Editing Online Gambling (section)

====Alternatives/Substitutes of Online Gambling====

:Given the game set-up, there are issues concerning the assumption that online gambling sites are not as well-regulated as their land-based counterparts. There have been instances where online gambling sites have apparently not paid appropriate winnings, have cheated players with unfair games, or have absconded with player deposits. There are also reports that players get away with cheating online.

:According to a site called ''Problem Gambling Prevention'', there are risks involved in gambling online that can be avoided when gambling in a casino for an instance. Online gambling is more addictive because first, there is no limitation on availability. A user can play anytime and anywhere he pleases with a laptop as long as he can access the Internet. There is no need to search for the nearest gambling establishment because the convenience of playing in the comforts of one’s one home is now available through online gambling. Second, there is no limitation on time. The unlimited time available in playing makes it more addictive. Users can play for hours in any time of day or night. Third, there is little limitation on money. Being able to pay on credit, users have the tendency to forget that they are spending real money. Thus, they play to their satisfaction and because they are spending on credit, they have decreased perception of the value of cash. Also, gambling online enables an accelerated speed of play. Users can play faster and can therefore spend more money through credit card faster. As an alternative, gambling “on-land” has certain advantages over gambling online, given the aforementioned ones, which clearly leads to gambling addiction. In a gambling establishment, time and money are limited. Because of these, players can control their resources better. This clearly shows that online gambling is a very wise and effective way to gain profits from players because it is highly addictive compared to “on-land” gambling.

:As substitute for online gambling, people can resort to playing downloadable online games instead of betting their money on online gambling. Entertainment need not be highly dependent on the hopes of acquiring more money. There are a myriad of money games online that do not require the betting of money. 

:Also, since social networking sites dominate the general public’s web browsers, one particular social networking site offers a close alternative to online gambling. Facebook revolutionized the social networking platforms by providing a framework for software developers to utilize its interface by creating applications which are enjoyed by millions of registered Facebook users. The Zyngas Game Network offers a Facebook Texas Hold 'Em application that allows you to play a friendly round of poker against your friends or random Facebook users. Unlike online poker platforms online, this is free of charge and there is no real money on the line. New batch of chips are awarded for the player every day and bonus chips are rewarded when you invite your friends to play. If you want to hone your online poker skills, all you need is a Facebook account and a basic grasp of rules of Texas Hold ‘Em.