By far the vast majority are simply informational with details of such things as gambling opportunities and companies, or results of races and lotteries. There are, however, a growing number offering the opportunity to gamble and win money. The legal position in Great Britain Almost all relevant British gambling legislation pre-dates the Internet. Nobody had such a powerful communications system in mind when that legislation was being enacted. Consequently the existing law impinges on Internet gambling in ways unintended and unforeseen.
Bookmakers have for many years been able to accept telephone bets from clients with credit accounts.
There is therefore nothing to prevent them accepting such bets by e-mail. Likewise, football pools have always been able to accept entries by post and could therefore also use e-mail. Anyone setting up an internet betting service in Great Britain must hold a bookmaking permit from the local licensing magistrates. Section 5 of the Gaming Act 1968 prohibits gaming in a public place to which the public has access, as gaming is strictly forbidden to persons under the age of 18 years. Section 2 prohibits bankers games and games which are, by their nature, not of equal chance unless conducted in licensed premises.