made from gambling online. Internet games provide the highest speed of instant gratification, while at the same time, offer privacy and control. The thrill of a winning hand can be overwhelming, and many players are swept away into the euphoria of the game.

There are numerous supports available for dealing with the problem of out-of-control gambling. These include self-exclusion programs, which allow users to register online and block themselves from participating in certain gambling sites. These programs also have the ability to set limits on wagers and deposit increases.

There are also federal statutes that have been implicated by illegal gambling on the Internet. These include the Wire Act, which prohibits gambling on sporting events. In addition, there are a handful of other federal criminal statutes that have been implicated, including the Illegal Gambling Business Act, which prohibits the operation of Internet gambling sites.

The United States Department of Justice has also investigated the legitimacy of certain online gambling sites. In particular, the agency seized $3.2 million from a Discovery Communications subsidiary for accepting ads for a Costa Rican casino operation called Tropical Paradise.

The US Department of Justice has also determined that real money casino games are legal. However, this has not stopped the Department from charging several Internet poker operators with violating the 18 U.S.C. 1955 Money Laundering and Illegal Gambling Enforcement Act.