Controversial and emerging issues associated with cybergambling (e‐casinos)

Technology that directly leverages the internet is rapidly changing how people interact with one another, especially in the entertainment industry. Industries that were once considered amoral and illegal are adapting to new business models and transforming how business transactions are conducted and financial profits are generated. This is certainly the case with e‐gambling, in particular with regard to the proliferation of e‐casinos. Strategically important questions must be answered concerning how governmental agencies and new industries developed around the internet should be regulated, particularly issues associated with online gambling. Is online gambling the major addictive channel of all forms of gambling, and should the government do something to stop it? Should governments treat e‐casinos similarly to regular casinos and gaming activities and tax the industry to aid society? The internationality of the internet makes it very difficult to find solutions based only on local and national solutions. The future of cybergambling may be dependent on the diffusion of innovations, and whether they can deliver customer value in an ethical and legitimate manner.